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

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Cosmetic Dentistry: Three Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile

A group of women smiling after cosmetic dentistry in Austin, TX

Your smile is an invaluable part of who you are. So, when dental disease, dysfunction, and damage take their toll, it affects much more than your smile – it affects your mental and bodily health, too. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry treatments with our dentist in Austin, TX, can help you put value back into your smile, confidence, and overall health.

Austin Laser Dentist is your premier location for gentle dentistry in Austin, TX. If you are ready to explore your preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options, then contact our team at (512) 346-4690 to get started.

In today’s blog post, we go over three cosmetic dentistry treatments that can take your smile from meh to marvelous. You might be surprised to learn that even simple treatments can pack a mighty wallop!

Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is, perhaps, the easiest and fastest way to upgrade your smile. While it is tempting to assume that store-bought whiteners are the same as professional whiteners, there is nothing further from the truth.

Store-bought whiteners contain only a fraction of the whitening ingredients found in professional whiteners. In fact, store-bought whitening strips typically contain 10% peroxide, whereas professional whiteners contain 40% whitening agents. This means that professional whitening treatments whiten teeth better and faster than store-bought treatments.

So, it’s no wonder why patients seek professional whitening treatments when they want to upgrade their smiles quickly. The results are fast, dramatic, and last for years!

Gum Lifts and Crown Lengthening

In some cases, our teeth aren’t the problem with our smiles – it’s our gum tissue.

Extra gingival (gum) tissue that extends down the length of our teeth can make our teeth appear stubby or uneven. Many patients refer to this as a ‘gummy smile.’ Luckily, a simple, minimally-invasive procedure can help.

A gum lift and crown lengthening procedure removes excess gum tissue while also reshaping the gum line. The result is a perfectly tailored smile that prominently displays your pearly whites! And because our team uses gentle soft-tissue lasers, you’ll experience less discomfort and more success during healing. Talk about a win-win!

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

If uneven gum tissue can affect our smiles, then what do we do about uneven teeth? Well, for many patients, the answer can be found in orthodontic treatments (like braces or Invisalign®). However, some cosmetic dentistry treatments may be an ideal and quick solution to fix minor imperfections. 

Dental bonding is a minimally-invasive treatment that uses a durable composite resin to cover most smile flaws, including:

  • Stubborn discoloration
  • Small chips and cracks
  • Short teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Large spaces between teeth

Because dental bonding closely resembles the color and texture of natural teeth, this treatment is a great way to seamlessly upgrade your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin, TX

When it comes to transforming your smile, these are just three, easy ways to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. If you want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry treatments that could benefit you, then contact Austin Laser Dentist. All patients can conveniently reach us online here, or they may call us directly at (512) 346-4690 to get started!

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Take This Simple Quiz to See If Dental Veneers Are Right for You

A shade guide for dental veneers in Austin, TX

So, you want to upgrade your smile with dental veneers, but you’re not sure if this personalized, cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. Well, the team at Austin Laser Dentist is here to help you find out!

Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her skilled team have years of invaluable experience helping patients curate the smile of their dreams with high-quality, porcelain veneers. If you’re ready to verify your candidacy for veneers, then contact our dental office in Austin, TX, online here or at (512) 346-4690.

Meanwhile, let our team help you determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Taking this simple quiz can help you make the right choice for you and your smile.

What kind of flaws do you want to address?

A. Cosmetic imperfections, like internal dental discoloration, misshapen teeth, or large gaps

B. Minor dental damage, like chips or cracks

C. Tooth sensitivity

D. Tooth Loss

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, B, or C, then you may be an ideal candidate for cosmetic veneers. If you answered D, then you may want to explore restorative options, like a dental bridge or dental implants. Veneers cannot properly replace missing teeth, as they need natural, existing teeth to secure them into place.

How many teeth require treatment?

A. One

B. Some, especially my upper, front teeth (i.e. the Social Six)

C. All of them

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, then another cosmetic treatment (like dental crowns) may be better for addressing one tooth at a time. If you answered C, then you may want a more cost-effective, comprehensive treatment, such as a Smile Makeover. But, if you answered B, then veneers may be perfect for you!

Are you prepared for a permanent fix?

A. Yes, I want to permanently upgrade my smile

B. No, I want a temporary fix

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment that can last for decades. But, patients must commit to maintaining, repairing, or replacing veneers for the rest of their lives. 

If you answered A, then you must be prepared for a lifelong commitment. If you are not ready for a lifelong commitment, then other cosmetic options (like teeth whitening or Invisalign®) may be ideal for you.

Do you have healthy teeth and gums?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Patients must have healthy teeth and gums that are completely free from disease (like cavities and periodontitis) before getting veneers. So, if you answered B or C, then a comprehensive dental exam may help you get a veneer-ready mouth in time for your treatment.

Do you have enough dental enamel?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Veneer candidacy largely depends on the amount of enamel patients have. Patients with sufficient enamel may be ideal candidates for veneer treatment. However, patients with thinning or worn enamel may not have enough dental structure to support veneers. A dental exam with our Austin dentist will reveal how much enamel you have before beginning treatment.

Schedule a Veneer Consultation in Austin, TX

If you think that veneer treatment might be right for you, then contact the team at Austin Laser Dentist today. We can help you verify your candidacy with a personalized consultation. Request your consultation online here, or give our Austin dental office a call at (512) 346-4690 to get scheduled.

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Four Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments to Get Your Smile Holiday Ready

The holidays are right around the corner, which means that many of us are already checking off our holiday to-do lists. Gift shopping? Check. Holiday menu planning? Check. Travel itinerary? Check. But, if smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry treatments aren’t on your to-do list, then your smile may not be ready for the holidays.

This year, don’t wait until someone tries to sneak a kiss under the mistletoe–get your smile ready for winter festivities now! Schedule your appointment at Austin Laser Dentist online here,  or call our Austin, TX, dental office at (512) 346-4690. 

In this post, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her knowledgeable team reveal four cosmetic dentistry treatments that can take your smile from ‘bah humbug’ to beautiful in a pinch.

Teeth Whitening

Whether you want to brighten your smile at home or in our Austin dental clinic, we’ve got teeth whitening treatments to suit your needs. 

These professional treatments contain significantly more whitening ingredients than store-bought whiteners (40% hydrogen peroxide compared to 3% hydrogen peroxide, respectively). And, they can brighten your smile in a fraction of the time, making professional teeth whitening a must for holiday photoshoots.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Is the cold weather making your teeth feel more sensitive? If so, then you may want to steer clear of professional teeth whitening, as the whitening ingredients may worsen tooth sensitivity.

Instead, Dr. Ragsdale and her team recommend cosmetic dental bonding for patients who want to effortlessly illuminate their smiles. But, dental bonding doesn’t just cover stubborn stains–it can also:

  • -Cover dental damage, like chips and fractures
  • -Reshape short, textured, or misshapen teeth
  • -Close large gaps between teeth

Porcelain Veneers

Want all the benefits of teeth whitening and dental bonding combined in one cosmetic dentistry treatment? Then, try porcelain dental veneers to get your smile ready for the holidays!

Our team carefully crafts porcelain veneers to each patient’s unique needs and smile goals. In fact, we can tailor your veneers to address numerous smile flaws, like:

  • -Stubborn or internal dental stains
  • -Chips, fracture lines, and cracks
  • -Gaps
  • -Short or misshapen teeth
  • -Crooked teeth

With custom-made veneers, you can completely transform your appearance just in time for holiday parties, pictures, and more!

Gum Lifts and Crown Lengthening

So far, we’ve focused on cosmetic dentistry treatments that only enhance the appearance of our teeth. But, what about treatments that improve the appearance of our gums? This year, address a gummy smile with a safe and effective gum lift (also called crown lengthening). 

These treatments remove a tiny amount of periodontal (gum) tissue to make teeth appear longer and more uniform. And, because Dr. Ragsdale uses advanced soft-tissue lasers, our patients experience less pain during treatment and fewer complications afterward. Talk about a Christmas miracle!

Schedule Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in Austin, TX

Before you cozy up to the fireplace, get your smile ready for the holidays at Austin Laser Dentist. We’ll help you brighten your smile in time for holiday parties, family reunions, and festive photo ops. 

Simply submit an appointment request here, or call our Austin dental clinic at (512) 346-4690 to get started.

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Five Amazing Facts about Dental Veneers

If you want to tailor your smile to your exact specifications, then you might want to consider porcelain dental veneers. These strong, ceramic prosthetics are highly-customizable, making them a fantastic cosmetic dentistry option for discerning patients.

At Austin Laser Dentist, our skilled and experienced dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, provides high-quality dental veneers for patients living in Austin, TX. If you’re ready to explore veneers or other smile-enhancing treatments, then contact our friendly team at (512) 346-4690 or online here to schedule a consultation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ragsdale is here to give you five amazing facts about dental veneers. (Psst…you won’t believe fact number two!)

Veneers Can Fix a Broad Range of Issues

From cosmetic to restorative, veneers can correct an assortment of issues, including:

  • Chips and fracture lines
  • Thinning tooth enamel
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Misshapen or short teeth
  • Minor misalignments
  • Extrinsic stains, intrinsic discoloration, and white spots on the teeth

Porcelain Veneers are Incredibly Strong

We frequently associate porcelain with delicate dolls or fragile dinnerware, but porcelain veneers are unbelievably strong. Dr. Ragsdale and her team use only the strongest, dental-grade ceramic to craft custom-made veneers for patients. 

But, did you know that these durable, ceramic shells only get stronger when adhered to the teeth? It’s true! The cement fortifies the structure of the veneer, which means that patients can eat, talk, and smile with absolute confidence.

Dental Veneers Have a High Success Rate

Dental veneers have earned their reputation as a top-tier cosmetic treatment since the 1980s. They address several issues at once, they’re long-lasting, and they look remarkably like your natural smile. But, that’s not all.

Porcelain dental veneers are an incredibly safe and effective way to enhance your aesthetic, too. Indeed, experts believe that only 0-7% of all veneer treatments are unsuccessful. And, experts largely attribute veneer failure to pre-existing issues or conditions.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we support the success of veneer treatment by addressing all oral health issues before beginning the procedure. This will limit any post-procedural complications and lead to better, longer-lasting results.

You Might Have a Hard Time Distinguishing Between Veneers and Your Natural Teeth

Veneers look remarkably like natural teeth. Our team carefully crafts them using contemporary techniques and cutting-edge imaging technology. We also expertly color-match them to your unique shade. Not only that, but porcelain veneers reflect light in a similar way to natural teeth. 

In combination, all of these factors allow patients to seamlessly and permanently upgrade their smiles with dental veneers.

Porcelain Veneers are Highly Customizable

From the shape to the color, veneers are extremely customizable. This means that patients can choose exactly what they want their smiles to look like. But, don’t worry if you don’t know how to customize your smile–we’ll gladly explore all of your aesthetic options at a comprehensive consultation!

Schedule Your Dental Veneer Consultation in Austin, TX

Now that you’re armed with the facts, it’s time to schedule your consultation at Austin Laser Dentist. Dr. Ragsdale and her experienced team will happily help you build your perfect smile. 

New and existing patients can reach our Austin, TX dental clinic by calling (512) 346-4690 or sending us a message here.

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Tooth Veneer (Dental Veneers): Here’s What You Should Know Before Getting Them

woman smiling with tooth veneer (dental veneers)

While scrolling through Instagram or flipping through glossy magazine pages, do you ever wonder why all those beautiful, famous people have perfectly aligned, white teeth? Did they hit the genetic lottery, or is it something else? Sometimes nicknamed a “tooth veneer,” dental veneers are the secret behind many celebrity smiles.

If you’re self-conscious about how your teeth look, Dr. Helen Ragsdale can help you achieve a high wattage smile with dental veneers when you book your next cosmetic dentistry consultation in Austin, TX. Are you curious if dental veneers would work for you? Continue reading to find out.

What exactly is a tooth veneer?

A tooth veneer and dental veneers are the same things. They are a thin layer of ceramic cemented to the front of the teeth. Veneers can be used to close small gaps, correct minor misalignment, and hide discoloration, fractures, and chips.

Do dental veneers look unnatural?

Before cosmetic dentistry procedures, some patients worry about their teeth looking too boxy, bright, or generally fake-looking. Dr. Ragsdale takes her time to ensure that your porcelain veneers match your natural teeth as closely as possible. She considers the color, shape, size, and composition of your natural teeth so that your veneers blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.

What should you expect after your tooth veneer procedure?

With any dental procedure, you might wonder what to expect during recovery. In a nutshell, tooth veneer recovery is pretty simple. While you might feel slight soreness or sensitivity, it should be mild and disappear within a week.

How long do dental veneers last?

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding on veneers is their lifespan. Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting fix that stays put in your mouth. With proper care, regular dental visits, and good hygiene, you can expect your dental veneers to last about 10-15 years (and some last even longer). Generally speaking, the better you take care of your teeth, the longer your veneers remain healthy-looking and intact.

Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?

In many cases, people who generally have healthy gums, teeth, and jawbones should qualify for dental veneers. If your oral health is not up-to-par, Dr. Ragsdale can work with you to develop a plan to address your oral health problems before tackling cosmetic flaws.

After Dr. Ragsdale decides that you are a good candidate for dental veneers, she can install them in about two visits. During the primary veneer visit, she (1) applies local anesthetic, (2) preps the teeth by shaving a very thin layer of enamel (less than the thickness of a fingernail), (3) makes impressions, and (4) fits a temporary veneer. At the second visit, Dr. Ragsdale removes the temporary veneer and bonds the permanent veneer into place.

Are dental veneers expensive?

The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Because cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance, some patients wonder if they can afford them. So, Austin Laser Dentist offers customized, in-house dental plans to cover some costs associated with porcelain veneers, other cosmetic dentistry procedures, and other aspects of dentistry.

Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Veneer (Dental Veneers) for a More Stunning Smile

Are you considering improving the way your smile looks? Consider dental veneers for a whiter, straighter picture-perfect smile. Contact Austin Laser Dentist today by calling (512) 346-4690 or sending a short message online.