Enhance your smile | What are the treatment options?

enhance your smile

A smile is one of the first things we notice when talking to others. A pretty smile can exude confidence while a bad smile can have others questioning your oral health. If there are things that you wish you could change about your smile Dr. James Fondriest can help. Dr. Fondriest specializes in cosmetic dentistry and offers several procedures and treatments that can enhance your smile and eliminate your insecurities once and for all.

How can I improve my smile?

There are several ways that your smile can go from drab to fab. Dr. Fondriest creates a personalized cosmetic dental treatment plans that target your problem areas and transforms your smile. The best thing about this process is that the treatment options provide such natural looking results nobody will ever know you had work done.

Enhance your smile with a smile makeover

A smile makeover is classified as a combination of one or more dental procedures that revitalize your smile and correct specific problem areas. 

Enhance my smile

A combination of braces, implants, veneers, and crowns created this new smile.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns are great options for enhancing your smile. They are recommended for dark teeth or smiles that have incurred damage or are severely worn down. If the dentist determines a tooth is weak and needs to be replaced, a dental crown is also a good option. Dental crowns are made out of various materials, with porcelain being a popular choice among patients. 

Dental crowns act as “caps” that are permanently bonded over the front of the teeth. The cap is custom made and matched closely to the shade of your natural teeth. 

While waiting for your permanent crown to be made you may be fitted with a temporary crown that will cover the front of the tooth. The dentist affixes the crown to the problem tooth by removing a very thin amount of enamel from the front of the tooth. The dental crown is then attached. 

Tooth colored fillings

Have you ever noticed dark fillings in someone’s mouth? Those are usually silver fillings that were done decades ago. 

Luckily, fillings have come a long way and now tooth colored materials are an option. White fillings provide completely natural looking results that blend in with your natural teeth. Fillings are used to fill in the hole that is caused by a cavity. 

They also act as great protection against future cavities as they provide additional support to the teeth. This is especially helpful since teeth may be weakened due to prior cavities. 

Porcelain Veneers to enhance your smile

enhancing your smile

Unfortunately, an old root canal failed and this patient had to have dental implant on one of her front teeth. Can you tell which tooth is supported by an implant?

If you’re looking for an excellent long term solution to broken or chipped teeth then ultra thin porcelain veneers are the way to go. Porcelain veneers are a popular choice since they can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. They mimic natural teeth in the way that light is reflected off of them. Porcelain veneers are incredibly customizable. 

It is important that you work closely with your dentist to determine the size and shape of the veneers that you would like to move forward with. Your dentist can suggest options that work best with your facial features. Cosmetic dentists recommend that you select a color that looks natural and fits your smile. 

Another benefit of veneers is that you can choose to replace all of your teeth or just a few. This is perfect for patients who experience a dental emergency, such as a fall, and only need to correct a few teeth. 

The surfaces of the teeth will need to be filed down in order to be fitted for veneers. This is nothing major and typically the amount removed is thinner than your fingernail.  

Whitening treatment

White teeth are in high demand these days. A bright smile attracts attention and immediately shows others that you are invested in your appearance.

Tooth whitening products have come a long way in recent years. Most every toothpaste on the market advertises some sort of whitening ingredient. While teeth whitening strips are still available, various gels, mouthwashes, and trays are also used to whiten and brighten stained teeth. 

One of the biggest perks about this treatment is that bleaching can enhance your smile almost instantly. If your teeth are severely stained or discolored you may need one more treatment to reach your goal. During your consultation, the dentist will discuss your options and provide an outline for treatment.  

Invisalign

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth then Invisalign may be an excellent option for you. Invisalign consists of multiple aligners slowly transitioning your teeth into the correct position. Orthodontists recommend wearing each aligner for approximately a week. The duration of the treatment is dependent on the severity of your crowding. 

Although Invisalign is more expensive than braces, it is still a popular option. Invisalign aligners are virtually undetectable. They are clear and made to fit directly over your teeth. 

In order to have the custom aligners made you will need to undergo a few procedures. An x-ray of your jaw will be taken to rule out any jaw issues. You will also have a wand go over each of your teeth to create a 3D image that will be used to make your aligners. 

This entire process is quick and painless. You will receive your aligners in a few weeks and then you can begin the journey of enhancing your smile. 

Which treatment is right for me?

If you’d like to discuss your treatment options in further detail then your next step would be to schedule a consultation. Dr. Fondriest will examine your teeth and identify your problem areas. He will then offer dental work options for you to evaluate.

Only you can determine what is the most appropriate course of action for you. A custom treatment plan will be created and you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions.

How can I learn more about enhancing your smile?

Are looking for a dentist that will work with you to plan your smile? A dentist who will listen to your input? Cosmetic dental treatment planning with your agenda in mind is difficult to find. A smile transformation plan can enhance your overall appearance and give your confidence a boost.

If you’re interested in moving forward with enhancing your smile then please request an appointment at (847) 234-0517. Our team looks forward to helping you get the most out of your smile.