Having a healthy smile is always ideal, but even healthy teeth can still be stained, misshapen, cracked, or otherwise aesthetically flawed. This can leave a person feeling embarrassed of their smile, which takes a toll on their mental health. At Derby Dental, we care about the overall well-being of our patients, not just their teeth. While maintaining healthy teeth and gums is our top priority, we also want our patients to feel confident about their pearly whites. To that end, Dr. Erika Whitehouse and Dr. Meghan Kilkelly offer multiple cosmetic dentistry services. Take a look at your options below, and when you’re ready to learn more, give us a call or request an appointment below for cosmetic dentistry in Austin, TX!
Veneers are perfect for patients who wish to correct multiple imperfections in their teeth at the same time. Once we fit one of these custom-made shells over a tooth, all of its flaws – including discoloration, chips, and cracks – disappear in an instant. Most dental offices use porcelain for veneers, but they require that some healthy enamel be removed from the tooth. At Derby Dental, we prefer no-prep composite veneers. Not only do they preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure, but they can often be placed in a single appointment.
While dental crowns are vital for shielding compromised teeth from further damage, your smile’s appearance shouldn’t have to suffer in the process. That’s why, more often than not, we use metal-free materials like porcelain for dental crowns. These restorations fit snugly over a tooth to protect it without being noticeable by anyone but our dental team. Better yet, metal-free crowns are often just as durable as metal ones.
For minor chips, cracks, or stains on a small number of your teeth, you may not wish to undergo a major cosmetic procedure. That’s why we often recommend cosmetic dental bonding for patients who only need to fix a few tiny but noticeable imperfections. We choose a shade of composite resin that perfectly matches the color of your tooth enamel and then sculpt it to the tooth, covering the offending blemish with seamless results that can last for several years.
Most of the teeth whiteners you find in stores or online use diluted bleaching solutions that produce little if any results. What makes KöR teeth whitening different is that it contains a whitening agent that is several times stronger than any over-the-counter product. We’ll provide you with custom trays and ultra-potent gel that you’ll wear for a certain amount of time each day. After about two weeks of daily use, your pearly whites should be several shades lighter.
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Although your teeth are a significant part of your smile, your gums can also impact its overall appearance. For example, if you have a “gummy smile,” you might have an overabundance of gum tissue that shows compared to your teeth. Some patients feel self-conscious about their gummy smiles, which is why we offer gum recontouring. We can comfortably remove the excess gum tissue to even out your gumline and create a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing grin.
Instead of fixing just one aspect of your smile, a smile makeover is designed to improve everything about your grin in as few procedures as possible. After our dentists have looked over your smile and discussed how you want your teeth and gums to look, they can come up with a personalized treatment plan to bring your smile goals to fruition. Since each treatment is uniquely designed for each individual patient, you can be sure that your results will look flawlessly natural.
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile appears, then you might be considering undergoing cosmetic dentistry. While we provide a wide variety of aesthetic solutions for your pearly whites, it’s important to consider the overall price of your treatment(s) before committing to anything. That’s why our team is more than happy to walk you through your treatment options and determine which solutions can work within your budget. We can also provide a more exact estimate of the price during an initial consultation and discuss alternative ways to finance your treatment. Read on to learn more about the cost of cosmetic dentistry in Austin.
Patients who seek out cosmetic dentistry tend to want to improve one or several aspects of their smile. These may involve altering the color, size, shape, or position of their teeth. However, each treatment option will have unique purposes and price points to consider. Here are several of the cosmetic solutions we offer and what to expect:
While cosmetic dental treatment can often seem like a major financial investment, many patients find that the results make it worthwhile in the long term. By undergoing your chosen procedure, you can enjoy an improved appearance and a boost in your quality of life. Not only will you be more willing to show off your pearly whites, but also others will perceive you as more outgoing, competent, and attractive. As a result, you may see improvements in your relationships and professional opportunities!
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by dental insurance, as the treatments aren’t considered “essential” care. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be left entirely on your own. Our team offers in-house membership plans that can provide 15% discounts on all treatments, including cosmetic dental services, with one low annual fee. We also provide plans through CareCredit—a third-party financier that can help break up the cost of your treatment into monthly installments. They also come with little-to-no-interest, meaning you can easily afford your cosmetic procedures without having to empty your wallet.
Our team here at Derby Dental understands that you might have some initial questions about cosmetic dentistry and what it can do for you before you’re willing to commit to treatment. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about cosmetic dental work and their respective answers. Our top priority is putting your concerns to rest so that you can achieve a brighter and whiter smile! If you have any additional questions about a particular treatment, or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to give us a call for assistance.
Cosmetic dentistry is geared towards improving the appearance of your smile; issues like staining and discoloration, chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, misaligned teeth, and more can all be addressed with a variety of innovative and effective solutions. Simply put, if you’re unhappy with the look of your pearly whites, you’re likely a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Your first step is visiting us; after discussing your smile goals, we can determine which treatments are viable for you and come up with a plan!
You’ll be happy to hear that you don’t have to break the bank to enhance your smile with cosmetic dental work! Even though it’s true that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance, there are still ways to lessen the financial burden. We’re thrilled to offer financing options through CareCredit that allow you to pay for your dream smile in affordable monthly installments. We’re also happy to offer in-house membership plans that’ll allow you to take advantage of special discounts. It’s worth noting that in some cases, cosmetic dental work that also offers long-term oral health benefits might be partially covered by your insurance, but you’ll need to check with your provider first.
It’s normal to feel a little hesitant about any type of dental work, and many patients express concerns about pain. However, the majority of cosmetic treatments are actually quite comfortable and relatively pain-free—most of the time an anesthetic isn’t even necessary! Options like teeth whitening and direct bonding are so quick and non-invasive that you won’t have to worry about pain at all. And while treatments like veneers can sometimes cause some residual soreness, it’s very minor and temporary. No matter what type of treatment you’re receiving, our team will take steps to ensure that you’re comfortable and without any pain during your visit.
There are two primary factors that determine the lifespan of cosmetic dental work: the procedure that was performed and practicing excellent oral hygiene following the treatment. For instance, teeth whitening often yields results that last anywhere from a few months to a few years. However, veneers can last for up to 15 years if you take great care of them! In any case, routine preventive care and consistent oral hygiene will keep your results intact.