Closing the Gaps on Imperfection

Ok. Maybe you don’t expect for your smile to be 100 percent perfection. However, if gaps between the teeth that make up your smile are causing self-consciousness, they have to go. A skilled dentist has several ways to make this happen. Fortunately, none of them are particularly complicated. If you are ready to see the smile you have always envisioned for yourself, one without gaps, read on to discover your options.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a relatively common cosmetic procedure intended for the correction of minor flaws. For example, a dentist may apply composite resin bonding material to a tooth that has chipped or cracked. The bonding material is the same that is put into a cavity to restore damage without affecting the natural appearance of the tooth. While there are advantages to direct bonding, using this technique for a gap may not be ideal due to the bite force that occurs in front teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers have become a popular cosmetic technique to address a wide range of smile concerns. Where dental bonding can last as little as a few months or as long as about 8 years, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of up to 15 years or longer with excellent care. To cover a gap with veneers, we schedule two appointments. The first is reserved for preparation and impressions. After slightly reducing surface enamel, we take impressions to obtain a model of the teeth the surround the gap. Veneers are then made in a dental lab to be slightly wider than natural teeth. Where natural teeth stop, the new veneers will meet at the center of the gap. The final product is bonded to teeth during the second and final visit.

Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment was historically necessary for people who wanted to close gaps in their smile. While we now have more options to cosmetically disguise gaps, there are benefits to physically closing space in between teeth. Fortunately, we can do this without disrupting a person’s life too much. Invisalign treatment is an excellent option for people who want to reposition their teeth permanently. When this approach is taken, the only form of maintenance that is needed is general upkeep to oral health.

We can help you love your smile. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Price, call (703)-935-2879.

Many of our patients state that they want to have a more appealing smile. If you are interested in upgrading the appearance of your teeth, you have several options. When the concern relates to the alignment of one or more teeth, it may be possible to achieve the desired outcome with braces or veneers. Deciding which method of care is right for you takes a great deal of thought and detailed information from an experienced dentist.

The results from veneer treatment are outstanding when the process is carried out by a dentist familiar with not only your smile and desired outcome but also with the various materials that are used to make veneers. Like veneers, braces are used to correct specific flaws in the smile. The two approaches to a better smile may achieve similar outcomes, but that is where similarities end.

Braces, including Invisalign, physically correct misalignment. This is achieved over the course of several months, during which specific fixtures place gentle force on teeth to move them from one position to another. Dr. Price is a Premier Invisalign Provider in Northern Virginia who routinely utilizes this discreet system to correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, turned teeth and more. Once Invisalign treatment is complete, a retainer needs to be worn at all times for at least another 12 months. With consistent maintenance, the results of Invisalign can last a lifetime.

Veneers do not correct the problem of a turned tooth or mild misalignment. This treatment covers the problem so the tooth or teeth that are unappealing take on a whole new look. The process is much faster, taking only a couple of office visits. It is important to know that veneers do not last forever, and that good oral care is critical to preventing decay and inflammation around the covered teeth.

Crooked teeth pose significant cosmetic concerns. Any amount of misalignment can also mean that bacteria accumulate in between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to any treatment option to give the smile a natural, beautiful look. To learn more about the options available to you, call our Burke office at (703)935-2879.

If you’ve been considering how you can finally get the smile you picture yourself having, veneers have probably crossed your mind. These ultra-thin sheaths of porcelain, or a thin covering of composite material, can go far beyond just brightening up your smile. Veneers are hands-down the most versatile of all cosmetic treatments, capable of disguising tough stains, of closing gaps, of leaping buildings in a single bound! Oh wait, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Veneers are great. Let’s leave it at that.  If you think this treatment may be in your future, you want to know some of the finer details.

Veneers are pretty conservative.

Whether you choose a direct veneer (bonding), or a composite or porcelain indirect veneer that is made in a dental lab, your smile makeover can be completed without extensive tooth reduction. A veneer is only about as thick as a fingernail. So, this is how much surface enamel needs to be reduced. Without this step, there would be a slight ridge where the veneer meets the gums, and that would attract bacteria. We don’t want that.

Sensitive teeth may love veneers.

Veneers are intended as a cosmetic enhancement to the smile. There is no restorative value to speak of, really. That is, unless you are one whose teeth tend to be sensitive due to erosion. Because a veneer builds up the surface, it creates a barrier between the nerve and external factors such as hot or cold temperatures. This is very slight, but it may be enough for some patients to notice a decrease in sensitivity.

Upkeep is required.

A veneer that is affixed to the front surface of a tooth will not last forever. Veneers have a life expectancy of anywhere from five to 15 years. In some cases, however, with excellent care, dentists have seen veneers last up to 20 years. If a veneer is damaged or the bond becomes compromised at some point, it will be necessary to replace the porcelain or composite with a new covering. The good news is that porcelain needs to special upkeep to stay bright and white! Unlike natural enamel, this material is highly stain-resistant.

Your face shape may change.

This can be a big advantage, but one that you don’t want to sneak up on you. When you do a serious smile makeover, the overall appearance of your face may change – in a good way! Lips and cheeks may be better accentuated by your new smile, and facial symmetry may also improve.

Call the Burke office of Dr. Price at (703)750-9404 to learn more about veneers.

Current data reveals that we are living longer now than our ancestors did. Data also reveals that more adults are looking for ways to maintain vitality and youthfulness. This pertains not only to health and wellness, but also to aesthetics. We find it exciting to live in an era in which age management and anti-aging treatments are so readily available. We are also excited to participate in this by offering outstanding cosmetic dentistry services to our patients.

What We Do for Your Smile

Dental care encompasses much more than it ever has before. While there is still a great deal of focus placed on prevention and restoration, there is also great interest in the area of cosmetic improvements. These improvements may be achieved through a number of methods.

Teeth whitening. Stains on enamel do more than diminish the beauty of your smile. According to research, discoloration is a major indicator of age. That being said, teeth whitening fits right into your anti-aging routine. Many people are able to revive their smile within just a few weeks of convenient home whitening treatment prescribed by our office. Don’t wait to bring new life to your smile!  Speak with us about your options for professional teeth whitening.

Tooth replacement. Perhaps one of the most advantageous developments in dentistry in recent years has been the emergence of dental implants. The tooth replacement available to previous generations involved unnatural looking, and poorly fitting, dentures. Today, dental implants top the list of optimal restorative care. This method of tooth replacement gives adults of all ages the ability to handle tooth loss in the most conservative and most attractive manner. Even dentures have improved in the area of fit and aesthetics thanks to the use of modern materials that mimic the characteristics of natural enamel.

From teeth whitening to tooth colored fillings to porcelain veneers and lifelike dental implants, we enjoy performing dental care with the end goal of complete satisfaction in mind. We look forward to helping you enjoy the best of your smile throughout your life. Call (703)750-9404 to schedule your visit to our Springfield office.

Whiter teeth can improve your appearance and boost your confidence, but as people age, their teeth ac

Start With Good Oral Hygiene

Simple daily habits like brushing your teeth after meals and flossing every single day are the first step to getting whiter teeth. To make the most of these daily habits, use a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.

Avoid Stains

Even if your teeth are already a little stained, avoiding more stains in the future will help you get and keep a whiter smile. The following tips can help you prevent stains:

• Stop smoking—it is bad for your health and bad for your teeth. If you need help, ask your doctor, your family, and your friends for support.
• Remember that coffee and red wine can stain your teeth. Don’t drink too much of either beverage. Sipping coffee through a straw can help you minimize the damage.
• Avoid brushing your teeth too hard. This can weaken your enamel, which is the first line of defense for your teeth. The enamel is also whiter than the tooth below it, so if your enamel is damaged, your teeth will look darker and stains will be more noticeable.
• Drink plenty of water, especially if you eat sugary foods or drink beverages that can stain your teeth. The water will help rinse out your mouth before stains settle in.

Ask About Veneers

Although there are some things you can do to keep your smile bright, you may not be able to get the smile you want all on your own. If you’re looking for a solution that gives you a healthy, brighter looking smile, veneers may be a good option. These coverings are molded and attached to your teeth so that they look completely natural. Veneers completely cover your teeth, so they’ll hide any stains you have. As an added bonus, veneers will protect your teeth in addition to making them look better.

If you’re interested in veneers, or other solutions that can protect your teeth and improve your appearance, schedule a checkup or dental cleaning with Dr. Stephen Price.