A Freshen-Up or a Do-Over?
Cosmetic renewal can be done at any level you desire. Sometimes you might just want to replace one restoration that’s damaged. We can match your new restoration to your old ones so that no one will be able to tell the difference. New restorations will blend with old as well as the old did with your natural teeth.
Or perhaps you’re unhappy with your entire appearance. If you want to replace all your old restorations, we can do that, too. We will give you our professional opinion about what will look best, but the final decision is yours.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry May Not Last
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your restorations, you might be trying to figure out why you didn’t get the long-lasting results you were hoping for. There are many potential causes for this.
Not all restorations are built to last: Some cosmetic dentistry procedures offer only short-term results. Dental bonding, for example, can give the same results as porcelain veneers at first, but they will only last for a short time. Some types of porcelain veneers are also not really porcelain, but a plastic composite that may be vulnerable to staining or color changes over time.
Bite problems cause damage: One thing that will dramatically reduce the lifespan of your cosmetic dentistry is bite problems. TMJ and bruxism can lead to significantly shorter life for your restorations. If your restorations are chipping and cracking early, this may be the reason.
Improper placement makes restorations vulnerable: Some dentists don’t look at your natural bite when they place restorations, and they may not use dental technology like T-Scan to identify forces in your bite after they place your restorations. This can cause them to fail prematurely.
Improper maintenance: In general, cosmetic dentistry restorations don’t need any special maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to damage them. The most common is using an abrasive toothpaste, which can remove the glaze from the restoration, making it vulnerable to stains.
Nothing lasts forever: Even the best restorations will wear down, discolor, chip, or fall off eventually. You may have enjoyed the restorations you had for a long time, but, sooner or later, it needs replacement.
Do It Right Next Time
With your cosmetic renewal, you have the opportunity to get even better results than you did with your initial cosmetic dentistry. Here are some ways that you can improve your results the second time around.
Choose your dentist carefully: Nothing will make more of a difference than your choice of dentist. Having gone through the procedure once, you know to be more careful the second time. Look over the before and after gallery to see if the dentist can achieve the appearance you’re looking for. Make sure the dentist is equipped to verify bite forces and ensure your restorations aren’t subjected to adverse forces.
Take advantage of new technology: We have many more options for very strong and attractive cosmetic restorations. Ask about the latest developments and find out which ones might give you the most long-lasting results.
Be aware of risks: Now that you know about your bite problems, make sure you take appropriate steps to protect your restorations. This may include doing a full mouth reconstruction to correct your bite or simply wearing a bite guard at night.
Take care: Now that you know about potential damage to your restorations caused by your oral hygiene routine, you’ll know better now and be able to take care of your restorations. This can expand their lifespan.
Renew Your Smile
If your cosmetic dentistry no longer looks as attractive as it once did, we can help you renew your smile so you’ll love it as much as or more than when you first got it.
Please call 940-322-2252 or contact us today for an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at StarImage Dentistry in Wichita Falls, TX.
