Cosmetic dentistry is the best way to get the smile of your dreams. If you’re not happy with the look of your smile, consider getting cosmetic dentistry in our Baltimore, MD, dentist office. Not only does it transform the aesthetics of your smile, but it also helps your overall oral health. Many cosmetic procedures at Horizon Family Dental Care can do both.
Why Get Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many people think you only get aesthetic benefits with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry does gives you a whiter, brighter, more even smile. However, the underlying conditions that cause these issues impact your oral health. We work on finding and treating the root cause so we’re taking care of all the problems.
One of the best examples is crooked teeth. Many patients come into the office wanting a straighter smile because of the aesthetic aspect of it. They don’t like the look of their smile in the mirror and want it to be straighter. But crooked teeth also come with various oral health concerns.
Crooked teeth are hard to clean. They often overlap and are cramped, creating areas where your toothbrush and dental floss can’t reach. Even if you’re caring for the rest of your teeth properly, plaque and tartar build-up in these areas. It puts you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Crooked teeth also give you an uneven bite. When you bite down, all your teeth take on the same amount of pressure. When they’re crooked, some teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster and are more likely to fracture or break.
An uneven bite is also a large factor when it comes to TMJ disorders. When your bite is uneven, the jaw isn’t tracking smoothly in the way that it should. The jaw joint wears down because of the way it now has to move. You’ll notice that your jaw clicks and pops, you have pain throughout the jaw, face, and head, and you may have trouble opening and closing your mouth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Baltimore, MD
Horizon Family Dental Care offers some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments today. These solutions will correct the aesthetics of your smile while supporting your oral health. If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, we welcome you to learn more about these procedures.
Invisalign
We recommend Invisalign for crooked teeth. This metal-free orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct position. It’s a more subtle option than metal braces and is usually faster.
Because they’re removable, you don’t have to restrict your diet. You can remove them to take proper care of your teeth. To learn more about the Invisalign process, see Invisalign.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can treat almost any cosmetic dental concern that you can imagine. They take care of everything from stubborn discolored teeth to misshapen teeth to gaps in your smile. Each dental veneer is custom-made, so it’s unique to fit the size, shape, and shade you desire for your smile.
The veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that resembles tooth enamel. Our dentist will bond it to the front of each teeth you want to transform. To learn more about the dental veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common cosmetic problems patients bring to us is tooth discoloration. We all experience tooth stains and discoloration at some point in our life. As we age, the white enamel layer wears down, exposing the off-white dentin underneath. Lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking coffee cause stains, too.
Professional teeth whitening is the strongest available, whitening your teeth by multiple shades. We offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening solutions. To learn more about our professional teeth whitening options, see Teeth Whitening.
What to Expect at a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
If you don’t like how your smile looks, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at our office for a consultation. At Horizon Family Dental Care, you can expect our dentist to review your concerns and recommend the right cosmetic treatment to meet your needs. A cosmetic consultation will include these steps:
- Discussion of Concerns and Goals: Your consultation begins with a conversation. Our dentist will ask what you like and dislike about your smile. This is your chance to share concerns like chipped teeth, stains, or gaps.
- Medical and Dental History: Then our dentist reviews your medical and dental history to be aware of any existing medical issues. They need to know about any past treatments, health conditions, or medications you’re taking. Some health issues may affect what cosmetic treatments are safe or effective for you.
- Oral Examination: Next, our dentist will perform a full exam of your mouth. This includes checking your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. This step helps us make sure your mouth is healthy before you get cosmetic treatments.
- Digital Imaging or Impressions: Sometimes, we need to take digital images or dental impressions. These additional measures will give us a visual representation of the potential outcomes of cosmetic procedures. It may also help us get a better view of the state of your oral health.
- Discussion of Treatment Options: After reviewing your exam and listening to your goals, our dentist will explain your treatment options. He or she will review what each procedure can do, the expected results, the risks and benefits, and how much each option may cost.
- Customized Treatment Plan: If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll create a treatment plan made just for you. This plan is based on your goals, your current oral health, and your budget. We’ll also talk about payment and financing options so you can feel comfortable with your next steps.
- Patient Questions and Concerns: We always allow enough time for you to ask questions or express concerns. Please feel free to discuss your concerns on any aspect of your treatment plan. The end goal is to make sure you are happy with your smile and to make sure you are confident with the care we give you.
Schedule an Appointment for Cosmetic Dentistry in Baltimore, MD
Horizon Family Dental Care offers cosmetic dental care in the Baltimore area. Our expert cosmetic dentists can transform your smile with our list of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Call us to book your consultation or schedule an appointment online at our Baltimore dental office.