Did you know that you can change or improve almost every aspect of your smile? It’s true! Cosmetic dentistry treatments allow patients to choose the size, shape, and shade of their smiles according to their own unique goals. Yes, simple and effective treatments (like gum contouring!) can help patients realize their dream smiles.
Are you ready to create your perfect grin? Let the team at Lakewood Dental Group help you combine treatments for a major impact. Schedule a consultation with our dentists in Dallas, TX, at (214) 827-1885 to get started now!
If you want to upgrade your smile but you’re not sure how, then keep reading. In this blog post, our team explores gum contouring, dental bonding, and other cosmetic solutions to get a tailormade smile.
Gum Contouring
When we think about our smiles, it’s likely that most of us simply imagine our teeth. But, our gums play an important role in the appearance and function of our smiles. Gum contouring is a safe and gentle way to improve the appearance of a ‘gummy’ smile.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring involves the minimal trimming of gingival tissue (gum tissue) to create a new, higher gum line. However, this procedure doesn’t just move the gum line higher – it creates a much more symmetrical and aesthetically-pleasing gum line, too.
Together, these two factors can dramatically improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Is gum contouring safe?
Yes, gum contouring is very safe.
Our team uses local anesthesia and other soothing solutions to ensure patients’ ultimate comfort. We also use sterile tools (like a soft-tissue laser or scalpel) to gently remove excess gum tissue.
Of course, gum contouring is a medical procedure. As such, it does carry some risks, such as;
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Infection
However, patients can easily mitigate these risks by:
- Conducting careful aftercare
- Applying ice packs to the face to reduce swelling
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers to prevent extreme discomfort
- Gently brushing and flossing to keep bacteria at bay
- Taking antibiotics to prevent infection
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding (also called tooth-colored fillings) is a quick, easy, and economical way to change the size, shape, and color of our natural teeth. As such, it may be a cost-effective alternative to dental veneers or cosmetic dental crowns for most patients.
How does dental bonding change my smile?
Dental bonding is a very strong and versatile material composed of composite resin. Our team can color match the composite resin according to your specifications.
Once we color match the resin, then we can apply it to the teeth and shape it. Shaping the resin allows our team to configure teeth into a more favorable and functional form. This means that dental bonding can address:
- Short teeth
- Ill-formed teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Chips or cracks in teeth
- Improper contact between chewing surfaces
- Discolored teeth
Is dental bonding permanent?
Surprisingly, no. Dental bonding is not permanent. This means that patients can reverse the procedure at any time. It is for this reason why many patients choose dental bonding over more permanent solutions, like veneers or dental crowns.
Tooth Contouring
Similar to gum contouring, tooth contouring is a procedure that can change the size and shape of teeth. However, the process for this procedure is vastly different from gum contouring.
What is the difference between tooth contouring vs. gum contouring?
Gum contouring removes a small amount of the gingiva to create a new, higher, and more aesthetically-pleasing gum line. Tooth contouring is a procedure in which a trained dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel to alter the size and form of teeth.
Does tooth contouring hurt?
Unlike gum contouring, tooth contouring is frequently a painless procedure. Our tooth enamel does not contain any nerve endings like the inside (dentin) of our teeth do. This means that most patients do not need local anesthesia to get tooth contouring.
Nevertheless, we encourage patients to alert us to any pain or discomfort during this procedure. We are always more than happy to facilitate a pain-free experience at our Dallas dental clinic!
Dental Veneers
While there are other treatments that may serve as a cost-effective alternative to veneers, they have earned themselves a winning reputation. It is for this reason that dental veneers are a popular way to transform or upgrade one’s smile.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-like prosthetics that attach to the surface of dull or damaged teeth. As such, they can conceal or address many dental imperfections, such as:
- Internal stains
- Chips and craze lines
- Worn tooth enamel
- Large gaps between teeth
- Short or misshapen teeth
Are dental veneers permanent?
Yes, dental veneers are permanent.
For many patients, the permanence of veneers makes this treatment especially appealing. For others, it may be less so. Let’s explore why.
Dental veneer treatment requires the removal of a decent amount of tooth enamel. Removing some tooth enamel ensures that the veneers stick to the teeth properly. However, the enamel that a dentist removes cannot be regrown later. Once it is gone, it is gone for good.
This means that if a dental veneer breaks or falls off, patients must replace them. Otherwise, the uncovered tooth becomes exceptionally vulnerable to pain, decay, and infections.
How much do dental veneers cost in Texas?
The cost of veneers in Texas is highly variable and depends on several factors, including:
- Dentist location
- Dentist training and experience
- Materials used
- The number of teeth receiving treatment
- Insurance coverage
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do not cover veneer treatment, as it is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure. However, treatment may still be attainable for many patients, as veneers in Texas cost roughly $800 to $2,000 per tooth.
Veneers, Dental Bonding, and Gum Contouring in Dallas, TX
Patients can create their dream smiles with simple and effective solutions, like dental bonding and gum contouring in Dallas, TX. Are you ready to build your perfect smile? Contact Dr. Shaun Sigurdson, Dr. Mihir Patel, and our Lakewood Dental Group team online here or at (214) 827-1885 now!