Cosmetic
Dentistry
Look Good and Feel Good
The benefits of cosmetic dentistry go deeper than mere appearance. In fact, cosmetic dentistry can have a genuine effect on your self-confidence and overall health. Restorative dental procedures and cosmetic dentistry not only make your smile white and bright, they include other practices that repair damage and decay that can lead to significant issues with your teeth and your general health.
Invisalign®: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Invisalign® orthodontic treatment cost?
The exact cost of your Invisalign® orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors including the severity of your misalignment, how many Invisalign® trays you require, and your insurance. Your Invisalign® provider and the rest of the staff at East Ridge Dental strongly encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand to get a better understanding of your coverage.
We’re eager to see all of our patients enjoy straighter, healthier smiles, so we can help alleviate some of the cost of your Invisalign treatment by offering flexible financing options.
How do I clean my Invisalign® trays?
Taking proper care of your Invisalign® aligner trays is essential to keeping your treatment on track. To care for your aligner trays, your Invisalign® provider recommends following these instructions:
- Remove your aligner trays before you eat, drink fluids other than water, and clean your teeth.
- Use lukewarm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a gentle cleaner, like a denture cleaning tablet, to clean your trays.
- Store your aligners in their protective case while you’re not wearing them.
- Soak your aligner trays at least once a day in a mix of three parts lukewarm water and one part Invisalign® cleaning crystals or a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial and safe for oral use. It also prevents trays from staining.
- Rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth.
- Remove your aligners from back to front to avoid tearing them.
Does Invisalign® hurt?
In the first few days of wearing each set of Invisalign® aligner trays, you may feel some mild discomfort. That’s usually just a sign of the treatment maneuvering your teeth into their proper places. If the feeling is unbearable or isn’t going away, it may point to a problem. In that case, you should contact East Ridge Dental by dialing (605) 373-0245.
Is Invisalign® covered by dental insurance?
Invisalign® coverage will vary from provider to provider. Some insurance providers may consider Invisalign orthodontics purely cosmetic and refuse to cover it, others may cover a portion or even all of the costs.
You should always contact your insurance provider beforehand and ask them which costs they can help you cover. We’ll also work with you to help you afford the best orthodontic treatment for your unique dental needs. East Ridge Dental offers financing options to help make treatment affordable.
Invisalign®: The Importance of Orthodontics
It’s likely that your teeth didn’t grow perfectly straight and that’s perfectly normal. However, too much malocclusion (also known as dental misalignment) can make it much harder to care for your smile. Misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to inflammation, infection, further misalignment, decay, and other oral health issues.
For reasons such as these, orthodontic treatment may be a necessity, but who’s eager to endure the discomfort, glaring appearance, and long treatment times that come with traditional metal braces? Fortunately for patients in need of orthodontic treatment, Dr. Ryon, Dr. Stacy and Dr. Erin can offer an alternative with Invisalign® orthodontics.
The Benefits of Invisalign® Orthodontics
Versatile Treatment
Invisalign® orthodontics can be used to treat many of the same misalignment issues as traditional braces including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crooked Teeth
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Crossbite
Comfortable
Patented SmartTrack material is comfortable and easy to wear for hours on end. Most of the time you won’t even realize that you’re wearing your aligners.
Removable
Being able to remove your aligner trays allows you to easily clean them, store them, and eat what you want.
Quick
The average length of treatment time with Invisalign clear aligners is six months to one year, half the average time of traditional metal braces.
Convenient
Since your Invisalign® aligner trays are easily removable and don’t have any metal brackets or wires for your Invisalign® provider to adjust, this cuts down on the number of dental visits necessary to keep your treatment on track.
Invisalign® vs. Braces
Invisalign® vs. Braces It’s common for patients to ask, “Which is better, Invisalign or braces?” While Invisalign® offers unparalleled comfort and fast, discreet treatment, it may not be the right option for you. You may prefer or benefit more from metal braces if:
You have severe malocclusion
You don’t think you’ll remember to put your Invisalign® trays back in after taking them out
You’ve had previous orthodontic treatments
You’re prone to losing or misplacing small objects
Your Invisalign provider will discuss all of your options with you during your initial consultation, and give you their opinion on which treatment they think is best.
Veneers
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers :
- Cracks
- Chips
- Misalignment
- Discoloration and staining
- Gaps
- Crowding
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do porcelain dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are built to last 10 to 15 years. However, they may last upwards of 20 to 30 years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams with your dentist. If you want to get the most out of your veneers, be sure to continue to maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen and visit East Ridge Dental at least once every six months so we can help you maintain your porcelain dental veneers.
Do veneers require special care?
No extraordinary care is necessary, outside of proper oral hygiene care and visiting your dentist regularly. Avoiding excessive force or pressure on the veneer like biting hard food or objects can help extend the life of the veneer as well as wearing an occlusal guard if you clench or grind your teeth at night.
How long does numbness last after a dental filling?
The effects of local anesthesia usually wear off after one to three hours. However, the numbness you experience after a dental filling will vary based on a number of factors including your unique physiology and how much anesthetic was administered. Our dentists recommend that you wait until the numbness has completely passed before eating or drinking anything, especially items that are hot, to avoid injuring your mouth.
Teeth Whitening Options
In-Office Whitening treatment:
During an in-office treatment, a higher concentration of the whitening gel is applied to the teeth. This method is typically faster and provides immediate results. Typical appointments take around 90 minutes.
Take-home whitening kits:
Take-home kits allow individuals to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own homes. These kits typically include custom-fitted trays and a whitening gel with a lower concentration than the one used in the in-office treatments. Users apply the gel to the trays and wear them for a specified amount of time each day.
Opalescence Go:
Opalescence Go is a ready-to-use, disposable teeth whitening system from Opalescence. It’s designed to be a convenient and effective way to whiten your teeth without the need for custom trays or multiple dental visits. A kit includes 10 upper trays and 10 lower trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is teeth whitening safe?
When performed under the guidance of a dental professional, teeth whitening is generally considered safe. Over-the-counter products and home remedies may carry some risks if not used correctly, so it’s advisable to consult with a dentist.
Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
Most insurance companies won’t cover teeth whitening because it’s a purely cosmetic procedure. If you need help covering the cost of your ZOOM! whitening treatment, we proudly offer affordable financing options, including third-party financing through CareCredit.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women undergo teeth whitening?
While there is limited research on the safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s generally recommended to avoid elective dental procedures during this time. Consult with a healthcare professional and dentist for personalized advice.
Gingival Contouring
You may consider gingival contouring for either cosmetic or functional purposes. From a cosmetic standpoint, it can enhance the appearance of a smile by creating a more symmetrical or balanced look. Some individuals may have excessive gum tissue, making their teeth appear shorter, and contouring can help expose more tooth surfaces for a more proportional smile. Functional reasons may include removing excessive gum tissue to help properly clean the teeth.
At East Ridge Dental we use a soft tissue laser for gingival contouring. Local anesthetics can be administered to numb the area for comfort, but generally, this type of procedure has minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery time. However, it’s essential to consult with your dentist to determine if it’s the right option for your specific situation and to understand the potential risks and benefits involved.
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