Do you have good dental health but want a brighter smile? Are your crooked teeth making you self-conscious about smiling? Our dental office provides cosmetic dentistry services for patients who want brighter, straighter smiles in Towson, MD. Cosmetic dental care can improve the aesthetics and health of the smile.
We recommend cosmetic dental treatment for patients who are in good oral health but want to improve their smiles and meet their aesthetic goals. Here we will review answers to frequently asked questions about cosmetic dental care in-office.
FAQs: Cosmetic Dentistry in Towson, MD
We welcome you to discover more about cosmetic dental treatments with answers to these commonly asked questions:
What is the “white diet” you follow after teeth whitening treatment?
We recommend that patients follow a “white diet” to ensure that teeth do not stain from acidic and colorful foods and beverages after a teeth whitening treatment. Included in the white diet are these white or light-colored foods:
- Chicken
- Tofu
- Pears
- Bagels
- Bananas
- Pasta (with white sauce)
- Original potato chips
- Cauliflower
- White cheese
Can dentists provide Botox?
Yes, we provide Botox in our dental office. Like estheticians, dentists can become certified to administer Botox safely. Understanding the muscles in the face allows us to target and treat wrinkles.
What can porcelain veneers treat?
Dental veneers can cover and protect worn teeth, brighten stained teeth, and enhance the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. With veneers, patients who have trouble with teeth whitening treatment can benefit from a uniform, bright smile for many years. Patients who have slight tooth misalignment can also benefit from a straighter smile.
Should I choose porcelain veneers or dental bonding?
Porcelain veneers and tooth bonding treatments can address some of the same problems but have different price points and staying power. Veneers can last for over 10 years with the right care. We will often recommend veneers over bonding treatment if patients want to treat all the teeth in their smile line. Veneers can create a straighter and brighter smile.
Dental bonding treatment is best suited for chips, cracks, fractures, and other damage to the smile. Bonding is a more economical treatment because it can treat one or multiple damaged teeth. Tooth bonding treatment also creates brighter and more uniform smiles but may require replacement or repair after 5 to 10 years.
How do I keep teeth white after teeth whitening treatment?
Follow these tips to maintain your results after whitening treatment:
- Avoid acidic or staining foods and beverages
- Stick to the “white diet”
- Brush and floss daily
- Visit the dentist for biannual cleanings
How many times can teeth be bonded?
As long as patients have sufficient tooth structure, we can provide dental bonding treatment. We will also recommend dental crowns if patients do not have sufficient structure and require an even, healthy bite.
How long does teeth whitening last and when will I need touch-ups?
Professional teeth whitening typically lasts between 6 months to 2 years, depending on your habits. If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine regularly, you might need touch-up treatments every 6-12 months. We offer take-home whitening kits that make touch-ups easy between office visits.
Are cosmetic dentistry treatments painful?
Most cosmetic procedures are minimally uncomfortable. Teeth whitening may cause temporary sensitivity, which usually goes away within a few days. For veneers and bonding, we use local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients report slight sensitivity afterward, but this typically fades quickly.
Can I get cosmetic dentistry if I have gum disease?
We recommend treating any existing gum disease before cosmetic procedures. Healthy gums are the foundation for a beautiful smile. If we find signs of gum disease during your exam, we’ll create a treatment plan to get your gums healthy first. This ensures your cosmetic results will last longer and look their best.
What’s the difference between in-office and at-home teeth whitening?
In-office whitening uses stronger bleaching agents and special lights to whiten teeth 8-10 shades in about an hour. At-home kits we provide use custom trays and milder whitening gel that you wear for 1-2 hours daily for 1-2 weeks. While at-home takes longer, it’s more affordable and great for maintenance between office treatments.
How long does the veneer process take?
Getting porcelain veneers typically needs 2-3 visits over 2-3 weeks. At your first visit, we prepare your teeth and take impressions. The dental lab then crafts your custom veneers, which takes about 1-2 weeks.
At your final visit, we bond the veneers permanently to your teeth. Temporary veneers protect your teeth between appointments.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Do you have questions about your cosmetic dental options? Call Dr. Ed Lazer today at (410) 697-6290. You can also schedule a dental appointment on our website. We will be happy to answer your questions at your next consultation.