1. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom and hand-made, thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve shape, color, and overall appearance. They provide a natural look and feel with long-lasting results. Veneers are ideal for correcting:

• Discoloration or staining
• Chips and cracks
• Gaps between teeth
• Uneven or worn-down teeth

 With proper care, veneers can last over 20 years

2. Invisalign® Clear Aligners

If you want straighter teeth without the look or feel of metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners may be the solution. These clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, improving both function and aesthetics. Invisalign treatment is a popular option because:

• Aligners are removable for eating and brushing
• Treatment is discrete and comfortable
• Progress can be seen within weeks

Invisalign aligners can be a great treatment option for patients of all ages. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted!

3. BOTOX®

For dentists, BOTOX means more than just wrinkle reduction! When used cosmetically, BOTOX can soften fine lines around the mouth and forehead, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance to complement your smile. Therapeutically, dentists also use BOTOX to:

• Relieve jaw tension
• Reduce chronic facial pain
• Minimize high lip line or the appearance of a “gummy” smile

BOTOX is a quick, minimally invasive treatment with minimal downtime and results that typically last 3-4 months.

4. Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is one of the quickest ways to enhance your smile. Over time, food, drink and lifestyle habits like coffee, tea or red wine can stain your teeth. In-office whitening treatments can dramatically brighten your teeth in just one visit, while take-home kits provide gradual, consistent results. Compared to over-the-counter options, professional whitening is safer, more effective and longer-lasting.

5. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a simple way to repair small imperfections like chips, cracks or gaps. Using tooth-colored filling material (called composite), your dentist can reshape or rebuild areas of a tooth in a single visit, sometimes without even needing to numb! Bonding blends seamlessly with your natural teeth and is a great option if you’re looking for subtle, instant improvements without the commitment of veneers or crowns.

Ready for a smile you love?

Whether you’re interested in a full smile transformation or a small enhancement, cosmetic dentistry offers options for every goal. Our dentists, Dr. Nadia Bahramnejad and Dr. Haley Wilson, would love to discuss your cosmetic goals and personalize a treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Your dream smile may be closer than you think! We are conveniently located near Highland Park and University Park, right off the Katy Trail.

The post Top 5 Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures In Highland Park first appeared on Katy Trail Dental.

• Extrinsic discoloration: Surface staining caused by environmental factors such as food, drink and smoking. Common teeth-staining beverages include coffee, tea and wine.
• Intrinsic discoloration: Internal tooth discoloration caused by dental trauma and certain medications.

The first step to a brighter smile is talking to your dentist. We can determine the cause of your teeth discoloration and see if teeth whitening options can help. Teeth whitening products work best on teeth that have extrinsic staining since this discoloration only involves the outermost enamel layer of the tooth. Brown or gray staining can also indicate more serious dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, so it is important for your dentist to address these issues first to ensure we are whitening a healthy smile. Additionally, whitening treatment can only brighten natural teeth, so it is important to have a dentist evaluate any dental work (fillings, crowns, veneers) you may have to see if whitening is the best option for you to have a bright, evenly colored smile.

Teeth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The molecules of this active bleaching agent penetrate tooth enamel, reacting and oxidizing away stains and discoloration. This reaction can cause mild tooth demineralization, which is easily reversed by regular use of fluoridated toothpaste and does not harm the tooth. This reaction can also cause tooth sensitivity due to very mild irritation of the pulp or nerve inside the tooth. Teeth whitening treatment is completely safe, especially when performed under the supervision of a dental professional.

At Katy Trail Dental, we offer several professional, safe and effective teeth whitening options:

Philips Zoom! In-Office Whitening

• Four 15-minute sessions
• Utilizes safe, effective whitening gel enhanced by blue LED technology
• Immediate, noticeable results – up to 8 shades brighter

Opalescence Boost In-Office Whitening

• Two 20-minute sessions
• Utilizes safe, effective whitening gel
• Immediate, noticeable results

Opalescence Go Take-Home Whitening Trays

• Tray applicator helps conform to every smile – no impressions required!
• Ready for use – wear 30-60 minutes at a time for five to ten days to see brighter results
• Whitening gel contains potassium nitrate (for sensitivity) and fluoride (for tooth remineralization and sensitivity)

What to expect at your teeth whitening visit:

1. An initial shade will be taken of your teeth.
2. A protective gel barrier will be placed on your gums to protect them from irritation by the teeth whitening solution – this application is quick, easy and painless!
3. A whitening solution will be carefully applied to your teeth using a gentle, brushed tip. With Zoom! Whitening, a blue LED light will be focused on your teeth to gently enhance the bleaching process.
4. A final shade will be taken to record your whitening progress.

Helpful tips for teeth whitening:

• Big event coming up? We recommend scheduling your whitening treatment two to three weeks prior to your event to allow for the best, brightest results.
• Whitening solutions can cause teeth sensitivity. To minimize sensitivity after whitening, your dentist may recommend taking a pain reliever right before your whitening visit. We will assess your medical and dental history to determine a pre-whitening plan that fits your needs.
• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be very helpful before and after a whitening treatment. Look for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which can have a desensitizing effect.
• Avoid staining foods and beverages after whitening treatment. Drink water regularly throughout the day and continue consistent oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth surfaces clean.
• Be open with your dentist about any questions or apprehensions you may have about whitening your teeth – we are here to help you have a comfortable, gentle whitening treatment experience!

Interested? Call our office at (214) 380-9071 to schedule your whitening visit or mention it to your dentist at your next checkup.

Dentist-Recommended Resources:

• https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-teeth-whitening-safe

The post What is Teeth Whitening? Is it Safe, and Does it Work? first appeared on Katy Trail Dental.