Dr. Catherine Wilder and Dr. Lauren Shepard want their patients to feel confident in their smiles. This is why they offer cosmetic dental services to patients at Katy Smile Design. Cosmetic dentistry not only focuses on the appearance of the smile but also patients’ overall oral health.
For instance, crooked teeth can lead to tooth decay because they are difficult to clean. Straightening misaligned and crooked teeth improves the health and balance of the smile. Additionally, teeth whitening treatment patients are more motivated to maintain their bright results with routine oral hygiene.
Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard are experienced cosmetic dentists in Katy. They offer a range of dental treatments and work with patients one-on-one to find the best cosmetic solutions for their oral health and aesthetic needs. What could a smile makeover do for your smile confidence?
Cosmetic Dentistry in Katy, TX
Cosmetic dental care improves the appearance and health of the teeth and gums:
Invisalign
Clear Invisalign aligners are a modern dental treatment that straightens crooked teeth. This discreet orthodontic treatment uses upper and lower Invisalign aligners that are switched out every two weeks. Invisalign gradually realigns a misaligned smile. One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed. Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment can thoroughly brush their teeth and eat without dietary restrictions.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic bonded to the front of the tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers improve the shape and color of stained, shortened, or fractured teeth. We can color-match dental veneers so they may look brighter or blend in with the color of natural teeth. Dental veneers are often used on front teeth for a more noticeably balanced smile.
Teeth Bonding
Teeth bonding is a treatment that benefits patients with small chips and cracks in teeth. The tooth bonding material is biocompatible and adhered directly to the tooth’s surface. It is cured once the material is in the desired shape and color. Dental bonding retains the function of teeth while addressing minor cosmetic concerns.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening treatment overseen by a dentist can brighten the tooth enamel by multiple shades. Professional whitening treatment can provide quicker and more effective results than over-the-counter whitening gels, toothpaste, or strips. Professional whitening is also a great option for patients attending special events such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a popular choice for many different reasons. Though it’s primarily for aesthetic purposes, cosmetic dentistry isn’t all about looks. It has many other benefits, too.
Mental and Emotional Effects
We usually don’t think about our smile impacting our mental condition. But having a smile you’re proud of greatly impacts your mood and self-confidence. When you don’t have a good smile, you focus on hiding it when you’re out in public. You may be more reluctant to smile or laugh, even when having a great time. Studies show that just the act of smiling can boost your mood and make your day better.
Cosmetic dentistry gives you a smile that you’re proud to show off. You’re more confident, which shows when you’re in people’s presence. A better smile gives you an edge in your personal and professional relationships. People with good smiles tend to get promotions and work opportunities more often because of the confident air they project. Also, your social relationships improve because you smile and laugh freely, boosting the mood of everyone around you.
Functional Benefits
Though patients usually come in for cosmetic dentistry due to looks, many cosmetic dental problems occur in tandem with oral health concerns. One of the best examples of this is crooked teeth. When patients want to correct crooked teeth, it’s usually because they don’t like the look of them. However, there are many oral health impacts of crooked teeth.
First, crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth. They come together at odd angles and are often cramped and crowded. Some teeth may be so close together that you can’t get dental floss between them. Even our specialized dental tools may not be able to clean them properly. You can regularly brush, floss, and see the dentist, but still be at high risk for tooth decay and gum disease because plaque and tartar still build up in hard-to-reach areas.
Crooked teeth lead to an unbalanced bite. When your upper and lower jaw come together, the pressure of your bite distributes evenly throughout your teeth. When you have crooked teeth, the distribution isn’t even. Some teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster and are more likely to chip, crack, or break than other teeth. It can get to the point where you require restorative dentistry treatments.
An uneven bite is one of the leading causes of TMJ disorders. When your bite is uneven, the jaw doesn’t track smoothly when it moves. The jaw joint wears down increasingly while you have this uneven bite, breaking it down. You may experience popping or clicking sounds, pain throughout the jaw and face, and problems opening and closing your jaw.
Invisalign and other treatment options can correct all of these things or prevent them from happening or getting more serious.
Cosmetic Dental FAQs
Want to know more about cosmetic dentistry? Read answers to common questions about our cosmetic services below:
How does dental bonding compare to porcelain veneers?
Dental bonding offers quicker treatment and is often seen as a more economical alternative to veneers. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and work best for patients with more extensive areas of damage. We recommend bonding over veneers if patients only have a single chip or crack in the enamel and are new to cosmetic treatment.
Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers are often used to cover severely stained teeth. However, even with professional teeth whitening treatment, they cannot be whitened. If you have old veneers that have become discolored, we can replace them with brighter and newer veneers.
How long is treatment with Invisalign?
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the number of aligners needed for each patient and their compliance. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day. Any damage done to the aligners will also require more time. Because Invisalign aligners are used for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, treatment is typically shorter than traditional metal braces.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile? Are you interested in learning more about our cosmetic dental treatments? Request a dental consultation with Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard on our website. You can also call Katy Smile Design at 281.843.9814. We serve patients from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, and other local communities.
Please let our team know if you have any questions or concerns at your next appointment. They will be happy to assist you.