According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® national survey, statistics reveal that Americans place a high value on their smile.
- Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset
- 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex and
- 74% of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.
A smile can be the most eye-catching feature of a face. With dentistry's many advances, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.
There are plenty of cosmetic choices that can empower you to smile with confidence. Tooth whitening treatments are available in our dental office or for your use at home.
Teeth Whitening Procedures Can Help:
- Lighten coffee-stained teeth.
- Remove cigarette and tobacco discolorations.
- Correct yellowing in teeth due to aging.
Choices for Whiter Teeth
The following are two options for whitening your teeth.
In-Office Power Teeth Whitening
- A teeth whitening gel containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth.
- In-office teeth whitening can often be accomplished in one visit to the dentist.
- Home teeth whitening may be recommended to enhance the effects.
At-Home Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening
- The patient wears a custom-fitted mouth tray containing a teeth whitening gel for a few hours each day or night.
- The trays can be adjusted to lighten individual teeth.
- The average patient will wear mouth trays for one to two weeks. More severe stains can often be improved with extended use of a home teeth whitening system.
AACD Dentist Supervised Treatments vs. Over-the-Counter Kits
Numerous over-the-counter teeth whitening products are now available, but dentist-supervised teeth whitening remains the safest and most effective method for brightening your smile. Here are some key reasons why you should always consult with your AACD dentist.
Proper Fitting Mouth Trays
Often, over-the-counter teeth whitening trays do not fit the patient’s mouth properly. Improperly fitting trays may cause the teeth whitening gel to leak and can result in gum irritation and a less effective treatment.More Comfortable Solutions
With today’s dentist-supervised systems, even patients with sensitive teeth can undergo teeth whitening treatment.
Be sure to consult with Dr. Seay to find out which teeth whitening treatment is best for you. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.
Smile Designs
Before a smile can be beautiful, it needs to function properly. There are many moving parts to cosmetic restorations and often more than meets the eye.
While there are many cosmetic procedures available to patients, the skill and training of a cosmetic dentist is just as important. Proper lab and material selection are critical to the long term success of any restoration. It is important for patients to have a restorative dentist that can facilitate a comprehensive treatment plan that may require coordination with multiple dental specialists. This can help ensure that the patient will receive optimal and predictable dental results.
Dr. Seay has crafted her cosmetic skill with advanced technical training and advanced study within respected institutions and professional organizations.
Dr. Seay is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.
Dr. Seay is also dedicated to the continuous improvement of her dental team, which is why her entire elite team travels with her to the annual AACD conventions. This ensures that the dental experience at Park West Dentistry remains progressive and continues to deliver a higher standard of care for each of its patients while delivering beautiful and natural smiles
If you are looking to improve your smile...
beautiful, custom-fitted veneers can provide the answer.
About Veneers
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile.Should You Consider Veneers?
Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshaped or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.How Long Will Veneers Last?
Veneers are intended to last for many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.How Are Veneers Applied?
The tooth is reshaped initially to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is taken of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure.Advantages of Veneers
Tooth-Like Appearance
Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.Stain-Resistant
Custom-made veneers resist stains from coffee, tea and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech, extremely polishable materials.The Benefits of Veneers
A minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered to fit the veneer.
Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white.
Minor twists and overlaps, as well as small gaps, can be quickly corrected through the use of veneers.
Maintaining Your Veneers
Brush and Floss Regularly to Prevent Oral Hygiene Problems.
Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss.
Good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.
Strength of Veneers
Veneers provide more strength when crushing an object than twisting or tearing. Therefore, just as with natural teeth, patients with veneers are advised to avoid opening nut shells, chewing on bones or any other matter that may cause the veneers to chip or crack.Keep In Mind
When considering veneers, keep in mind these important points before undergoing the treatment.Non-Reversible Procedure
Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit the veneers, the process is NOT reversible.
Simply replacing amalgam (silver) fillings can dynamically change the way your teeth look when laughing or smiling. Old, unsightly fillings can now be replaced with esthetic filling materials such as resins and porcelain fillings or crowns.
Gum Lifts - Excessive or uneven gums can be corrected with cosmetic surgery, a gum lift, resulting in a more even, pleasing smile.
Dental Implants - Missing teeth can be replaced with predictable results using fixed bridges or dental implants.
Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself.
Ask about the options most suitable for you when you visit our practice or contact us with any questions you might have.