Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

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How Celebrities and Influencers Achieve Beautiful Smiles

close up of woman smiling at camera

Facebook and Instagram have changed the world in more ways than one. And with the advancement of video and digital cameras, pictures and videos have completely taken over these social media platforms. Along with this, maintaining a beautiful smile has become more and more important. Celebrities and influencers tend to be the ones who have the most access to treatments that provide those beautiful smiles. But did you know that those same treatments are just as accessible to you?

Most local dentists offer cosmetic dental solutions to elevate their patients’ smiles. Here are the cosmetic dentistry treatments our Austin laser dentist offers:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are often called the “instant smile makeover” because they are the only cosmetic treatment that masks several imperfections. Veneers cover up the following issues:

  • Dental stains
  • Chips
  • Gaps
  • Misshaped teeth
  • Uneven teeth

These thin, porcelain shells are specifically designed to meet each patient’s needs and cover the front surface of the teeth. Patients can opt for just one veneer or an entire set of veneers to transform their smile.

Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening treatment is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to drastically improve your smile. We use the following safe, effective, and proven whitening systems:

  • LaserSmile™ Whitening System: This option provides the fastest results using whitening gel and laser therapy. Patients leave the office after only one hour with a smile that’s up to nine shades lighter.
  • Zoom! Chairside Whitening System: This whitening system uses light technology and hydrogen peroxide light-activated get to whiten teeth in under one hour.
  • Turbo At-Home Whitening: Using customized whitening trays and Professional Power Gel, patients can achieve incredible whitening results at home.

Our office also offers maintenance whitening, whitening specials, and bleach refills.

Invisalign®

Perfect dental alignment is a major quality of beautiful smiles. Invisalign clear aligners exert minimal pressure to move teeth into their proper places. Patients report that Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easy to care for.

The most obvious reasons that patients choose clear aligners are because of their discreet appearance, effectiveness, and ability to be removed.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Looking for an affordable cosmetic dental solution? Cosmetic dental bonding is both effective and cost-efficient. In this procedure, dentists use the same material they use to fill cavities—composite resin—to correct aesthetic dental problems, such as:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Gaps
  • Stains

The procedure begins with cleaning, etching, and conditioning the teeth. Then, applying several layers of the composite resin. The material is shaped properly, hardened, and polished. Composite resin looks and feels natural, but it doesn’t usually last as long as dental veneers.

Gum Lifts and Crown Lengthening

Too much gum tissue or an uneven gum line can be corrected through a gum lift or crown lengthening procedure. In some dental practices, dentists use scalpels and sutures to perform this surgery, but at Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale uses the latest technology: the BIOLASE® WaterLase laser. This laser makes the procedure safer by being extremely accurate and closing up the tissue as it removes it. Because of this, patients are less likely to develop an infection and experience post-treatment sensitivity.

Beautiful Smiles in Austin, TX

Ready to change your smile and life? Dr. Helen Ragsdale loves helping her patients achieve beautiful smiles through modern, safe, and gentle dental care. To schedule your initial consultation, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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Aesthetic Dentistry Treatments for Every Smile

close up of woman's teeth

If you could change one thing about your smile, what would it be? The color of your teeth? The shape of your teeth? Alignment? Gum length? Would you be able to pick just one? Aesthetic dentistry can address one or all of these issues.

A beautiful smile is about more than just appearances, it can improve every area of your life. Confidence makes all the difference in so many situations, especially social and work-related ones. Believe it or not, a beautiful smile can open you up to many more opportunities!

Consider undergoing one or more of the following treatments to improve your smile and life:

Professional Teeth Whitening

One of the quickest ways to improve your smile is professional teeth whitening. This process is quick, simple, and safe! By the end of the less-than-one-hour appointment, your teeth could be up to nine shades brighter.

During the teeth whitening procedure, measures are taken to protect the lips and gum tissue. Then, the dentist carefully paints a whitening gel on the teeth. A special curing light is usually used, then the gel is removed, revealing a bright, beautiful smile.

Gum Contouring

Also known as a gum lift or teeth lengthening, gum contouring aims to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. For most people, smiling reveals only teeth. For others, it may seem like their gums are overpowering their teeth.

Gum lifts increase the amount of visible enamel on the teeth. When done with a dental laser this procedure is extremely safe, comfortable, and easy to heal from. Gum lifts can also be used to enhance the symmetry of a person’s smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers address a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, such as:

  • Stained teeth
  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Odd-shaped teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Crooked teeth

This incredible cosmetic dental solution is a thin, tooth-shaped shell that is placed over the patient’s natural teeth. Some patients request just one veneer while others desire an entirely new smile.

Before placing the veneers, dentists remove the enamel from the patient’s natural teeth, prepare the tooth, and apply a dental cement. Finally, the veneers are placed carefully on each tooth. The results are natural-looking and feeling. Patients can expect their veneers to last anywhere between ten and twenty years.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding is an affordable and fast way to correct dental chips, cracks, stains, and gaps. This is the same tooth-colored material dentists use to fill cavities. The composite resin is highly durable and reliable.

Dental bonding is a popular procedure among dental patients because it is adaptable and affordable. It is often used as an alternative to porcelain veneers and professional teeth whitening.

During the procedure, the dentist treats the patient’s tooth or teeth with an etching cream, then applies the composite resin to the surface of the tooth. She continues to layer the material, then allows it to harden with a special light. Finally, special tools are used to shape and polish the bonding.

Aesthetic Dentistry Austin, TX

Looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist in Austin, TX? Look no further! Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers the latest cosmetic dental treatments, using state-of-the-art technology. Her skills as a laser dentist attract patients (including other dentists) from all around the Austin, TX area.

To learn more about our aesthetic dentistry treatments or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ragsdale, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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What are beautiful smiles made of?

black man walking, listening to music, smiling

Dental records prove that every smile is unique. Teeth shape, spacing, placement, and size all differ from person to person. This is part of what makes every person unique! That is a wonderful thing. While we agree that not all smiles should look the same, there are a few key components to beautiful smiles that every person can have.

Check out this blog to learn more about what makes a person’s smile stand out.

1. Tooth size

Teeth should be proportionate to the size of a person’s mouth, lips, and face. Some people are born with smaller teeth and some with larger teeth. Neither is bad, but if you want a picture-perfect smile, a dentist may recommend dental veneers for one or more of your teeth.

2. Spacing

Spaces or a lack of space between teeth don’t make for an ideal smile. Teeth should have small slivers of space between them and not overlap. Large spaces and crowding can create oral health problems. So, on top of being an aesthetic issue, your dentist may recommend braces for health reasons.

Orthodontics is an appropriate solution to crowded teeth. Most patients have the option of traditional metal braces or Invisalign®. For gapped teeth, your dentist may give you the options of braces, composite bonding, or veneers.

Be sure to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each option, such as how long each treatment lasts, the length of the procedure, etc.

3. Tooth color

One trip to the store for toothpaste and you should be keenly aware of how important a bright, white smile has become. Natural-looking white teeth promote better self-esteem and can make a person appear smarter, more attractive, and more successful.

Professional teeth whitening works incredibly for patients with extrinsic dental stains caused by certain foods and beverages and tobacco use. For intrinsic dental stains caused by overall health problems, dental problems, and medications, patients may require porcelain veneers.

4. Height and symmetry of gums

Dentists can even help patients who have too much gum tissue exposed when they smile. We refer to this as a “gummy smile” and offer a state-of-the-art solution: laser gum surgery.

In the past, dentists used scalpels to cut away the tissue and stitches to patch them back up. As you can imagine, this isn’t a comfortable procedure. Some dentists still use this technique. At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale uses a Waterlase medical laser to remove the gum tissue gently and accurately. Unlike with the outdated techniques, patients can expect a quick recovery with minimal pain.

In just one or two days, the patient’s smile is healed and ready to show off!

5. Alignment

Dental alignment is one of the most important aspects of a beautiful smile. Crooked or crowded teeth can easily be corrected by orthodontics. Most dentists offer Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces.

Though this process can be long, the results are worth it!

Beautiful Smiles in Austin, TX

Did you know that a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve a beautiful smile in just one dental visit? Many cosmetic dental procedures are quick and simple. However, patients who have more than one aesthetic problem may require multiple visits and procedures; this is called a smile makeover.

At Austin Laser Dentist, you can expect to receive only the treatments you need from our expert cosmetic dentist. Dr. Ragsdale is known for her accuracy and incredible ability to create beautiful smiles for her patients.

To schedule your initial consultation, call (512) 346-4690 today.

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The Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Teeth Whitening

woman smiling

When it comes to obtaining a bright, white smile, professional teeth whitening is the way to go. There are hundreds of over-the-counter products that promise to provide incredible results, but unfortunately, that isn’t the case for most. Along with being disappointing, store-bought products are also more likely to damage teeth and gums when they aren’t used properly or are used too frequently.

So, how is professional teeth whitening different? Great question! Aside from being safer because the process is completed by a tooth-expert, dentists use professional-grade materials that work much faster and are approved by the American Dental Association. Dentists also ensure that the patient’s mouth is free of cavities and gum disease before beginning the whitening process.

Got more questions? Here are the answers to the top three questions we receive from patients regarding professional teeth whitening.

1. How effective is professional whitening?

When patients choose in-office whitening, they can expect to leave the office with a smile that’s up to nine shades brighter. Our laser chairside whitening system involves advanced chemistry and laser-activated chromophores to provide the best results to our patients.

These results typically last between two and three years when patients take proper care of their teeth. This includes brushing and flossing properly, avoiding teeth-staining foods, and visiting the dentist regularly.

2. Is there more than one professional teeth whitening option?

That depends on the dentist. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers three types of professional teeth whitening:

  • LaserSmile™ Whitening System: The combination of whitening gel and laser technology makes this system one of the fastest and convenient ways to whiten teeth. This option includes top and bottom bleaching trays and one syringe for touch-ups.
  • Zoom! Chairside Whitening System: During one appointment with three 20-minute sessions, Dr. Ragsdale applies 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel and utilizes light-activated technology to whiten the teeth. Zoom! also includes top and bottom bleaching trays and a syringe for touch-ups.
  • Turbo At-Home: This treatment utilizes custom-made trays and Professional Power Gel. Patients take the treatment home and can use it at their convenience. Affordability a top reason that patients choose this option. However, results take slightly longer. The custom tray should be worn for one hour a day for 7-10 days.

3. How much does the treatment cost?

Compared to other cosmetic dental options, professional teeth whitening is much more affordable. The cost of treatment varies depending on which one you choose! Cost ranges between $100 and $1,000. Unfortunately, most insurances don’t include cosmetic services.

The good news is that an in-house dental plan does! And, when you become a member of our dental practice, you’ll qualify for free whitening and 10 to 20 percent off cosmetic treatments.

Click here to learn more about our in-house dental plans.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Austin

Wanting to have your teeth whitened isn’t vanity; it’s extremely beneficial for all areas of your life. A beautiful smile can impact your home, work, and dating life in a positive way. That’s why Dr. Ragsdale offers cosmetic dental services. We love helping patients live their best lives!

When you choose professional teeth whitening at Austin Laser Dentist, you’re choosing expert, compassionate care as well as a more fulfilling life. Don’t wait any longer to improve your life! Call (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.

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What Does a Laser Dentist Do?

close up of mouth and dental laser

Why do so many people skip the dentist? For many, it’s the sights and sounds of a dental office that make them uncomfortable, such as the whirring of a dental drill.  But, patients no longer need to worry about that, thanks to dental lasers.This advanced technology is now commonly used in dental practices to provide patients with safer, more consistent results following a variety of procedures.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale is a trusted, experienced laser dentist conveniently located in Austin, TX. Her goal is to ensure that patients are comfortable throughout any treatment and achieve the best outcomes. In case you need more information, read on to learn what a laser dentist does.

Early Detection of Cavities

In our practice, we use lasers for early detection of cavities, often before they are even seen by the naked eye. The sooner that we can recognize that you’re suffering from tooth decay, the better your prognosis. Early detection can also help you maintain more of your tooth structure and prevent more painful issues later on.

For laser cavity detection, your dentist uses the DIAGNOdent handheld tool. Dr. Ragsdale targets it on the healthy enamel to get a baseline reading. Next, she uses it on areas in the mouth that might have cavities, which produces a reading to detect if there’s tooth decay. Not only is the tool quick and painless, but it also cuts down on the number of x-rays you might need.

Treat Gum Disease

Instead of invasive tools to treat gum disease, your dentist can use a laser instead. The light emitted kills the harmful bacteria in the gum pockets to prevent gum disease from worsening. After treatment, gums heal quicker, pain is reduced, and bleeding is minimized for better results. 

Throughout the procedure, your doctor has more control to adjust the beam accordingly. Since the laser is more accurate, Dr. Ragsdale can pinpoint only the treatment area without disturbing healthy tissue.

Cosmetic Treatments

Do your gums look too long and are not proportionate with your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, which you don’t have to tolerate any longer. Dr. Ragsdale can use lasers for gum contouring to reshape and resize your gums.

With the precision of the laser, your dentist can remove as little or as much tissue as needed to help you achieve the smile that you’ve always wanted. Unlike the traditional procedure, patients don’t have to deal with a lot of downtime, and no stitches are involved. Within one or two days, most patients have healed and can return to their normal activities.

Teeth Whitening

What about whiter teeth? Yes, your dentist can enlist the help of a handy laser to leave your teeth shades lighter for a more attractive smile. The LaserSmile treatment is a quick and convenient hour-long whitening session that happens in-house. On average, patients can enjoy  teeth that are up to nine shades lighter than before. 

A laser-activated whitening gel is placed on the teeth to break down surface stains and beyond. The whitening treatment is gentle, so teeth and gums are left comfortable during and after the process.

Schedule a Consultation

Now that you know what a laser dentist does, isn’t it time that you schedule your appointment? You can give us a call at 512-346-4690 or visit us online. Either way, we can set up a consultation to customize a treatment plan to optimize your oral health.