Cosmetic Dental Office in the Bellevue Neighborhood of Nashville TN

Girl with a great smile after cosmetic dental work in Nashville TN

Cosmetic Dental Office in Nashville, TN

The appearance of your teeth can matter as much as the health of your teeth. And even if you aren’t suffering from significant oral health problems, some conditions can prevent your smile from looking its best. However, the cosmetic dentistry practiced by Poff Dental Associates can help alleviate these issues and give you the beautiful smile you deserve.

Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry

In contrast to general dentistry, which focuses on dental hygiene and treating diseases of the oral cavity and related structures, cosmetic dentistry is concerned with improving the overall aesthetics of your mouth, teeth, gums, and smile. Despite the difference, there is some overlap between the two practices, as many procedures involved in cosmetic dentistry can also contribute to protecting your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentists often consult with general dentists to ensure that your mouth, teeth, and gums are as healthy as possible before undergoing aesthetic procedures. 

Standard cosmetic dental procedures include the following.

Tooth Whitening

Professional tooth whitening is one of the most common smile-enhancing procedures. A dentist can perform tooth whitening in an office, or you can obtain whitening products over the counter for use at home. However, for at-home whitening, it’s best to consult with your dentist for recommendations to get the best results with minimal chance of sensitivity.

Dentists perform in-office whitening by applying a bleaching solution that is up to 45% peroxide to your teeth. Following the application, the dentist uses a special light or laser to activate and dry the solution. The light is applied in intervals, with a reapplication of solution between each. 

Whitening products for at-home use typically exist at a lower peroxide level than a professional bleaching solution, usually around 3%-15%. So if you want your teeth whitened, it’s best to start at home to see how your teeth react to the solution in terms of sensitivity.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to enhance their appearance and protect them from damage. These shells are designed to match the natural color and shape of your surrounding teeth, filling any inconsistencies in your smile caused by damage or discoloration. Sometimes, to properly fit your veneers, a dentist must remove some enamel to reshape the affected tooth. However, this removal process is irreversible, so consult with your dentist about possible alternative options before undergoing this procedure.

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a series of transparent trays custom-fabricated to fit over your teeth. These trays slowly move your teeth into a more natural position over several weeks. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign invisible aligners are completely transparent, making them more discreet. In addition, since they are custom-fitted to your teeth, they are also far more comfortable than metal braces.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding refers to applying a composite resin to the front of your teeth with a dental adhesive. This resin is carefully selected to match the color of the surrounding teeth. Because the resin is moldable, your dentist can shape it to match the appearance of your teeth. Then, a laser or ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, allowing it to act as a natural tooth.    

What Conditions Can Cosmetic Dentistry Treat?

A bright, shiny smile with straight teeth can give someone a significant amount of confidence and energy to get through the day. However, multiple conditions and issues can affect the appearance of your teeth, gums, and mouth, even if they do not affect your oral health. Cosmetic dentistry can resolve issues such as:

  • Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
  • Missing teeth

The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

The cost of cosmetic dental treatment varies depending on the procedure being performed. Although many cosmetic dental procedures can improve the health of your teeth by protecting them from further damage, they are not intended to resolve issues that would be considered severe dental emergencies. Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the aesthetics of your teeth and mouth, so most insurance companies will only partially cover it if they cover it at all. Fortunately, most procedures at your cosmetic dental office in Bellevue, TN are affordable due to their simplicity and the fact that they rarely require multiple visits to the dentist to complete. 

Schedule an Appointment for a Smile Makeover Today

Dr. Justin Poff and the team at Poff Dental Associates in the Bellevue Neighborhood of Nashville, TN understand that the appearance of your teeth matters. We strive to offer our patients the best possible care with advanced restorative and cosmetic dental care procedures. We rehabilitate smiles and give our patients the confidence they deserve.

Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today.