Have questions about cosmetic dentistry? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Our cosmetic dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, can help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile that you’ll be able to enjoy for the rest of your life. Cosmetic dental care not only improves your confidence, but your overall health and well-being.
Here’s what else you need to know.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
is an umbrella term referring to any dental or orthodontic procedure meant to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, bite, and smile. It includes procedures such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, minor tooth alignment, etc.
Elias Dental specializes in cosmetic dental treatments so you can be assured you’re getting quality care from experienced professionals. Dr. Elias has been practicing dentistry for 30 years ever since 1991 when he joined his grandfather in his practice.
What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
One of the biggest benefits of any is increased self-confidence and peace of mind. A lot of people worry about how their teeth look and this can often prevent people from smiling.
This reluctance to smile is often caused by discolored, chipped, cracked, or even missing teeth. This is where teeth whitening and veneers come in, to give you peace of mind and help you smile with confidence. While cosmetic dental procedures can’t help with missing teeth, dental implants can.
Veneers
Veneers, also commonly referred to as porcelain veneers, are thin coverings that are adhered to the fronts of teeth to improve their appearance. They are minimally invasive since they only remove ½ millimeter of enamel to ensure they’re properly bonded to your teeth.
Veneers are custom-made to match the size of your teeth and look like natural teeth. They are also non-porous so they’re resistant to staining and discoloration, which help protect your remaining natural tooth structure.
With proper care, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Proper care means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing once daily, and seeing our East Grand Rapids cosmetic dentist once every six months. We also recommend you don’t chew ice and other hard foods/candies because this will likely damage your veneers.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular and common practice. It’s not that hard to find a multitude of teeth whitening products in just about any grocery store or pharmacy. However, a lot of the over-the-counter products often have abrasive ingredients that wear away your enamel without truly whitening your teeth.
If anything, your teeth may look more yellow or dull because when your enamel is worn away it reveals the dentin, a pale-yellow tissue. The good news is that Dr. Elias provides professional teeth whitening to help you have a smile you love. Sometimes, all people need to have a whiter smile is a professional teeth cleaning to clear away more plaque and tartar.
There are two options for whitening treatment, in-office and take-home whitening trays. In-office whitening takes one appointment where the dentist applies a special gel to the surface of your teeth while covering your gums. The gel is then activated by an LED light and the whitening process begins.
Take-home whitening trays are a great alternative option because you can get whiter teeth from the comfort of your own home. However, they can take longer depending on your level of discoloration and how white you want your teeth to be.
Related: Explanations Behind Yellow Teeth →
Book a Consultation for Cosmetic Dentistry
Our cosmetic dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your treatment options. To schedule an appointment, please call the dental office of Richard Elias III DDS at (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
