Many of our Houston cosmetic dentist patients wish their teeth were bright and white, just like influencers and celebrities, and we understand why! A whiter smile boosts your confidence and enhances your appearance. However, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons prior to getting Houston teeth whitening treatment. This way you are positive that you will benefit from it.

The Benefits of Teeth Whitening

A Vibrant Smile

Considering this is a Houston cosmetic dentistry procedure, the greatest benefit of having your teeth whitened is that your teeth will be a stunning shade of white, which mens no more yellow or stained teeth!

Boosted Confidence

Aside from simply having whiter teeth, another benefit of Houston cosmetic teeth whitening is that you will feel more attractive and confident in your appearance. After all, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that 96% of adults believe an whiter smile makes someone more attractive. This uptick in confidence could be life changing!

Effective and Long Lasting Results

We’ve previously discussed why professional teeth whitening done in-office is better than going the over-the-counter route. The fact remains that, by visiting our Houston cosmetic dentist for a teeth whitening treatment, you will get to wear your new smile for several months to come. OTC whitening treatments tend to only last a few weeks.

The Drawbacks of Teeth Whitening at a Houston Cosmetic Dentist Office

When you come in for in-office teeth whitening with our Houston cosmetic dentist, there are side effects, but far fewer than OTC methods.

Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

Sensitivity is the most common side effect and drawback associated with teeth whitening, and is usually a direct result of the bleach. That said, we customize just how white we make your teeth, which usually helps mitigate sensitivity issues. In some cases this might mean you don't get to have as white a smile as you wish. If you do experience sensitivity, though, it often resolves some time after treatment is completed.

Certain Cosmetic Dental Procedures Cannot Be Whitened

Teeth whitening only works on the natural teeth. If you have had any prior work done by a Houston cosmetic dentist, such as a veneer or crown, then whitening treatment will not affect it. If you are interested in getting your teeth whitened, we recommend you do this before getting veneers, dental implants, or dental crowns so that we can try to match the porcelain tooth's shade to your newly-whitened teeth. 

Gentle Teeth Whitening at Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist Office

Teeth whitening may not be for everyone, especially for those who already experience some tooth sensitivity. That said, if you’re interested in getting your teeth whitened, then please book an appointment with our Houston cosmetic dentist so we can evaluate your teeth and determine the best level of treatment for you.

As a top-rated cosmetic dentist in Houston, we offer several different dental treatments and procedures that both restore your smile and make it look even more beautiful than ever before. A very common cosmetic dentistry procedure we offer that also transforms your smile is the dental implant. Here’s when we recommend a dental implant and what it consists of.

When Do We Recommend You Get a Dental Implant?

First and foremost, a dental implant is meant to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In the latter case, we may recommend a dental bridge, but this depends on your personal case. So, if you’re missing any teeth, especially toward the front, a dental implant may be recommended to you because it looks and feels like a natural tooth, without disturbing your natural teeth.

What Does a Dental Implant Consist of?

A dental implant is made up of 3 parts:

• Metal post
• Abutment
• Crown or bridge

How Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist Installs a Dental Implant

Dental Implants are complex surgeries that need to be done in phases.

Phase One: Post Installation

Of course, we have to make sure you’re sedated so you don’t feel anything during the procedure. We offer different dental sedation methods and which one we use is determined by your specific needs.

Once you’re sedated, our Houston cosmetic dentist will install a surgical-grade post–which is referred to as the implant itself–into your jaw. This will serve as your new tooth’s “root” 

After the installation is complete, you will still have a gap, but your main focus must be on healing over the next few months. This healing process, which is known as osseointegration is crucial to ensuring your implant surgery is a success. During this process, the dental implant post will gradually bond itself into the jaw. This sounds severely painful, but rest assured that you will only feel some mild pain and discomfort for a few days, which you will treat with medication we prescribe.

Phase Two: Abutment Placement

We move onto phase two once the dental implant is fully bonded to your jaw. We will then attach the abutment, a piece that connects the metal post to your dental crown.

Phase Three: Crown Application

The third and final phase in this long but rewarding process is the creation of a custom cosmetic dental crown. The crown will be what people see when you talk and smile, so we make sure it looks like your natural teeth and fits comfortably so you're able chew like you normally would.

Think Dental Implants Are Right For You? Visit Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist for a Consultation

If you think a dental implant might be suitable for you, please book an appointment for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your needs and decide if we move forward with dental implants.

In the 2000’s and 2010’s, many celebrities would use Invisalign Clear Aligners and became brand ambassadors because they were so happy with their results. Today, it’s pretty clear how great Invisalign is, but this method is most effective in certain cases. Who, then, gets the greatest benefit from undergoing Invisalign treatment? This is what our Houston cosmetic dentist recommends.

Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign Clear Aligners are made of a transparent, thin, and flexible plastic that is molded to your teeth in such a way that gradually and ever-so-gently pushes your teeth into the correct alignment, making them straighter and better for your overall dental health. Clear Aligners are also removable, which is one of their primary benefits.

Invisalign Works Best For Certain Houston Cosmetic Dentist Patients

Our Houston cosmetic dentist’s patients with mild malocclusions (bad bites) gain the most benefit from wearing Invisalign, whereas metal dental braces work extremely well on virtually every type of case, regardless of how mild or severe. Maybe you’ve had metal braces before, but you didn’t wear your retainers as directed, so your teeth shifted. In this case, Invisalign may quickly straighten your teeth again. This isn’t the only case in which Invisalign is recommended, though. Invisalign works in many different cases, but it simply works fastest in milder cases. 

Discipline is a Factor Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist Takes Into Account When Determining if Invisalign is Right For You

It’s very easy for Invisalign to be your go-to choice to correct the alignment of your teeth, but there are some factors regarding discipline that may make Clear Aligners less than ideal to straighten your teeth.

Hours of Wear

Invisalign is removable, but that does not mean it’s okay to forgo wearing it for long periods of time. Our Houston cosmetic dentist recommends you wear Invisalign for 22-24 hours a day, which means you need to be mindful. Don’t lose, misplace, or forget to wear your alignment trays. If you follow our guidelines, then there may be an occasion in which you can skip them, such as a wedding or the high school prom if you’re one of our pediatric dentist patients.

Practicing Hygiene

Just like with ceramic braces or metal braces, you must make sure you brush your teeth after every meal/snack/beverage. This ensures no food particles remain in between your teeth, which causes two problems.

• It’s easier to get cavities
• Food gets in the way of your aligners, inhibiting their job

Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist Offers Effective Invisalign Treatment

If you wonder if Invisalign may be a good match for you, then please book an appointment with our Houston dentist. We’ll begin with an evaluation and discuss your needs so that we can develop the best custom dental treatment for you.

Our Houston kids dentist sees many children with cavities. Kids may be more prone to cavities because they might eat more sugary foods or because they may not have a complete grasp on dental hygiene, but there are things kids can (and should) do in order to prevent future cavities. Here is what our Houston pediatric dentist suggests parents and children do.

Understand How Prone Your Child is to Cavities

Try as you might to protect your teeth against cavities, some people are simply more prone to cavities, which may be genetic. The best way to find out if this is the case for your child is by coming in for regular Houston dental checkups twice a year. These exams help us start tracking your child’s dental health and also make better recommendations for ways to prevent cavities as efficiently as possible.

Ensure Your Child Properly Brushes Their Teeth at Least Twice a Day

One of the best and easiest ways for your child to protect their teeth from cavities and decay is by brushing their teeth in the morning and at bedtime with a fluoridated toothpaste. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste strengthens the enamel, which provides extra protection against cavities. As Houston pediatric dentists, we tell our patients that the best way to brush their teeth is by brushing them in gentle, circular motions for 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. Using a fluoridated mouthwash afterward is also helpful.

Help Your Child Floss Every Night Before Bed

Flossing is an absolute necessity, but many of our patients say they don’t floss because it hurts or because it causes them to bleed. That said, flossing picks are another option. If your child bleeds while they floss, though, this may actually be a sign that they aren’t flossing enough. This is because, if your child doesn’t floss, they are letting plaque to build up in their gums, which can cause inflammation and pain. Now, if it is minimal bleeding that stops quickly, then this shouldn’t be cause for too much concern–just ensure your child keeps flossing. However, if the bleeding seems excessive and you become worried, please request an appointment as soon as possible. 

Our Houston Kids Dentist Offers Tooth-Colored Fillings For Children

If your child is experiencing a toothache, then please book an appointment with our Houston pediatric dentist so we can check for cavities. We utilize state-of-the-art composite fillings, which lasts a long time and also matches the color of your child’s tooth.