Q: What is cosmetic dentistry?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Cosmetic dentistry is a term typically used to describe dental procedures that focus on improving a person’s appearance.
Q: What is the most common cosmetic procedure?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Tooth whitening is by far the most popular. For most people, it is also the best thing they can do to improve their teeth’s appearance.
Q: How is it done?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: The most affordable is at-home whitening using custom-molded trays filled with a professional-grade teeth-whitening solution.
Q: How long does it take?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Trays are worn for a few hours a day, and in less than a week, can produce dramatic results.
Q: Is it possible to keep teeth from staining in the first place?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: While tooth color changes naturally with age, it’s possible to avoid the worst type of stains by abstaining from coffee and cigarettes. Additionally, daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings help.
Q: What dental procedures are available for people with broken or chipped teeth?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: There are a few different options, but what we typically recommend is porcelain veneers. This is a long-lasting alternative to crowns and can create uniformity, mask stains, and hide any chipping or imperfections of the teeth.
Q: How difficult are porcelain veneers to apply?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Since they are made specifically for each patient, they’re actually pretty easy and slide over the tooth.
Q: But do they look natural?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Porcelain veneers are shaped and colored to match existing teeth for a completely natural look.
Q: Can veneers change the shape of my teeth?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Yes! Many people with short teeth choose porcelain veneers to lengthen teeth for a more visible smile.
Q: What are some common ways that teeth get chipped/broken?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Teeth can get damaged by biting into something hard or from facial trauma such as a sports injury.
Q: Are veneers permanent?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Veneers are not permanent; however, their life expectancy is up to 10 years.
Q: Do you still use braces to straighten severely misaligned teeth?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Traditional braces remain in widespread use. However, our office recommends Invisalign® for adults with crooked or gapped teeth. These clear plastic trays are more comfortable than braces and don’t have brackets or wires which are uncomfortable and hard to clean.
Q: How long are Invisalign® trays worn?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It takes about the same time as traditional metal braces – between 12 and 48 months. The trays are replaced every two weeks as teeth began to shift into place.
Q: What are the key benefits of cosmetic dental procedures?
Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Having an unpleasant smile can have a huge impact on a person’s self-esteem. Tooth whitening, veneers, and tooth-straightening procedures can help a person feel better about him or herself.
Q: How do you decide which treatment is right for a patient?
Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: We start with a smile assessment and discuss in-depth what the patient does and does not like about their current smile. Then, we make recommendations and discuss the different treatment options available. Cosmetic dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all solution and it takes a team of expert clinicians to determine what is best for each person’s situation.
