Watertown Dental Dental Blog

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Improve Your Confidence, Watertown MN

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to you today that can improve your smile. A simple change in your smile, such as aligning teeth or repairing chipped teeth with veneers, can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. It also changes how others perceive you!

Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. It helps you feel confident, happy, healthy and attractive; it makes you appear successful in various pursuits including professionally. If on the other hand for any reason like cracks or stains or gaps in your teeth you are feeling shy about smiling with others then look into visiting a cosmetic dentist.

When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You? Watertown MN

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why any patients visit a cosmetic dentist to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

Preparing for the Initial Visit 

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start. 

The Consultation Process 

A typical cosmetic dental consultation is a brief appointment with the dentist to discuss any issues that you have with your teeth and smile, as well as the various treatments available and the best options for your case. 

Your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in.

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment. 

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Watertown MN

Your beautiful smile forms a central part of your image, which positively affects your relationships, both socially and professionally. 

Today, there are numerous cosmetic dental procedures that you can use to improve your smile. Even a subtle change to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you. 

Here are some of the most common cosmetic teeth problems: 

  • Stained or Discolored Teeth – There are many things that contribute to tooth discoloration, including age, food, drinks, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
  • Tooth Decay – Decay occurs due to the buildup of plaque, causing it to eat away your tooth structure and create cavities. Depending on the extent of damage, your dentist will remove the infection, treat the site, and then fill the cavity to stop further deterioration.
  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth – Teeth can break due to any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth. Broken teeth can be repaired in a simple in-office procedure to restore the aesthetics of your smile. 
  • Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. 
  • Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case.

Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist Near Me, Watertown MN

Today, there are many dental procedures for cosmetic purposes that can significantly enhance your smile. Even subtle changes to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. 

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization of professional oral care that aims to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. A beautiful smile can help you in whatever life path you choose- whether it be professionally or socially. It also gives you great confidence when smiling with other people, which helps give them faith in what they do as well! But if your teeth are damaged from cracks, stains, or gaps then visiting a cosmetic dentist may be the best idea for improving things.

Here are some of the most common cosmetic teeth problems: 

  • Stained or Discolored Teeth – There are many things that contribute to tooth discoloration, including age, food, drinks, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
  • Tooth Decay – Decay occurs due to the buildup of plaque, causing it to eat away your tooth structure and create cavities. Depending on the extent of damage, your dentist will remove the infection, treat the site, and then fill the cavity to stop further deterioration.
  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth – Teeth can break due to any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth. Broken teeth can be repaired in a simple in-office procedure to restore the aesthetics of your smile. 
  • Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. 
  • Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Watertown MN

Cosmetic dentistry offers a way for you to improve your smile via varying cosmetic dental procedures. Even a subtle change to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you.

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why any patients visit a cosmetic dentist to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

Preparing for the Initial Visit 

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

3 Things to Consider Before Paying for Porcelain Veneers | Watertown MN

Porcelain veneers are a permanent, cosmetic tooth repair option that can be recommended to correct a number of issues affecting your smile. Veneers refer to thin shells that are permanently bonded to the front and sides of the damaged or stained teeth to cover up the blemishes while protecting the tooth from further damage. 

Since they are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Your dental plan can, however, pay for professional teeth cleaning, which is necessary before veneer placement. 

Before you proceed with getting your porcelain veneers, you should consider the following:

1. Different Types of Materials 

Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than composite resin, which can be placed on the same day without fabrication in a dental lab. If you want same-day veneers, you can also opt for Lumineers, though they are even more expensive than the porcelain.

2. The Price Can Range Depending on Various Factors

The cost of standard veneers ranges per tooth. If you’re looking to get multiple teeth treated, you will have to pay a lot more. Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment. You should pay less per tooth if you’re getting two or more teeth repaired using veneers. You’re likely to get bigger discounts for more teeth, so make sure to shop around and choose the most cost-effective option for you. 

3. Get an Experienced Dentist 

Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free. 

Final Note 

Dental veneers can be used to cover stains, chips, gaps, and crooked teeth to make them look better. But before choosing this mode of treatment, you need to consult with your dentist in Watertown to consider whether it’s the right treatment for your specific case, and whether your budget allows it. 

What are No-Prep Dental Veneers? | Watertown MN

If you’re looking to improve your smile, your cosmetic dentist may recommend that you place thin coverings over the visible surface (front part) of the tooth to conceal any damage. These coverings are known as no-prep dental veneers and are fabricated from tooth-colored materials for aesthetic reasons. 

Dental veneers can be used to correct different cosmetic dental problems, including:

  • Worn or chipped teeth 
  • Discolored teeth that won’t respond to bleaching 
  • Misshapen or crooked teeth 
  • Uneven gaps or spaces between your front teeth 

Veneers are typically made from porcelain material, which requires intensive tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. This method is used because porcelain veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness. Grinding down the tooth helps to maintain its natural size. 

No-Prep Dental Veneers 

Lumineers, Vivaneers, and composite resin veneers that are thinner at 0.3 mm don’t require any tooth preparation before placement. These no-prep veneers are less invasive to apply and take less time, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects.

No-preparation veneers offer several advantages over traditional porcelain veneers, including:

  • Easier to place since no tooth preparation is needed 
  • Don’t require fabrication in a dental lab, which makes them cheaper 
  • Can be used if you have thin tooth enamel to prevent the risk of tooth sensitivity
  • Maintain the natural tooth structure for greater strength of restored teeth 
  • Placed in a single appointment

However, you’re limited to the amount of layers you can add to reduce the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline, putting you at risk of gum disease. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene. Your dentist will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to decide the best material for your veneers. Lumineers may be appropriate. 

Please visit your Watertown cosmetic dentist to discuss ways to improve your smile with dental veneers. 

Reasons to Use Dental Veneers to Correct Your Smile | Watertown MN

There are many reasons why your teeth and smile can seem to be unattractive. Fortunately, dental veneers can solve most of your cosmetic dental problems if you’re a suitable candidate. The dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. This step is necessary to identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other tooth defects that may need to be addressed before getting veneers. 

Dental veneers can be used for:

  • Whitening your smile – dental veneers can be used to conceal unattractive teeth that have turned yellow from smoking cigarettes or brown from consuming pigmented foods. They’re made from tooth-colored material that reflects light like your natural teeth, allowing them to beautifully blend with your smile. Moreover, they’re stain resistant, which means that normal dental care routines are sufficient to maintain your bright smile. 
  • Fixing minor cosmetic concerns – dental veneers can be used to treat slightly crooked or gapped teeth by camouflaging the problems. Though the defect will still be there, no one will be able to notice it when you smile. 
  • Replacing damaged enamel – tooth enamel is tough, but it can still wear down from consuming highly acidic items, grinding and clenching your teeth, or brushing your teeth too vigorously. Veneers can conceal the damage, giving you an even and symmetrical smile. 

Before getting your veneers, you should consult your dentist to discuss the best options for your case, and the number of veneers that should be placed depending on the condition of your teeth and budget. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo other treatments before getting veneers, like using braces to correct uneven or crooked teeth. 

Final Note 

Keep in mind that getting veneers requires the dentist to trim down about 0.5 mm from your tooth enamel using a grinding tool before taking impressions (mold) of the teeth. If you don’t have sufficient tooth enamel, your dentist may recommend no-prep veneers that measure less than 0.3 mm, and are directly bonded to the tooth without grinding it. Please consult your cosmetic dentist in Watertown to find the best dental veneers for your case. 

Should You Pay More for Different Types of Dental Bridges? | Watertown MN

Are you struggling with tooth loss? Perhaps you’ve changed the way you smile and laugh to conceal the gap in your teeth, or you’re having trouble pronouncing some words or enjoying your favorite foods. Whether you’ve lost one or more teeth to trauma, age, or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend dental bridges in Watertown MN to fill the space and restore the full function and aesthetic of your mouth. 

Dental bridges are a common treatment that allows you to maintain the proper alignment of your teeth, which in turn helps to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy through your normal oral hygiene routine. They provide you with one of the most affordable, permanent tooth replacement options, making your mouth feel whole and normal. 

Cost of Dental Bridges 

There are different types of dental bridges in Watertown MN with varied costs depending on, among other factors, the type of dental materials used and type of bridgework used. Porcelain or zirconia are the most common materials and can be nearly as expensive as gold. But the materials are tooth-colored and look like your natural teeth, which makes them a popular option. Moreover, they’re very tough and durable, giving you a long-lasting replacement tooth. 

Whichever material you use, the type of bridgework will influence your cost of treatment as follows:

  • Traditional bridges are supported by two teeth that need to be prepared to accommodate abutment crowns that hold up the replacement tooth. It is the most common procedure, and the cost should be paid in full or partly by your dental insurance plan. 
  • Cantilever bridges are only supported by one tooth, but use a similar process to traditional bridges. They may be slightly cheaper than traditional bridges, but won’t be as strong. 
  • Resin-bonded bridges don’t require abutment crowns or preparation of adjacent teeth to support the pontic. However, they are more expensive than the other two options.
  • Implant-supported bridges are also expensive because of the additional cost of placing dental implants. The need for additional procedures in order to restore your complete smile will add to the total cost of treatment. With implant-supported bridges, you need to visit a dental surgeon for the placement of the implants. Any other dental specialists that you visit due to other dental complications will also increase your total cost of treatment, but it may be necessary to ensure optimal results. 

Want to learn more about dental implants, please schedule an appointment with your Watertown dentist to design the most suitable treatment plan for your needs and budget.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Dental Bridges in Watertown MN

Dental bridges are a common restorative dental treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridgework, comprising a false tooth (pontic) attached to two crowns on either side (abutment), fills the space left behind by missing teeth. 

Here are some other facts about dental bridgework:

1. Why Should I Fill Spaces Between My Teeth?

Gaps between your teeth not only affect the beauty of your smile but also interrupt your speech and ability to chew your food. If left unfilled, the teeth adjacent to the gap can begin to shift out of position, creating smaller gaps between your teeth that are hard to keep clean. This can lead to bacteria buildup that makes you susceptible to gum disease, decay, bad breath, and other oral issues. Moreover, the moving teeth can affect your bite, causing malocclusion and jaw problems. 

2. How do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridgework provides one of several treatments available to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge refers to a fabricated, replacement tooth that is connected to two crowns on either side and used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The crowns supporting the false tooth (pontic) are attached to the adjacent teeth on each side of the gap, forming a bridge. The dental bridge is held in place by the adjacent healthy teeth via the abutments, helping to restore the function and aesthetic of your smile. The bridge may also be anchored to teeth on only one side of the gap, forming a cantilever bridge. If the gap is too big, dental implants may be added to support the bridgework, especially when replacing multiple teeth in a row. 

3. How is the Procedure for Dental Bridges Done?

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two or more dental appointments. The first appointment involves examining your mouth to determine your suitability for the procedure. Afterward, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to place the crown over them without changing the shape or size of the tooth. The dentist then takes an impression of the teeth and uses it to create a model to fabricate your permanent bridge in a dental lab. This process takes several days, so a temporary bridge will be placed over the prepared teeth to protect them in the meantime. The permanent bridge is placed on the second appointment. 

Final Note 

Your bridgework should last many years depending on your oral hygiene routine and mouth-related habits. Please discuss with your dentist in Watertown about ways to maximize the longevity of your dental bridges. 

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