A great smile can transform how you feel about yourself; it is often the first thing you present to people you encounter. Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of treatment options and is always evolving with new technologies. If you are thinking about improving your smile, read on for the 5 things your Phoenix cosmetic dentist should tell you:

Who is Invisalign a match for?

Invisalign isn’t for everybody. For more severe cases it is best to use traditional braces. But for more mild cases involving gapped teeth, overbite or underbite, Invisalign can be an ideal option. It’s important that patients speak with their cosmetic dentist to determine the best options. At Artistic Dental Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari will explain treatment options to assess the most cost-effective solution for those wanting straighter teeth. Read our blog to learn more about how Invisalign works.

What is the difference between a dental crown and a bridge?

Many people do not understand the difference between a dental crown and a bridge. A dental crown is a cap used to restore a tooth to its original appearance and prevent any further damage or decay. Unlike a crown, a dental bridge uses existing teeth to fill in an open area left by a missing tooth. In other words, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap between missing teeth. At Artistic Dental, we use the latest technology to treat our patients. For creating a tooth crown, we have invested in CEREC equipment, which allows our dentists to repair your teeth efficiently and effectively in one. After taking an image of your mouth and the area in need of repair, the dentist will make a crown custom fit to your tooth. This means all the work can be done in one appointment.

How to get the best results from teeth whitening?

Our dental staff has tested a variety of professional teeth whitening methods and found that the Custom Fit Trays and Whitening Gel System that you use at home achieves the best results. It is also the most convenient, it causes the least amount of teeth sensitivity, and cost effective, as it lasts longer than over-the-counter whitening kits. The process is simple: the dentist takes impressions of your teeth, creates custom trays, and then provides instructions on how to use the trays and gel. Plain and simple, you will get the best results from professional whitening products that only licensed dentists carry.

How can laser dentistry reduce symptoms and healing time?

Laser dentistry is one of the most amazing innovations in dentistry. In addition to relieving dental anxiety, it can reduce symptoms and healing time. There are many benefits of laser dentistry including:

  • Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require stitches
  • Minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beam aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels
  • Certain procedures do not require anesthesia
  • Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated
  • Bacterial infections are minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area
  • Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized because of the precision of the laser

What should you know about dental implants?

Dental implants have been around for more than 30 years and are the standard of care when replacing a single missing tooth. A dental implant can also anchor dentures so they don’t move around. Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent, depending on where in the mouth they are placed. With proper oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime. Getting an implant is a simple 6-step process and usually takes 3 visits over a 4-6-month period.

At Artistic Dental, your smile is our priority. From regular checkups to cosmetic dentistry, we always want to give you something to smile about. To learn more about the services at Artistic Dental, please visit our website or give us a call at (602)840-5400.