Is Dental Bonding the Right Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure for You?

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Do you hesitate to smile due to a crack, chip, staining, a misshapen tooth, or a larger-than-normal gap between your front teeth? Dental bonding in Athens, TX, is a quick and budget-friendly way to improve your smile.

What is Dental Bonding?

With dental bonding, your dentist applies composite material to your tooth to cover your cosmetic issue. After placing the material directly on your tooth, your dentist then sculpts the material to fit the exact shape of your tooth. Dental bonding materials are the same shade as teeth, so no one needs to know you had a cosmetic procedure done unless you tell them. After ensuring that the material has hardened, your dentist polishes your tooth for the last step.

The dental team at Athens Smiles may also use bonding material to treat minor tooth decay. As with cosmetic procedures, the material is the same shade as your teeth. We recommend checking with your dental insurance company to see if you have coverage for dental bonding. Some insurance carriers will only cover non-cosmetic applications.

Some Things to Keep in Mind About Dental Bonding

You only need to schedule one appointment, and the entire process takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Your dentist may need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to prevent the tooth from appearing too bulky.

The bonding material on your tooth may become stained over time. Be sure to avoid dark-colored drinks like coffee and red wine, and don’t smoke for at least 48 hours after the procedure. The typical lifespan of bonding materials is three to seven years, depending on whether you smoke and how well you care for your oral health.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions about dental bonding in Athens, TX.

Sources

How Dental Bonding Alters the Look of Your Teeth – Dental Health Center (everydayhealth.com)

The Teeth-Whitening Process From Start to Finish

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Wish you could have a brighter, whiter smile? Teeth whitening is a common procedure that has helped millions of people achieve just that. Performed in the comfort of your dentist’s office, teeth whitening is non-invasive and painless, and will leave you with beautiful results. Ask your dentist in Athens, TX, if teeth whitening is right for you.

How Does Your Dentist Whiten Your Teeth?

First, your dentist will perform an oral exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and in good condition. Next, they’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and decide which shade of white is best for you.

Before your dentist applies the whitening agent, they’ll apply a protective gel to your gums to avoid irritation. Afterward, they’ll apply the whitening compound, usually a mixture containing hydrogen peroxide, to the front of your teeth. This mixture usually stays on for around 30 minutes before it’s rinsed away. Your dentist may then brush your teeth thoroughly and apply a fluoride treatment.

Will Your Teeth Look Whiter Right Away?

Yes! The whitening materials used by your dentist are much stronger than the over-the-counter kits available in your local drug store. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see a big difference in the whiteness and brightness of your teeth on the same day.

Can You Just Whiten Your Teeth at Home?

You can, but we don’t recommend it. Over-the-counter kits take much longer to produce results, meaning it can take weeks before you begin to see a subtle difference in the whiteness of your teeth. They may also be less effective on certain types of stains and discolorations. If you do decide to use a home teeth-whitening kit, we recommend you talk with your dentist first to learn more about the process and to get recommendations on the best kit to use.

Where Can You Find Teeth Whitening in Athens, TX

If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Athens, TX, call Athens Smiles Family Dental to schedule a consultation. At Athens Smiles, we’re always happy to sit down with you to discuss your dental goals. Book your appointment today.

Sources

Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dental Bonding: Improve Your Smile on a Budget  

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People consider dental bonding in Athens, Texas for the same reasons they consider several other types of cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include a gap between the two front teeth, a cracked or chipped tooth, a misshapen tooth, or a discolored tooth. The process is simple and typically only requires a single appointment since it focuses on just the front two teeth. Dental bonding is often more affordable when compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures as well.

What to Expect with the Dental Bonding Procedure

The first thing your dentist does when you visit Athens Smiles for a cosmetic dentistry consultation is evaluate the condition of all your teeth. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the severity of your cosmetic dental issue and whether bonding material is the appropriate solution for you.

If the two of you agree that bonding is the best way to improve the appearance of your smile, your dentist moves onto roughing the tooth to prepare it for bonding. Removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel ensures that the bonding material will remain firmly adhered to your tooth. Once the bonding material is in place, your dentist uses an ultraviolet curing light that speeds up the process of hardening the material.

Before dismissing you to go home, your dentist trims the putty-like substance from your tooth. The primary ingredient in the bonding material is composite resin, and it is similar to what dentists use to fill cavities. You can now smile confidently knowing that others can no longer see your minor cosmetic dentistry problem or notice that you have had it treated. Most people do not need to repeat the procedure for up to 10 years. The approximate cost is up to $600 per tooth.

Contact Your Athens, TX, Dentist Today

Please contact Athens Smiles to request a consultation for dental bonding in Athens, Texas today.

 

4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Whiter

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Do you want white teeth? You can make that happen. By making lifestyle and behavioral changes, and by keeping up with your visits to the dentist in Athens TX, you can help your teeth stay white and beautiful. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining white teeth in Athens.

1. Watch What You Eat

Some foods stain your teeth more than others. Red wine, coffee, tea, beets, tomato sauce, and other dark-colored or red foods can stain teeth easily. Of course, you should eat the foods that you love, but if you are eating staining foods, take a toothbrush with you to brush your teeth about an hour after the meal ends.

2. Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Over the course of the day, food will build up on your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice daily regardless of what you’ve eaten can help you avoid staining your teeth. Brush your teeth first in the morning and then again in the evening. Have your dentist show you best practices for brushing your teeth the next time you come in for a cleaning, to be sure that you’re doing the best job you can.

3. See the Dentist Every Six Months

Visit the dentist for regular cleanings, every six months. Your dentist will remove tartar and plaque to help keep your teeth white.

4. Whiten Your Teeth With the Dentist

If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth and also serious about having whiter teeth, get your teeth whitened in Athens TX. At Athens Smiles, we offer tooth whitening for patients with good oral health. Our professional teeth whitening services can restore your teeth to their natural pearly white state!

What You Need to Know About Fastbraces 

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Fastbraces straighten and align teeth just as regular braces do. However, they do it in much less time. Where traditional braces require between 18 and 30 months of treatment, Fastbraces require 12 months or less. If you’re interested in learning more about Fastbraces, Athens Smiles Family Dental, your go-to dentist in Athens, TX, is happy to help.

How Do Fastbraces Work?

Much like traditional braces, Fastbraces utilize a system of brackets and wires to shift the crowns of your teeth into alignment. However, Fastbraces brackets are shaped differently than traditional metal braces. Additionally, they work in conjunction with phototherapy and subsonic wave therapy sessions that stimulate cells inside the jawbone, making it much easier for the roots of your teeth to reposition as well. You’ll need to keep regular appointments with Athens Smiles Family Dental throughout your treatment with Fastbraces. This allows us to conduct the in-office therapy sessions needed to stimulate the repositioning of the roots.

Why Should I Choose Fastbraces Over Regular Braces or Aligners?

While aligners are a popular choice for straightening teeth, not everyone is a candidate. However, Fastbraces are suitable for most patients, even children, because they don’t require any type of self-discipline. They’re fitted and affixed to the teeth using a system of wires and brackets that are much more flexible than regular braces. This makes it easier to brush. They cause less friction and less discomfort, too. Best of all, they work faster than either braces or aligners, meaning patients wear them for much shorter periods of time.

Call Athens Smiles Family Dental Today

When you’re ready to explore the many benefits of Fastbraces in Athens, TX, for yourself or a family member, call Athens Smiles Family Dental to schedule a consultation. We’re always happy to see new smiles.

Considering Invisalign? A Look at the Benefits

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To date, millions of people have straightened their smiles and discovered newfound confidence with Invisalign. These aligners are a straightforward approach to smile alignment and can correct a litany of spacing imperfections. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment in Athens, TX, getting to know the benefits of treatment is a perfect place to start.

Invisalign is an inconspicuous treatment

The fact that you can straighten your teeth without it being blatantly obvious is perhaps one of the most attractive benefits of Invisalign from a patient’s standpoint. The aligners are clear and inconspicuous, they don’t push your lips outward, and they don’t change your appearance. This means you can go through the treatment without most people knowing a thing unless you want them to know.

Invisalign works well for patients of all ages

Invisalign is a viable option for patients of just about any age. For teens who prefer braces do not get in the way of their appearance, Invisalign can be especially attractive. For adults who are not so fond of everyone knowing they are wearing braces or braces interfering with their personal lives, Invisalign works well.

Invisalign can be more comfortable for patients

The aligners used during Invisalign treatment slip onto your teeth comfortably. You may feel a bit of pressure as your teeth are moved into position, but you won’t be dealing with things like abrasions because metal brackets rub the inner lips. You can wear Invisalign while you are sleeping comfortably, and the aligners can be taken off so you can eat whatever you want.

Talk to an Athens, TX Dentist About Invisalign

Do you believe that Invisalign may be the right route to smile alignment for you? If so, an Athens dentist can help. Reach out to us at Athens Smiles to schedule your consultation.

What is an Orthodontic Band?

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When you think of orthodontics, you probably automatically think of traditional braces. But orthodontics has come a long way since those metal “train tracks.” One of the most recent advances is called an orthodontic band. Orthodontic bands have the same purpose as traditional braces. They are meant to realign teeth. However, they do so in a much more low-profile way, making them less visible to others.

Who Can Try Orthodontic Bands?

In Athens, TX, orthodontic bands are available for many kinds of patients, including:

  • Athletes who need low-profile orthodontics
  • Adults whose teeth are more firmly set in place
  • Children whose teeth are still in growth mode

Your Athens dentist can give you more insight as to whether an orthodontic band may be right for you.

Benefits of Orthodontic Bands

Orthodontic bands actually have several advantages over traditional braces and other orthodontic methods. For one thing, orthodontic bands are stronger, which makes it less likely they will come loose. They also offer faster results in most cases, and give more effective results. When drastic re-alignment is needed, orthodontic bands can be used in conjunction with clear ceramic brackets.

What is the Process Like?

You will likely need two appointments to get an orthodontic band. The first appointment will be so that your Athens dentist can take an impression of your teeth. That impression will then be sent to a dental lab, where they will manufacture a custom orthodontic band. Your second appointment will be for the actual fitting, where your Athens dentist will bond the orthodontic band to your teeth. You will find the entire experience almost painless and very fast.

Orthodontic bands are yet another option for your Athens dentist to treat misaligned teeth. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today for a consultation.

 

5 Good Reasons to Consider Veneers

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In Athens, TX veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments that people get. However, many people are still on the fence about getting veneers. If you’ve been wondering what your options are for improving your smile, here are five good reasons to consider veneers.

1. Veneers Are Non-Invasive

One reason that veneers are so popular is that they are non-invasive. No surgery is required. You don’t even have to have anesthesia if you don’t want to.

2. Veneers Are Not Obvious

Only you and your dentist will know that you have veneers. They can be colored to match your existing natural teeth, and they blend seamlessly into your smile.

3. They Can Give You More Confidence

If you’ve been hiding your smile or smiling with your mouth closed out of embarrassment, you’ll love the confidence that veneers can give you. You’ll likely feel more confident to try new things, meet new people and just have a higher quality of life. Veneers aren’t magic, but they can have a magical positive influence on the way you present yourself to the world.

4. They Aren’t Just For Celebrities

When veneers first became available, they were known as “caps.” Back then, only movie stars and local celebrities got caps because they were prohibitively expensive for the average person. Now that the cost has dropped considerably, they are within most people’s price range. And, they are now known as veneers, which more aptly describes them.

5. Veneers Make a Dramatic Difference

You wouldn’t believe the amazing before and after pictures of people who have had veneers. They make such a dramatic difference in the face and smile. Wouldn’t you like to experience it for yourself?

Contact Athens Smiles today for more information about veneers. We are happy to answer all of your questions so you can see if veneers might be right for you.