Not all cosmetic dentistry is the same. Cosmetic can mean many things. Unfortunately, it can be very different from dentist to dentist or from patient to patient. Typically, procedures considered under the realm of cosmetic dentistry include whitening, enamelplasty (re-contouring), tooth straightening, and bonding or tooth-colored fillings used to mask stains or close spaces between the teeth.
Porcelain crowns, veneers, and implant restorations can also play a big role in enhancing or changing a person’s smile. In short, it takes an experienced and well-trained dentist to combine all these options and tailor them to achieve what the patient desires.
Our dentists have trained at the prestigious Spear Center of Dentistry. They have both studied under Dr. Frank Spear, one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country. Using his series of photographs and facially-generated treatment planning techniques, we provide options for you to achieve the best outcome possible with cosmetic dentistry in Lawrence, KS.
Countless flaws could appear in your smile over the years, but with porcelain veneers, we can hide many of these imperfections all at once! A veneer is a thin shell made out of porcelain that is fitted over the front side of a tooth, completely covering the surface. We can recommend veneers for teeth that are cracked, stained, irregularly shaped, or suffering from any number of cosmetic issues. Porcelain doesn’t stain as easily as natural enamel does, so you can count on your new smile looking great for quite a while.
Older patients might immediately think of silver or gold crowns when they hear the phrase “dental restorations.” Nowadays, you don’t need to choose between a healthy mouth and natural-looking teeth. Metal-free restorations are crafted using ceramic materials that closely resemble the enamel protecting your teeth. Not only are they the same color, but they also reflect light the same way. When properly fitted and shaded, they look, feel, and function just like your original teeth.
Direct bonding is often considered an alternative to porcelain veneers. The procedure can be done in just one appointment, and it can correct all kinds of flaws including misshapen teeth, small gaps, and minor cracks. A small amount of composite resin (a material that is also used for cosmetically-friendly dental fillings) will be placed on the tooth and molded so that it hides the various problematic areas before it is hardened into place with a special light.
If you haven’t had any luck whitening your teeth on your own, ask us about Zoom! whitening. This in-office procedure is broken into a series of fifteen-minute sessions. A special whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide is placed on the teeth. When the Zoom! lamp is shined on the gel, it causes the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the enamel and quickly remove the substances that are responsible for stains. Even a dull smile can be dramatically brightened in about an hour.
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At Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence, we provide Smart Moves technology for teeth straightening. Smart Moves is a clear aligner system that allows you to straighten your teeth without bulky braces. In fact, Smart Moves aligners are barely visible. Contact Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence today to learn about Smart Moves and what it can do for you.
Do you find yourself worrying about a tooth or several teeth that are just a little too short? Odds are that they’re actually normal-sized but hidden underneath an excessive amount of gum tissue. We can identify the tissue that you don’t need and remove it so that more of your teeth are clearly visible whenever you smile. Like with other gum-related procedures, we can use a high-precision dental laser to ensure that the treatment is extremely comfortable.
Many people are hesitant to move forward with cosmetic dentistry because they’re worried it’ll break the bank. Well, it’s actually not as expensive as you may think! Even though cosmetic dental treatment is not typically covered by dental insurance, we offer several different financing options to help make your care as affordable as possible. At Heck Family Dentistry, we’re more than happy to help you navigate your financial needs.
There are several reasons why patients seek cosmetic dentistry in Lawrence. For example, you may want to whiten your teeth, straighten them, or change their size and/or shape. Whatever the case is, there’s a solution that’ll help make the smile of your dreams a reality. Some of your available options include:
We understand that cosmetic dentistry can feel like a significant financial commitment. However, many patients find it to be an investment that pays itself off in the long run. Not only will it help boost your confidence, but it can give you a better overall quality of life. A more attractive smile has proven to lead to better relationships, social life, and career success.
Since cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by dental insurance, you’ll need to find an alternative way to pay for your treatment. For that reason, it can be difficult for many patients to pursue these types of services. At our practice, we offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your care as affordable as possible. This option allows you to split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. Best of all, most of these plans come with little-to-no interest to help you avoid breaking the bank. If needed, our team is more than happy to assist you with the application process!
Still have a few lingering questions about cosmetic dentistry? Let us help you find the answers you’re looking for! If you have a specific question, then the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with our talented cosmetic dentist in Lawrence. If you don’t have a specific question, but you would like to learn more about transforming your smile, then keep reading.
That depends on two important factors: the treatment you choose and how you care for your smile. For example, with the right best practices in place, the results from a teeth whitening treatment can last for several months. However, veneers can last for 15+ years! Across the board, unhealthy dental habits like smoking and using your teeth as tools to open things can significantly shorten the lifespan of your results, which is why it’s so important to diligently care for your smile. Don’t worry – your cosmetic dentist will review all of this information during your initial consultation.
According to the millions of patients who have invested their time and money into transforming their smiles, the answer is a resounding “yes!” There are a few reasons for this. To begin, cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-esteem significantly, ensuring you feel confident whether you’re walking into a job interview or catching up with an old friend. Secondly, many cosmetic dental treatments also benefit your oral health by addressing spacing issues, worn-down teeth, and other concerns. Lastly, research has shown that a beautiful smile results in better first impressions, an increased chance of getting a job offer, and a more successful love life. So, cosmetic dentistry is so much more than an investment in your smile. It’s an investment in you!
If you don’t show your teeth in photos, you cover your mouth when you laugh, or you simply don’t like the way your smile looks, then you should schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentists. Every member of our team is united by a passion to help our patients achieve smiles that are as healthy as they are gorgeous. So, whether the source of your concerns is discoloration, misalignment, misshapen teeth, or something in between, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. From there, we can assess your dental needs, learn about your smile goals, and put together a personalized treatment plan!
Since cosmetic dentistry isn’t a specialty that’s recognized by the American Dental Association, it’s important to do some research before picking a provider. Ideally, you’ll want a dentist who has completed extensive education, has years of experience, and has undergone advanced training to perfect their craft. Fortunately, you’ll find all of this and more at Heck Family Dentistry! In addition to being a top-rated dental team, our dentists have completed training at the prestigious Spear Institute. If you would like to learn more about their background and education, don’t hesitate to read their bios on our website.
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