July 9, 2020 By Paula

The Advantages of Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is also called tooth-colored filling and is most known for filling in cavities. However, this material can be used in various ways to improve a person’s smile. For example, dental bonding is regularly used during smile makeovers to cover cracks, gaps, and chips. In some cases, composite bonding can also whiten a tooth or teeth that have intrinsic dental stains.

While other treatment methods are available to correct these kinds of issues, composite bonding offers several advantages that those treatments don’t. In this blog, we explain those benefits to help you make the best decision for your smile!

1. Composite bonding saves time.

Time is a priority for many patients. Who wants to wait weeks between appointments to experience the benefits of a beautiful smile? You won’t find many people who do.

Composite bonding for a crack, break, gap, or stain is quick and effective. In only one visit to the dentist, your tooth or teeth can be mended.

The dentist simply takes the material, color matches it, applies it, and contours it to your tooth. Once the material dries, the patient is ready to go!

2. Dental bonding is cost-effective.

Compared to other cosmetic procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, and gum contouring, composite bonding is much less expensive. The cost isn’t necessarily a reflection of the results but of the fact that the material is versatile, readily available, and easy to use. Other treatments require fancy tools and lab technicians. Bonding simply requires a skilled dentist with a keen eye for detail.

We never want cost to be an impediment for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. If this is a concern for you, our team members are prepared to help you create a treatment and payment plan that works within your budget while getting you the most insurance coverage as possible and providing excellent cosmetic results.

3. Composite bonding is safe.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, biocompatibility means “compatibility with living tissue or a living system by not being toxic, injurious, or physiologically reactive and not causing immunological rejection.” In more basic terms, this means that the material is safe for the whole body, so patients don’t have to worry about any strange reactions.

In fact, many patients ask to have their silver fillings replaced with these tooth-colored fillings because of concerns about the release of harmful chemicals. Additionally, bacteria are less likely to invade the tooth and cause an infection because the dental bonding material forms perfectly directly onto the tooth’s surface.

4. Dental bonding looks and feels natural.

In this case, lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality. The composite material is easily made to match the color of the rest of the patient’s teeth so it looks natural. Once the material dries, it creates a smooth surface that feels just like natural dental enamel.

Experience the Benefits Today

If you’ve been putting off a smile upgrade because of time or money, there’s no need to wait any longer. Composite bonding is just what you’ve been searching for. Our experienced and detail-oriented dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, has the skill, patience, and eye to provide excellent results.

In addition to the incredible benefits we already mentioned, we know you’ll leave our office feeling more confident and beautiful than before. Call our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.

March 12, 2020 By Paula

Laser Teeth Whitening vs Over-the-Counter Bleaching

If you have stained teeth, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans buy over-the-counter bleaching products or visit the dentist for professional teeth whitening every day. Sadly, some of our favorite foods and beverages cause dental staining. These include:

Blueberries
Blackberries
Tomato sauce
Red peppers
Coffee
Tea
Red wine
Sodas

There are several options for achieving a brighter, more beautiful smile. For starters, avoiding or limiting these teeth-staining foods and beverages will prevent further staining and your smile may improve over time. Secondly, over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, gels, and mouthwashes. And thirdly, laser teeth whitening.

Continue reading this blog to learn more about laser teeth whitening and over-the-counter bleaching products.

Laser Teeth Whitening

Most people want immediate results when it comes to whitening their smiles. With professional laser teeth whitening, patients attend a one-time appointment and walk out of the dentist’s office with a smile that’s up to nine shades brighter!

Candidacy

Before undergoing laser teeth whitening, patients must be determined as a good candidate. Thankfully, the list of requirements is short. Patients only need to have healthy teeth and gums to qualify. Pregnancy and allergies may be the only other barriers to your laser teeth whitening experience.

Benefits

Besides the obvious benefits of quick and immediate results, laser teeth whitening also offers these advantages:

Long-lasting effects: As long as patients maintain good oral hygiene, the results of laser teeth whitening can last for years. Dentists recommend brushing in the morning and evening, flossing in the evening, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. Keeping this routine will prevent plaque from building up and stains from setting in.
Safety: Who better to trust with your teeth than a dentist? In-office teeth whitening is much more controlled than at-home whitening, and the products are safer. The dentist will know exactly how much whitening product will benefit your smile without damaging the enamel.
Self-confidence boost: Studies show that people feel much better about themselves when they are happy with their smile. Laser teeth whitening is a quick, effective, and affordable way to feel great about your teeth again.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching

If you ask a dentist about OTC teeth whitening products, they will likely encourage you against them for several reasons.

Inconsistent results. OTC whitening products have different strengths and ingredients so what works for one person may not work for the next. Even though some products promise immediate results, it may take up to six weeks to visibly see the difference in your smile.
Safety. While most OTC products are safe, overuse can harm the enamel on your teeth or irritate your gums. It’s best to have dentist supervision when using whitening products.
Commitment. At-home whitening products require serious time and effort. Applying a whitening gel to your teeth every night for weeks isn’t convenient for most people, especially those with children.

The Takeaway

The greatest downfall to professional teeth whitening is cost. However, most patients and dentists agree that laser teeth whitening is worth the investment. There’s simply no other way to achieve such effective and immediate results.

If cost is an issue, ask your dentist about their financing options or if there are any over-the-counter whitening products they would recommend.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer several teeth whitening options including laser teeth whitening, a professional at-home whitening kit, and a “Free Whitening For Life” special!

Visit our website or contact our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to learn more!

February 10, 2020 By Paula

Beautiful Smiles Get More Respect

What if we told you that a dentist could help you get more respect at work? Seem far-fetched? Well, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 74 percent of adults believe an unattractive smile can lower a person’s chances for career success. Statistically, people viewed men and women with beautiful smiles as more attractive, intelligent, successful, interesting, and wealthy—all things that boost the amount of respect they receive.

So, what are beautiful smiles made of? In this blog, we’ll discuss the top five qualities of an attractive smile and how your cosmetic dentist can help you achieve it!

Beautiful smiles are…

1. Clean

It’s no secret that the dentist is the place to go when your smile needs a thorough cleaning. If you aren’t already, be sure to visit the dentist at least every six months for a regular dental cleaning. These appointments help fight off tooth decay, gum disease, and dental stains.

Unfortunately, our smiles don’t always look as clean and healthy as they actually are. To make your smile look beautiful again, ask your dentist about cosmetic dental solutions.

2. Straight

People notice straight teeth just as much as they notice crooked teeth. Though a crooked smile is nobody’s fault, it almost always makes the smiler feel insecure. Consequently, crooked teeth can negatively affect the way a person is perceived.

Thankfully, most cases of crooked teeth can now be solved with Invisalign®! These clear, convenient braces are the top choice among adults who want to straighten their smile without unsightly and uncomfortable brackets and wires. In addition to being extremely discreet, clear aligners are much more comfortable, help patients maintain good oral hygiene, and can be removed for easy, nonrestrictive eating.

3. Bright

We often see people on commercials flash their sparkly smiles after brushing or chewing gum. While that kind of sparkle is impossible to achieve, it is very possible to gain a bright smile with chairside whitening from your dentist.

In-office teeth whitening is one of the most requested and affordable cosmetic treatments, and the results don’t disappoint. In just one visit to the dentist, your smile can be brightened up to nine shades! Contact your dentist today to learn if you are a candidate for in-office teeth whitening.

4. Free of chips and cracks

Car accidents, sports injuries, and hard candies are common causes of chipped or cracked teeth. Sometimes these dental injuries need emergency dental care, but other times, they are simply cosmetic issues. However, if you never had your tooth evaluated after the fact, it’s important for your dentist to rule out any potential oral health issues like infection.

To ensure your tooth doesn’t pose any problems in the future and improve the appearance of your smile, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers, a white crown, or dental bonding.

5. Sincere

Lastly, beautiful smiles are sincere. When you aren’t happy with your smile, it’s common to cover your mouth while laughing or take a picture without showing your teeth. It can be difficult to be sincere when you are constantly worried about what others think.

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just boost your confidence and gain others’ respect—it allows you to live a more vibrant life.

Our experienced and trusted cosmetic dentist loves helping patients improve their health, smiles, and lives through cosmetic dental solutions. To learn all the ways we can help you achieve a more beautiful smile, call our Austin, TX office today at (512) 346-4690.

January 31, 2020 By Paula

Reinvent Yourself with Aesthetic Dentistry

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? Maybe you’ve decided this is the year to finally improve your smile! If you’ve lived with a less-than-perfect smile for years, there’s no better time than now to experience all the benefits aesthetic dentistry has to offer.

With aesthetic dentistry, changing the appearance of your smile is easier and more affordable than ever. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of all the cosmetic choices available to you. Your dentist will help you decide which treatment or treatments will benefit your smile the most.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are one of the quickest and most conservative ways to improve your smile. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, and Morgan Freeman have all (reportedly) used porcelain veneers to completely change the appearance of their teeth.

To place veneers, the thin, durable shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Dental veneers hide stains, gaps, and oddly shaped teeth. Patients must have a sufficient amount of enamel on their teeth to be candidates. If not, there are a few more options available.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding provides many of the same benefits as porcelain veneers. During this procedure, composite resin is painted and shaped onto a tooth to cover up flaws such as stains, chips, gaps, and cracks. The cosmetic dentist will use her trained eye and steady hand for a natural-looking, but much-improved smile.

Invisalign®

Most people think of clunky, metal brackets and wires when they hear the word “braces”. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, clear aligners are now an effective aesthetic dentistry solution to gapped or crooked teeth.

Instead of using wires and brackets to move teeth into proper position, a series of clear aligners are custom-made to gently reposition the patient’s teeth. Patients are required to wear these aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for up to 12 months. The length of treatment time depends upon the severity of the patient’s dental needs.

It’s important to know that not everyone qualifies for Invisalign treatment. Patients with severe dental misalignment may require braces. BUT the good news is, even traditional braces have improved over the past several years. Your dentist can place clear brackets and thin wires that are hardly noticeable.

Teeth Whitening

Coffee, tea, and even certain fruits and vegetables can stain and discolor teeth over time. Stores everywhere sell tons of teeth whitening products daily, but none of them work as well as professional teeth whitening. With over-the-counter products, you may experience a slight change in the appearance of your smile over the course of a few weeks, but in-office teeth whitening provides incredible results in just one dental appointment.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer top-of-the-line teeth whitening treatments that can brighten your smile up to nine shades in a matter of minutes. After one treatment, we also offer free whitening for life!

Gum Lift or Crown Lengthening

Patients with a gummy smile or short teeth are the perfect candidates for a gum lift. This procedure minimizes the amount of visible gum to make the teeth look longer and more symmetrical.

For this procedure especially, it’s important to choose a cosmetic dentist who uses laser technology. Without it, dentists use a scalpel to cut away and stitches to close the gums (yikes!).

Dr. Ragsdale uses a Waterlase™ medical laser to remove small amounts of gum tissue. This state-of-the-art technology reduces discomfort and allows for a one-to-two-day healing period.

Experience the Benefits of Aesthetic Dentistry

These cosmetic treatments will boost your confidence and change the way others perceive you. A beautiful smile makes for a memorable first impression—in the best way!

To fulfill your resolution of a new and improved smile in 2020, visit an aesthetic dentist near you today.

Call (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation with our Austin Laser Dentist.

December 27, 2019 By Paula

5 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Enhance Your Smile

Do you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile? Or “disappear” every time pictures are being taken? Do you constantly wonder what other people think of your teeth?

An imperfect smile can make life a lot more complicated. That’s why we are in the business of making smiles beautiful—because we want to help make life more enjoyable for our patients.

Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional so you can live your best life.

Here are five ways cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile:

1. Whiten

One of the quickest ways to enhance your smile is through professional, in-office teeth whitening. If `you’ve been disappointed by over-the-counter whitening kits, we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with your dentist-supervised whitening procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is one of the safest and most effective ways to brighten your smile. In as little as 60 minutes, you can walk out of the dentist’s office feeling more confident than when you walked in.

Your dentist may also offer other safe and effective teeth whitening options that don’t involve lasers or whitening kits that you can use at home.

We recommend laser teeth whitening for the quickest, most effective results.

2. Straighten

Many adults with crooked or gapped teeth are eligible for Invisalign® clear aligners. Rather than placing chunky metal braces on your teeth, your dentist can have clear aligners made that will straighten your smile just as well as traditional braces.

These clear aligners are removable, but they will need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. The good news is that no one will even notice! And, in between 6 and 18 months, you’ll have a brand-new smile to show off.

3. Fill in gaps

Besides braces, there are other solutions for gapped teeth: dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your smile. To fix your gap or gaps, your dentist will apply a composite bonding material to widen the teeth on either side of the gap. This material will match the color of your natural teeth for a natural appearance.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit on the front surface of your teeth. These can be made wider to fill in the gaps between your teeth. This solution takes a couple of visits to complete, but your veneers will last several years longer than dental bonding.

Both of these procedures are fairly conservative and typically don’t require anesthesia or laughing gas. However, if dental procedures make you overly stressed or nervous, ask your dentist about sedation options.

4. Lengthen

For patients with short teeth or gummy smiles, crown lengthening, laser gum recontouring, and dental veneers can all lengthen your teeth.

The appearance of short teeth can be improved with veneers or even braces, but gummy smiles typically require the removal of small amounts of gum tissue through gum recontouring or crown lengthening.

Your dentist can help you decide which procedure will help you achieve your cosmetic dental goals.

5. Replace missing teeth

Replacing your missing tooth or teeth doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile, it improves the health of your smile as well. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures can all replace missing teeth.

Without replacing the missing tooth, you are at a much higher risk for shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, and dental diseases. Talk to your dentist today about the best tooth-replacement option for your teeth.

Smile Makeovers

If your smile requires more than one treatment to reach your cosmetic dentistry goals, ask your dentist about a smile makeover. He or she can create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Contact your dentist today to get started!

To meet with our Austin Laser Dentist, contact our team at 512-346-4690.

Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS