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If you haven’t heard of Invisalign®, then you may be missing out on a straighter, more attractive smile. Invisalign® is a new cosmetic dentistry treatment that is similar to traditional metal braces except the Invisalign® aligners are invisible. Treatment with Invisalign® is not only discreet, but also more comfortable and convenient than traditional treatment options.

Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign®

With traditional braces, metal brackets are placed on teeth and wires attached to each bracket are used to force teeth into their new positions. The wires are periodically adjusted to continue the alignment process, which can cause discomfort. With Invisalign®, brackets and wires are replaced with a carefully molded, clear aligner. A new aligner is used every few weeks to gradually continue the alignment process.

Advantages of Invisalign®

There are several advantages to the Invisalign® method of oral adjustment. The Invisalign® system is extremely convenient. You can remove the Invisalign® aligners when you eat, brush your teeth, or have an important event. Additionally, Invisalign® is much less painful than normal braces. Your teeth will be adjusted little by little with only slight discomfort and no gum irritation. And, because the Invisalign® aligners are clear, patients can achieve straighter teeth without detracting from their appearance during treatment.

Invisalign® is a great way to straighten teeth without readjusting your life. In approximately 12 months, you’ll notice a difference in your teeth alignment. The Invisalign® system is effective, comfortable, and subtle, making it a popular cosmetic dentistry option. After their Invisalign® treatment, many patients opt to undergo teeth whitening for a more comprehensive smile makeover.

Do you ever worry that your smile isn't as bright as you'd like? If you answered yes, you're not the only one! Many factors can cause teeth to discolor over time, but now it's time to do something about it. Professional teeth whitening can enhance your smile, whitening your teeth several shades! If you've considered professional teeth whitening, read on for some frequently asked questions on this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment.

How did my teeth become discolored?

While teeth naturally darken as time passes, tooth discoloration can be caused by several variables. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, can cause unsightly stains on your teeth. Cigarette and tobacco users are often plagued with yellowing of the teeth. Even trauma to the teeth or gums can bring on tooth discoloration.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, teeth whitening is widely recognized for its safety when performed by an experienced dental professional.

How does the teeth whitening process work?

First, a highly concentrated whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide is placed on the teeth. The ingredients in the gel penetrate the tooth to bleach the dentin and enamel, thus removing the stains from your teeth. A special light is used to activate the gel to give you that bright, white smile in under an hour.

Are at-home teeth whitening kits as effective as in-office whitening?

Generally, in-office teeth whitening will yield quicker and more dramatic results than an at-home whitening kit due to the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide in professional whitening gel. However, at-home whitening kits provided by a cosmetic dentist will give you better results than over-the-counter methods and can give you a brighter smile in the comfort of your home.

Are there any side effects?

Some patients may experience minor gum irritation or tooth sensitivity after the teeth whitening process. This is not uncommon, so don't panic. These side effects are only temporary and will improve soon after the treatment.

Are there alternative treatment options?

If you are interested in achieving whiter teeth but don't feel that teeth whitening treatments are for you, you may be a candidate for porcelain dental veneers. Veneers not only effectively conceal discoloration but also improve the appearance of teeth that are misaligned, chipped, or cracked.

If you suffer from dental anxiety and are afraid to visit the dentist, you are not alone. Recent studies found that more than 30 million Americans postpone or avoid visiting the dentist because they suffer from dental phobias or anxiety. While some patients simply experience a bad case of nerves at the dentist’s office, others suffer from severe dental phobias and anxiety which can cause them to feel panicked and terrified to the extent that they avoid dental treatment altogether.

Dental Anxiety Treatments

Fortunately, there are now a number of ways that your dentist can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during any treatment. Many dentists now feature soothing amenities such as blankets, personal headphones, and even DVD players and TV screens for patients to watch from the treatment chair. For many patients, just focusing on something other than their mouths is enough to help them relax during treatment. Other patients who have minor anxiety may find that nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or injected numbing medications may be all they need to relax in the chair.

Sedation Dentistry Options

For patients who need more advanced help with their anxiety, oral conscious sedation is an excellent option. With oral conscious sedation, patients take a small anti-anxiety pill just before treatment. They remain fully conscious, but so relaxed that they often drift off to sleep during treatment, and most patients don’t remember anything about their visit. In fact, this sedation dentistry option typically allows patients to remain comfortable and relaxed for a longer period of time, so they can often undergo a number of treatments in one longer visit. If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact our cosmetic dentistry center today.

A person's smile can be their greatest attribute - and the means by which one communicates both happiness and confidence. For those who have always lacked the confidence to smile, or have generally felt it was better to hide their teeth, our Bethesda cosmetic dentistry center can provide a host of solutions. A number of advances in technology has meant that restorative dental care can often be painless, affordable, and will appear naturally and seamlessly integrated with one's own teeth. With proper dental care and the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures, a person can learn to love their teeth and feel the enhanced confidence that comes along with a healthy, attractive smile.

Popular Treatment Options

One of the many benefits has to do with whitening discolored teeth. Procedures like laser whitening, dental bonding, and porcelain veneers are typically performed in a dental office, while some dentists will recommend home whitening. Although many products are being offered over the counter, and some have proven effective, the benefits that come from professional teeth whitening tend to be better, and longer lasting.

Improving Appearance and Function

Not all cosmetic dentistry starts and stops with aesthetic improvements. Many procedures can be used to correct functional issues, as well. Straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps in between teeth and repairing chips in teeth serve as examples of improvements from cosmetic dentistry that are both functional and beautifying. Procedures exist to improve the function and health of back teeth that cannot be seen, as well as the teeth in front that contribute to a perfect smile.

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist for More Information

Not all procedures cost the same, but many procedures are less than you may imagine. Further, patients electing to have cosmetic dentistry procedures can often see results in just a few short visits. You should consult your dental professional for information regarding what procedures will work for you, what preparatory steps need to be taken before cosmetic work can begin, how much each procedure will cost, and what may or may not be covered by insurance. The fact of the matter is that many of us notice other people's smiles before we notice anything else. So having a perfect smile can lead to any number of successes, all of which starts with renewed confidence and self-esteem.