Modern cosmetic dentistry can be genuinely transformative for many patients. It can brighten and whiten discolored teeth, hide tooth flaws, and even correct misalignment. Your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte offers leading-edge cosmetic treatments for the ultimate transformation.
Continue reading this guide on cosmetic dentistry to learn more about candidacy, treatment options, what to expect, and how to care for your dream smile afterward.
Candidacy for Cosmetic Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
If you’ve taken care of your teeth—brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist regularly—you are likely a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Sometimes, you may require pretreatments like tooth decay treatment to bring you into candidacy, mainly if you have not visited the dentist in a while. It’s also possible to be suitable for specific treatments and not others.
To learn more, we have you visit our dental office for a consultation with the dentist. This appointment determines your candidacy. You’ll also learn what to expect during and after treatment.
This is an excellent time to ask questions and share your concerns with our dental team.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options
Harlow Dental offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options to meet your needs. Some of these also promote better oral health! Let’s explore these options now.
Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells of quality porcelain cemented to the forward-facing teeth. They are customized to look natural and conceal many tooth flaws, including short teeth, slightly crooked teeth, gummy smiles, and general imperfections.
Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective way to lift tooth stains and discoloration from the teeth.
Tooth-Colored Restorations: Tooth-colored restorations include white dental fillings, custom dental crowns, and veneers. Restorations repair teeth cosmetically, so no one will guess you’ve had work done.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is affordable and effective. It uses a composite material to hide discoloration, chips, and general tooth imperfections. The material is malleable and hardened with a special dental light.
Tooth Replacement: Tooth replacement options include dental bridges and implants, such as single implants and implant-supported bridges and dentures in Charlotte. They promote better oral health.
Invisalign®: Invisalign is an orthodontic system comprised of clear tooth aligners. These aligners are worn over the teeth for a predetermined period and changed every few weeks to bring your teeth in line slowly. An aligned smile typically means healthier teeth.
Smile Makeover: If you have multiple cosmetic issues, your dentist can create a treatment plan using various options to address your concerns. We can also work on a timeline that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Issues that cosmetic dentistry can address include:
- Tooth discoloration
- Gummy smiles
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Missing teeth
- Crooked and crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Midline discrepancies
- Abnormally shaped teeth
- Short teeth
- General imperfections
What to Expect During and After Cosmetic Dentistry
Expectations vary by treatment choices and the complexity of your case. However, cosmetic dentistry is not painful, and recovery is typically prompt. For more invasive treatments like dental implant placement, you can expect mild swelling and discomfort for a few days following surgical placement. Ibuprofen generally is all you’ll need to feel your best.
Your dentist also gives you an idea of what to expect following cosmetic treatment—in other words, what your smile will look like in the end.
Caring for Your New Smile
Care differs by treatment, but most cosmetic options do not require special care. However, we’ll talk about cleaning tools like a floss threader, water floss, or a small cleaning brush to keep your gums and supporting teeth healthy with a dental bridge.
With dental implants and restorations, you simply brush and floss as usual.
To keep your teeth their whitest after professional teeth whitening treatment, your dentist or a member of our team can provide a list of tooth-staining foods, including coffee, tea, red wine, and bright sauces.
It’s also crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist every six months for checkups.
Transform Your Smile with Harlow Dental
For more information about cosmetic dentistry or to book your initial consultation, contact a dental team member today to get started.
We have two convenient locations to serve you and are happy to accept CareCredit financing. Ask us about our in-house savings plan and current specials—at the time of this writing, we’re offering a special on Invisalign in Charlotte, NC.