Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental service that can enhance the appearance of teeth. Adding to the tooth structure, straightening crooked teeth, and brightening the smile achieve beautiful, long-lasting smiles. Dr. Denise Halliburton helps her patients identify their cosmetic goals and determine which cosmetic dental solution aligns well with their needs.
Cosmetic dental care can also improve a patient’s oral health. For example, straighter teeth are easier to clean. Crooked and misaligned teeth are more prone to problems like tooth decay or gum disease. It is hard to reach areas where bacteria can build up over time. Patients who undergo teeth whitening treatment are also more motivated to maintain their results with good oral hygiene.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ellicott City, MD
Our cosmetic dental care enhances the natural aesthetics of the smile:
Invisalign
Clear Invisalign aligners are used in pairs to gradually realign crooked teeth. Clear Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable orthodontic treatment option than traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners can also be removed so patients can thoroughly clean their teeth and enjoy their favorite foods.
Porcelain Veneers
Our dental veneers are crafted from porcelain ceramic. Porcelain ceramic is a durable material that blends in with the smile for a natural-looking result. We bond dental veneers to the front of teeth to cover discoloration and damage. Veneers are a long-lasting option that restores balance to the smile.
Teeth Bonding
Like porcelain veneers, tooth bonding addresses tooth damage and discoloration. However, dental bonding uses a biocompatible material sculpted onto prepared teeth. Once the material is in the correct shape and shade, it is cured to the tooth enamel. Dental bonding is a more economical treatment than porcelain veneers but may require repairs over time.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatment overseen by a dental professional creates high-quality, long-lasting results. We provide take-home teeth whitening treatments professionally formulated to erase years of tooth stains. In our office, we take dental impressions to create whitening trays. These trays conform to the teeth and evenly whiten each tooth for the best results.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
When patients come to us wanting cosmetic dentistry, it’s usually because they aren’t happy with how their smile looks. But cosmetic dentistry has many other benefits that you can experience.
Improved Self-Esteem and Relationships
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Many people feel self-conscious about their smiles and focus on hiding them instead of being relaxed and comfortable in public. People with unappealing smiles are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety because of it. A good smile makes you more confident and visibly relaxes you in public. Confidence can entirely change the aura that you give off.
A better smile helps both your social and professional relationships. People are shown to find people more trustworthy and want to be around them more. For a future employer, it shows that you pay attention to detail and care about how people perceive you. You’re more likely to get the new job or promotion you’re interviewing for. People will also want to be friends with someone who’s relaxed and smiles regularly.
Oral Health Benefits
Cosmetic dentistry first focuses on the aesthetics of your smile. But cosmetic issues often coexist with underlying oral health problems. One of the best examples of this is crooked teeth.
Crooked teeth are much harder to clean than regular teeth. They’re often cramped and come together at odd angles, making it difficult for you to reach every surface of the tooth to clean it. Sometimes, even our specialized dental tools can’t clean your smile properly. Even if you’re brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, you’ll still be at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
When the upper and lower jaws come together, the bite’s pressure distributes evenly throughout your teeth. When your teeth are crooked, some experience more pressure than others. These teeth wear down prematurely and are more likely to chip or break. They’re also more likely to succumb to decay or other dental problems, leading to a need for restorative dentistry treatments.
An uneven bite is one of the main causes of TMJ disorders. The muscles that move your jaw strain, and the jaw joint breaks down the more it’s used. You may experience clicking and popping, pain and tension throughout your head and face, and an inability to move your jaw in certain ways. The longer you avoid treatment, the more severe the problem becomes.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions that many patients have about our cosmetic dentistry services:
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Insurance does not typically cover cosmetic dental care if it is non-essential. However, we offer an in-house insurance plan as an option for anyone without dental insurance. Our office works with patients so they can determine which procedures are covered by their dental insurance.
How do porcelain veneers compare to dental bonding?
Although tooth bonding and dental veneers treat similar cosmetic issues, they differ in price and longevity. Dental veneers are made of durable and stain-resistant porcelain ceramic. They may cost more upfront but usually last longer with fewer repairs. Tooth bonding is more economical than dental veneers but does not offer permanent results. Our team will determine the right treatment for you after an examination and consultation.
Can tooth bonding and dental veneers whiten teeth?
Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are an option for patients with single discolored teeth or deep tooth stains. Sometimes, patients have intrinsic stains that cannot be treated with whitening treatments. Intrinsic tooth stains are often caused by injury and are found in the inner layer of the enamel. A dental veneer or bonding material cured to stained teeth can whiten the smile according to the specifications of each patient.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you want to enhance your natural smile? Try our cosmetic dental treatments. Request a dental appointment with Dr. Halliburton on our website. You can also contact Halliburton Family Dentistry by calling 443.232.0656. Our office serves patients from Ellicott City, Elkridge, Columbia, and other areas of Howard County, Maryland. Let our team know if you have any remaining questions or concerns. They will be glad to help you.