After her royal debut with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s transformation has left the world more than impressed. And if you have kept up with the buzz, you would know that it’s her smile makeover that has left people feeling envious. Thousands of people want the smile the new Duchess of Sussex has been flaunting for a while now.
Do you want a smile like a princess but worried about how the cost makes it seem quite impossible? You don’t have to get too many treatments at once. Remember that good oral hygiene is the key to a great smile. But with poor lifestyle habits, your teeth can develop stains, may look crooked, or have gaps that could make you feel conscious about yourself at all times.
Cosmetic dentistry aims at helping people regain their self-confidence with the help of veneers, crowns, bonding, and periodontal surgery. Depending on your teeth’s current condition, your dentist will recommend the best smile treatment to you. Here’s a deeper dive into what helped Meghan Markle achieve her mega-watt smile!
Get a Smile Makeover like Meghan Markle with Porcelain Veneers
June 8, 2019
6 Reasons That Make Dental Bonding a Go-To Cosmetic Dentistry Solution
April 30, 2019
Dental bonding is a simple and quick procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin to correct certain areas of a tooth. It is then hardened using a special light. It’s one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dentistry procedures that result in a better smile and an ability to bite and chew well.
Unless there are many teeth involved, this is a procedure that can usually be done in a single visit that lasts anywhere between half an hour to a full hour. Here’s a look at some of the most common concerns for patients and the problems dental bonding procedure can solve. Read on to learn more about effective cosmetic dentistry solutions.
5 Important Tips Before Getting Dental Veneers
April 2, 2019
If you have gaps in your teeth, or teeth have stains, are crooked, cracked or poorly shaped, you can change your smile with veneers. They are thin shells made from either ceramics or composite resins that protect your front teeth.
Dental veneers are custom made. They are designed to look like or blend in with your natural teeth. If you have been neglecting your oral health for a while now, Dr. Joshua Hong is here to teach you a few things about correcting your smile.
A veneer is a tooth-like material that sits over the tooth with the help of a special glue. Veneers appear on the front teeth. Veneers correct tooth misalignments, tooth gaps, and tooth discoloration.
With veneers, visible tooth surfaces receive the perfect look, and the teeth color also improves. Although dental veneers have many benefits, there are 5 things you need to know before you get dental veneers.
Up Your Self-Confidence Game with Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
March 23, 2019
We all have our own struggle story, from emotional breakdowns to physical scars. Some of us even find our teeth a tad bit embarrassing. They may appear a little crooked, misaligned or sustain stains. But, is that stopping you from giving a shot at your best smile at parties and pictures? There’s absolutely no need to struggle with discolored teeth. And seeking some assistance can always help you understand your teeth better. Smile makeovers aren’t just for the rich and fancy! It’s becoming an increasingly popular treatment option.
Dr. Joshua Hong’s office provides top-quality cosmetic dentistry procedures. We help you achieve your desired smile in a patient-friendly environment. Keeping in mind your preferences, we provide treatment options that best suit you and last a lifetime.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Teeth Whitening
February 13, 2019
All of us consume a lot of dark colored foods and beverages in large amounts like tea, coffee, berries, soy sauce and an occasional glass of wine. But over the years, these foods and beverages tend to leave our teeth stained and discolored, putting a damper on our smile. So does that mean you stop consuming them? Absolutely not! You can bring back that lost shine with a teeth whitening procedure. Whether you’re going through your Instagram feed or flipping the pages of a magazine, everyone understands the importance of whiter teeth.
(more…)5 Common Problems that Cosmetic Dentistry Can Solve
January 25, 2019
You’re rushing out for a morning meeting and you realize you’ve chipped a tooth! Maybe you tried opening last night’s beer bottle with your teeth! Now you’re worried and when you look a little closer, you find some of your teeth stained! So do you still head to the office or run to your dentist first?
We’ve all been through this phase whether at school or at work and we require an instant solution! Cosmetic dentistry can definitely help to correct your smile for healthier gums and teeth.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening and Bleaching
January 17, 2019
If you’re one of the 32% of Americans who is concerned about the appearance of your teeth, we’re going to have your queries answered! Approximately 74% of Americans believe that their less-than-perfect smile serves as a challenge for job seekers. And a shocking 99.7% believe that a beautiful smile is vital in a social setting. Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry actively work together to significantly improve the way you look and feel.
(more…)Teeth Whitening Guide: From Candidacy and Complications to Advantages and Efficacy
May 25, 2018
Regular brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth healthy and bright but if you still feel that your smile lacks the sparkle, you can opt for professional teeth whitening and bring back your smile’s former charm.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a quick and effective technique that safely brightens your smile and boosts your confidence. This cosmetic dentistry procedure efficiently lightens the stains and discoloration caused by coffee, tea, soda, tobacco, certain medications, radiation, chemotherapy, and aging. You can also whiten your teeth at home using over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments but if you are looking for better results that last longer, you can visit a teeth whitening dentist in Goodyear, AZ and know your treatment options.
What Causes Teeth Stains and Discoloration?
Your teeth can go from bright and white to yellow and stained for several reasons. Food and drinks containing intense color pigments are major culprits. Excessive use of tobacco also discolors the tooth enamel, leaving behind stubborn stains. With age, the outer enamel of your teeth turns thinner with brushing, exposing the yellow dentin. Trauma and medications are also known to change the color of your teeth over time.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
An ideal candidate for professional teeth whitening has healthy teeth and gum tissues without any restorations or fillings. However, teeth whitening is not suitable for pregnant women, lactating mothers, people with dental implants and dental bridges, children who are under 16 years of age, people suffering from cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, sensitivity, and those who are allergic to bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
How Does This Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Work?
Professional teeth whitening is a simple outpatient cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses bleaching agent to break stains into smaller fragments, making the discoloration less concentrated, leaving your teeth brighter than before. If you want to know more about other teeth whitening alternatives, you can talk to a teeth whitening dentist in Goodyear, AZ and determine which treatment will give you the best results.
What are the Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you want to achieve that flawless selfie-worthy smile, you can consider professional teeth whitening treatment and enjoy the following benefits:
- This cosmetic dentistry procedure confers confidence and makes you look younger naturally by giving you a whiter, brighter smile.
- It is a quick and painless procedure that gives you great results in the least conservative manner possible.
The results of professional teeth whitening last longer. - Oral health is greatly improved because patients avoid unhealthy foods and beverages during and after the treatment to maintain the results and also take good care of their teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
What are the Different Types of Teeth Whitening Methods?
Be sure to consult the best dentist in Arizona to know if you are a candidate for teeth whitening. If you are, there are 3 main types of teeth whitening treatments available:
- Professional Teeth WhiteningThis cosmetic dentistry procedure is also called chairside bleaching and is usually completed in just one visit that does not last more than one hour. During the procedure, the dental professional applies a rubber shield or a protective gel to your gums to protect them. The bleaching agent is then applied on to your teeth and is sometimes activated using laser, light or heat.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening KitsThere are many DIY whitening kits available on the market including strips and paint-on whiteners but their efficacy varies depending on their bleaching content. These at-home kits are relatively cheaper but not recommended as they tend to be acidic and are not always assessed for safety so these products could possibly damage your teeth.
- Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening ProductsThere are several teeth whitening toothpastes available on the market and while they may not be able to change the natural color of your teeth, they can remove the stains. But since these toothpastes are abrasive, they tend to wear your teeth enamel with repeated use, leaving them pale and yellow.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
A professional teeth whitening procedure is considered much safer because your treatment is custom-tailored for the best results and you have an experienced teeth whitening dentist performing the procedure. Your treatment is being constantly monitored every step of the way to ensure complete safety and efficacy. However, some people may experience minor discomfort and tooth sensitivity following the procedure but, this is a temporary effect of peroxide.
How Long Do the Results of Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
The effects of professional teeth whitening typically last up to 3 years but this varies from patient to patient depending on your oral habits and individual circumstances. The results will also be affected by your intake of tobacco, tea, coffee, cola or red wine.
How to Take Care of Teeth after Professional Teeth Whitening for Long-lasting Results?
If you want your new whiter, brighter smile to last longer, you would need to:
- Avoid tobacco and cut down on your intake of sugary foods and beverages that are likely to stain your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water because it helps rinse the stains away from the surface of your enamel.
- Schedule regular checkups with your nearest dentist in Goodyear, AZ today.
All You Need to Know About Dental or Porcelain Veneers
February 25, 2018
What are dental veneers? Do you need them? Read on to know more.
Dental veneers are also known as porcelain veneers and dental porcelain shells which are thin, specially made tooth-colored covers that are designed to cover your teeth and improve their appearance.
These thin dental veneers are then bonded to your teeth to alter their shape, color, size and length for the better. Dental veneers are one of the most popular and trusted dental procedures in cosmetic dentistry due to their natural look, flexible use and toughness that is similar to your natural tooth enamel.
Here are the 2 different types of veneers:
1. Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are usually bonded with your teeth in a single appointment. Your dentist can bond and reshape the tooth colored composite material to suit your teeth. Composite resin veneers can endure for about 4-8 years but require regular maintenance as they can get chipped from time to time.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can last anywhere between 12-25 years and require little to no maintenance. Your dentist simply takes an impression of your teeth and sends it in to his lab to have them make a copy of the shape of your teeth for your veneers.
Why Porcelain Veneers are Needed and Are You Eligible for Them?
Porcelain dental veneers are used to correct any dental issues that you may be suffering from such as improper tooth alignment or spacing, worn down tooth enamel and cracked or chipped teeth in your mouth. Other than aesthetic beauty, porcelain veneers also offer an increased toughness and durability, better smile performance and require little to no removal of your natural tooth structure as compared to crowns.
So the question still remains “Are you an eligible candidate?“
Any treatment for tooth preparation is permanent so it is best that you consult your dentist about whether veneers are suitable for you after which your dentist will evaluate your oral health and advise you on your eligibility in this cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Procedure to Undergo When Getting Dental Veneers
Your dentist will administer an anesthetic to make you more comfortable while preparing your tooth after which it will be reshaped with a bur.
After which your dentist will make an impression of your teeth from which he will have a mold of your mouth made by a dental laboratory.
This will be followed by cleaning up your tooth to allow for a strong bonding process after which a special cement is applied to the veneer before placing it on your teeth.
Once your dentist has placed your veneer properly, he/she will shine a special light on it to activate the chemicals in the cement making it harden very fast.
6 Benefits of Getting Porcelain Veneers
- Veneers give a natural tooth appearance
- Gum tissue works well with porcelain
- Porcelain veneers are stain-proof
- You can choose the color of your own veneers
- Porcelain veneers offer a conservative approach to changing your tooth’s color and shape.
- Your natural teeth mostly remain intact with only minimal alteration being required
- You can easily fix minor dental problems such as overlaps, twists and gaps with veneers
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last and How Can You Maintain Them?
Dental veneers generally last in the range of 7-15 years after which you should have your veneers replaced. Maintaining your veneers is pretty easy if you treat them just like your natural teeth with a regular brushing and flossing routine. But it is usually suggested that you should use non-abrasive toothpaste. If you happen to struggle with the grinding and clenching of your teeth then your dentist can fit your mouth with a gum guard so that your veneers don’t get damaged.
Make sure that you visit your dentist a couple of weeks after you have your veneers put in so he can monitor how your mouth is accepting the veneers.
Want to know more about the benefits of dental veneers? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joshua Hong, your most reliable dentist in Goodyear, AZ today!
Current Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry and Innovation in Digital Dentistry
February 14, 2018
Over the past decade, the cosmetic dentistry industry has seen phenomenal growth. Despite numerous challenges, the creation of new technologies has taken this sector to the next level. As each new discovery makes innovative cosmetic solutions available to patients, we feel this field of dentistry will continue to grow and become even more popular.
Our clinic sees more patients for cosmetic dentistry in Goodyear, AZ every year, but don’t just take our word for it. Read on to learn more!
PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS & STATISTICS – THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Who is enjoying the benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures? According to recent surveys conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry:
- Sixty percent of patients seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments were female and forty percent were male.
- The age distribution was wide, with fifty six percent of the people surveyed falling in the 31 to 60 age bracket.
- The most common types of cosmetic procedures were whitening, implants, crowns, bonding, bridges, orthodontic treatment, and veneers.
- 86% of those surveyed said that they wanted cosmetic treatment for a boost in self-esteem and to look better.
- Other reasons included special occasions such as weddings, fixing previous treatment results, better oral health or overall health reasons, looking and feeling younger, as well as finding success in careers or romantic relationships.
According to another survey by Grand View Research, Inc., the cosmetic dentistry market was valued at an estimated $15.8 billion in 2015, and is expected to grow to almost $28 billion by 2024. Based on the information collected from these surveys, it’s quite evident that cosmetic dentistry will be here for a long time!
LATEST TRENDS IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Here are the top cosmetic dental treatments that people are choosing these days:
- Teeth Whitening – Getting teeth bleached or whitened professionally is safer, faster and more effective than home treatments. Most people want whiter teeth for aesthetic reasons, so this cosmetic dentistry procedure continues to grow in popularity
- Veneers & Crowns – Veneers and crowns are used to correct defects such as gaps in teeth, as well as discolored, stained and crooked teeth. New technology has helped to make dental veneers thinner and crowns more natural-looking than ever before.
- Dental Implants – Implants are perfect alternatives to full or partial dentures for patients with missing teeth and those who need to undergo tooth extractions. They help maintain facial and jaw structure in addition to providing functional benefits.
- Bonding & Tooth Colored Filling – Tooth fillings and bonding can be used to fix broken teeth as well as cavities, chips and stains. Modern dental composite materials are more durable than traditional ones, and can be colored to match teeth perfectly.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction – Full mouth reconstruction uses various restorative dentistry procedures to correct functional problems in teeth, gums, jaw and muscular or bone structure of the face. It’s particularly helpful for people with bite or speech problems.
- Smile Makeovers – Like full mouth reconstruction, smile makeovers involve multiple dental techniques. However, the goal is to combine cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers, implants, tooth reshaping and whitening to improve your smile.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY
The industry has seen several major improvements that have made seeing a cosmetic dentist a better experience, including:
- Ceramic Dental Materials – Instead of metals, dentists use ceramics that look better and perform better too, remaining durable even when they are applied in thin layers.
- Conservative/Minimally Invasive Dentistry – The use of lasers and other technology has made cosmetic dentistry procedures simpler, quicker and more comfortable.
- High Level of Customization – There are far more options available, and specialists such as orthodontists and periodontists are often involved in cosmetic treatment planning.
DENTISTRY GONE DIGITAL
Here are some examples of advancements in digital dentistry technology:
- CBCT (Cone Beam Imaging) in 3D Dentistry – This digital imaging technology has transformed the way cosmetic dentistry is planned and performed. It gives dentists clear and highly detailed images of the oral cavity, teeth as well as surrounding tissue.
- Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) – These software solutions have made cosmetic dentistry more accurate and efficient, allowing dentists to digitally scan your dental structure before building your smile in a highly computerized lab.
- Dental Lasers & CO2 Lasers – Lasers are used in functional as well as cosmetic dentistry treatments these days. For instance, they may be used for trimming, reshaping or sculpting and then re-sealing the gum line before the application of dental veneers.
- Digital Caries Detection – Fluoride use has made our teeth stronger, which makes caries or tooth decay harder to detect. This technology uses fluorescent lighting to offer a reflection that helps dentists detect the presence and severity of dental caries.
Current cosmetic dentistry trends are geared towards improving health, building self-esteem, and improving appearance. With new technological developments, more people are accessing these services at a decreased cost, with less pain, and with shorter treatment times. To know more about cosmetic and restorative dentistry solutions, book an appointment at our Goodyear dentist office today!