At Leavitt Dentistry, we want our patients to have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their smile. That’s why we’re answering six of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry to help you choose the perfect solutions for your needs.
FAQ #1: Can I Trust The Outcome Will Look Like What I’m Hoping For?
Before we do anything permanent, we perform a free test drive to make sure you’re happy with the plan. We apply temporary veneers on top of your existing teeth to evaluate color, size, shape, and how it fits with your smile. If you want to make adjustments, that is easily done and recorded on the test drive. Once we are both happy with the plan, we take a digital scan of what is in your mouth, and that serves as our blueprint for designing your custom smile! We can then work back from that to get the results you expect on the permanent restorations. Another great way we can ensure you get the look you want is by doing a dental wax up of your smile on a model. This shows you exactly how the teeth will be after treatment. We then work together with our professional ceramists to get you into your pre-approved smile.
FAQ #2: Do You Have to Grind My Teeth Down?
If the position of your teeth allows room to bond veneers on top of your teeth, no enamel removal is needed. Veneers and bonding require minor removal of the enamel to create an ideal surface for the restoration to bond to. Our goal is to remove as little as possible of natural enamel – quite often, only defective enamel, old restorations, cracks, or dark stains need to be removed. The amount of prep work required often depends on the position of the tooth and how much it needs to be changed, which is why we use a wax up or test drive to show us how much — if any — needs to be reduced. Our test drive and wax up process takes all of the guess work out of the process and allows us to only remove what is necessary to get you to an amazing outcome.
FAQ #3: Can I Choose Whatever Color I Want?
When it comes to choosing colors for veneers or bonding, our goal is always to give you what you want in a way that looks natural, not fake. If everything that shows in your smile will be covered, feel free to go as white as you want! But if you’re only addressing a few teeth, it’s best not to stray too far from your natural color; otherwise, the restorations will stick out like a sore thumb. We’ll guide you in the right direction to ensure beautiful, natural-looking results you’re happy with.
FAQ #4: Does Cosmetic Dentistry Damage Teeth?
No, none of the cosmetic dentistry solutions we offer damage the teeth. While certain solutions like veneers and cosmetic bonding may require some minor removal of enamel to remove unsightly problems, we’re always careful to keep prep as minimal as possible.
Our professional whitening system is damage-free, as well. Our custom-made trays ensure the whitening solution doesn’t come into contact with your gums, lips, tongue, or other sensitive areas. The result is a safer, more comfortable way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile.
FAQ #5: Can I Choose Bonding Instead of Ceramic Veneers?
Cosmetic dental bonding involves applying and shaping a special resin material to cover minor imperfections like staining, misshapen teeth, or chipped enamel. Ceramic veneers are used for different applications, normally when the entire front surface of the tooth will be covered, because of the durability and color stability of ceramics, which far exceeds that of resins. Bonding is often used for issues such as gaps or spaces between teeth, cavities, and some instances of worn-down enamel.
Everyone’s needs are different, which is why it’s important to consult with a cosmetic dentistry expert like Dr. Leavitt to learn what’s the best option for your smile.
FAQ #6: Are Veneers Better Than Orthodontics?
Many people are hesitant to undergo orthodontic treatment because of the time commitment and potential discomfort, gravitating toward veneers instead. While veneers can reduce the appearance of crooked teeth, they cannot address the problems associated with malocclusion or bite issues.
Sometimes, a multifaceted approach is best. Orthodontic treatment puts the teeth into the correct position, while veneers add the perfect finishing touch. If you’re unsure of the best option for your smile, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Leavitt. He’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that’s tailored toward your needs.
Expert Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions in Pocatello
Dr. Leavitt and his team are proud to serve the Pocatello community by providing a wide range of expert cosmetic dentistry services. Whether you’re looking for a complete new smile, seeking a way to address discoloration, create a more uniform appearance, or cover up minor imperfections, you can trust that we’ll help you achieve your smile goals so you can face the world with greater confidence. Check out our Smile Gallery to see what we can achieve!
If you’re curious about what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, fill out our convenient online form for a free virtual consultation with Dr. Leavitt. Just tell us a bit about what’s bothering you and any concerns you’d like to address, upload a few pictures, and click submit. Dr. Leavitt will review your information and record a video giving his personalized recommendations. It’s an easy, no-obligation way to explore the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry.
If you have any further questions about cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’d be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss your concerns.