Enhance Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Fountain Valley
While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing smile appearance. At Eugene Schmidt, DDS, we combine restorative dental procedures and cosmetic services to give you a smile that is both healthy and beautiful.
If you want to improve your smile, there are many choices to consider. Our Fountain Valley, CA, team can provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about cosmetic treatment and your overall dental health. Call us today for more details on balancing the beauty and health of your smile!
CALL US: 714-963-8934 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Restorative and Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Fillings
Many cosmetic treatments may also provide restorative benefits. For example, fillings are used to treat decayed teeth. Many dental fillings are composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that leave visible dark spots. Dr. Schmidt offers fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth to maintain the natural appearance of your smile. We see many people who choose to have older fillings replaced with newer composite materials. The final result is optimal oral health and a smile you can share with confidence.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Durability & Strength
New methods of manufacturing filling materials have come a long way in their ability to improve strength and durability. Composite fillings can now be used for all teeth, including molars. The material has strong adhesive properties and requires less enamel removal. These improvements allow you to keep more of your original tooth structure, lowering your risk for additional, more invasive procedures in the future.
Safety & Appearance
Composite fillings can be matched to your unique tooth color for a more pleasing and natural look. They are metal-free, which means there is no release of mercury before, during, or after the procedure. The material is also more versatile and can be used on different surface areas, allowing for small restorations on teeth that would otherwise need a full crown.
Cosmetic Trends and Treatment Options in Fountain Valley, CA
Technological advances in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make the cosmetic dental treatments of today quicker, less painful, and more durable than in previous years. They are also becoming more affordable, allowing more people to receive these treatments and take advantage of their restorative and aesthetic benefits.
At Eugene Schmidt, DDS, we offer the following cosmetic restoration options:
Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials are a long-lasting yet aesthetically pleasing way to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place inside the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a laboratory before being fitted and bonded into place.
Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, or discolored teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected quickly and economically with composite bonding. Dental composite material is applied onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends naturally with the surrounding tooth structure and to create a healthy, bright smile.
Dental Crowns: Dental crowns, also known as "caps," are used to repair and protect teeth after removing large cavities, or those that have been cracked, broken, or chipped. Crowns are also used to complete root canal therapy and are also placed on top of dental implants. Our crowns are custom made to ensure your tooth looks natural and feels comfortable.
Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is easily the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth become stained over time and removing this discoloration can brighten your smile dramatically. We offer the professional version of GLO, which is available in many beauty stores at a less powerful strength. The system is easy to use for precise control of the gel and doesn’t cause any sensitivity issues. GLO has been clinically proven to get your smile five times whiter and is vegan, gluten, latex, and cruelty-free.
Dental Veneers: Thin composite or porcelain shells are bonded to the front surface of a tooth to correct chips and cracks, deep stains, and even minor alignment problems. Veneers can transform your smile and can usually be completed in two visits with little or no anesthesia.
Dental Implants: Dental implants consist of three parts, a titanium post, an abutment, and a restoration. Implants are the preferred replacement option because they closely simulate a natural tooth from root to crown. If a lost tooth is not replaced, you can lose bone density and develop a shrunken look. Implants provide an enhanced smile and a more youthful appearance.
Laser Dentistry: Lasers are very effective and can perform a variety of treatments. For cosmetic purposes, lasers are commonly used to reshape soft tissue to expose the natural tooth. Also known as crown lengthening, this treatment corrects a “gummy smile” and creates a more symmetrical and balanced look.
FAQ: What causes tooth discoloration?
Answer: As you age, your enamel wears down, producing a dull appearance to your teeth. Smoking, heavy consumption of tea, coffee, and red wine can also cause teeth to become discolored. Certain antibiotics, fluoride consumption, and even genetics can create stains and visible markings. Fortunately, Eugene Schmidt, DDS can offer effective treatment options for these conditions and restore your smile to a more youthful brilliance.
What to Expect at Your Fountain Valley Dental Consultation
Your initial consultation is an opportunity for you to learn about our practice and discuss what you like and what you don’t like about your smile. It’s also an opportunity to learn about all your options and get expert advice on how to plan your treatment.
We like to start at the beginning and get all your information and history. These records are important for developing a unique and detailed treatment strategy that will meet your oral health needs and satisfy aesthetic goals. Our first appointment will usually involve:
- Intraoral photographs
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- An inspection of any existing dental work
- Reviewing tooth shape and color to see what appeals to you
- Reviewing your smile to understand what can be changed and the length and cost of treatment
- Meeting with our staff to coordinate appointments, follow-up care, and insurance
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
Dental insurance does not typically provide coverage for cosmetic treatment because it is seen as an elective procedure. However, we encourage you to invest in yourself and your dental health. To help you finance your treatments, we offer a variety of payment options and assistance in maximizing your insurance benefits.
The cost of your cosmetic treatment will depend on how many different procedures you need and the condition of your current oral health. We recommend that your gum health be evaluated and treated first, so you have a strong foundation to build on. For instance, if you have gum disease, we would advise scaling and root planing first to ensure there is no tartar or plaque below the gumline. Although this treatment is considered a preventive measure, it will protect your teeth and minimize the risk of gums receding and exposing the margins of your new restorations. If you need a crown or veneer, then having a whitening treatment done first lets you match your crown or veneer to your newly lightened teeth.
FAQ: Can I choose to be sedated for cosmetic procedures?
Answer: Most of the time, you will be able to take advantage of our sedation options. The level of sedation will depend on your medical history, the types of treatments you want, and how many procedures are done at one time. Most cosmetic services are not uncomfortable, and after we explain your treatment process, your anxiety may subside enough so that you only need a local anesthetic.
Tips for Handling Anxiety with Dental Care
Even if sedation is not a viable option for you, there are other tricks to keep you focused and help your treatment go smoothly.
Communicate - It’s important to let Dr. Schmidt and his staff know how you are feeling and realize that your anxiety is normal. We can adapt the treatments around your needs to ensure you are more relaxed. If you feel informed and in control of your situation, then you are less likely to feel anxious.
Bring a buddy - Taking a relative or a friend with you to your appointment can often help you feel more at ease. Choose someone who is naturally calm and reassuring; it can make a world of difference.
Get distracted - Slip in those earbuds and listen to your favorite calming music. It will drown out the sound of the drill and keep you feeling more relaxed.
Use hand signals - Agree on some hand signals and share them with us before the treatments begin. This way, when you feel uncomfortable, you can make a signal to ease off or stop the procedure.
Appointment times - Choose the appointment time that is the least stressful for you. Are early mornings better, so you don’t have to worry about it all day? Or, is it better to have your treatment at the end of the day, after you’ve completed all your work?
Make the first appointment easy - Schedule a consultation first. Meeting the team and getting familiar with the environment can help you feel less anxious at your next appointment. Many times, just understanding what type of treatment you need and communicating your expectations can help reduce your stress level.
See yourself somewhere else - Practicing visualization techniques, like imaging yourself in your favorite vacation spot, can help relax you. This can be more successful if you are listening to some music that matches the mood of your happy place.
Practice good breathing - During your appointment, make sure you are breathing properly by taking slow, deep, regular breaths. People tend to take very shallow breaths when they are tense, and this can lead to a decreased oxygen level, which will bring on feelings of panic. Practice your breathing techniques before your appointment and see how it reduces your stress levels.
FAQ: Can children have cosmetic dental treatment?
Answer: Yes, there are appropriate procedures based on your child’s age, goals, and oral health condition. Accidents, sports injuries, or slight gaps can be easily repaired with bonding or veneers. Children who have taken certain medications can have discolored teeth that make them feel very self-conscience, and professional whitening treatments can improve socialization and self-esteem.
Are You Happy with Your Smile?
Most people can identify something they would like to change to improve their smile but put off treatment because of anxiety or cost. At Eugene Schmidt, DDS, we truly enjoy working together to help you improve your oral health and believe you deserve to be happy with your smile. Even if you don’t think you can afford extensive treatment, we have many smaller services and DIY home solutions we can share with you to improve the look of your smile.
Professional Cosmetic Dental Treatment in Fountain Valley, CA
We understand that selecting a dental professional is a very personal and important choice. Our experienced Fountain Valley, CA, team appreciates every individual, and we will take the time to ensure you are comfortable and confident about your treatment. Our goal is to provide the service and experience that leaves you happy and completely satisfied with your results. Call us today to set up a consultation and get started on creating the smile you’ve always wanted.
CALL US: 714-963-8934 REQUEST APPOINTMENT