Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, TX
If you’re looking to completely transform the look of your smile, there’s no better cosmetic dentist in Arlington, TX, to see than Dr. Ravi Doctor. His ability and expertise in being able to change the way a person’s teeth and gums appear are why so many people choose him for their cosmetic dentistry needs. When looking for a solution that will address your teeth imperfections, he can transform your imperfect smile with a smile makeover in his office located in Arlington, TX!
By combining various individualized services, advanced treatment planning, and expert technique, you will notice a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel at the end of your treatment. From identifying your goals to treating issues that can impact your oral health to enhancing your smile’s aesthetic, you will be pleased with the results you see. To learn more about this unique service, give us a call today!
Are you ready for a smile makeover?
Thinking about getting cosmetic dental work? Here are some easy questions to consider:
- Do you hold back your smile often?
- Do you want to feel more confident?
- Do you wish to look great at social or work events?
- Are you eager to fix any flaws in your teeth?
If you said yes to any of these, cosmetic dentistry might be just what you need!
Smile makeover process
The smile makeover process is one that varies depending on the patient and the services received. But no matter what type of cosmetic or restorative treatment you’ll be receiving, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doctor. During this visit, he will examine your smile, take digital X-Rays, and formulate a treatment plan that includes the recommended services he believes will help you see the results you desire.
Once you’ve agreed to the treatment plan, you will begin to schedule your procedures based on which one Dr. Doctor recommends first. The average timeline for the following services includes:
- Porcelain Veneers: 2-3 visits (several weeks or months)
- Dental Bonding: 1 visit
- Metal-Free Dental Restorations: 2-3 visits (several weeks for restoration creation)
- Teeth Whitening: 1 hour for in-house treatment or 2 weeks for at-home whitening
- Cosmetic Laser Dentistry (i.e. gum recontouring): 1 visit for gum recontouring
- Clear Aligner orthodontics: Between 12-24 months on average
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin piece of dental porcelain that Dr. Doctor places on the front surface of a tooth. Its goal is to disguise the tooth’s flaws and contribute to a more attractive smile. Dr. Doctor carefully designs each veneer so that its size, shape, and color work well with your natural oral anatomy and facial characteristics. The process begins with a consultation. Dr. Doctor will examine your teeth, take x-rays, photos, and intraoral scans to discuss your smile goals with you and possibly create a digital wax-up of what your future smile will look like with dental veneers in Arlington, TX. If you both agree that porcelain veneers are right for you, you can expect your treatment to take place across two appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. Doctor will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from them. This step is necessary to ensure that your new smile doesn’t look bulky or unnatural. Then, we’ll take some digital impressions of your teeth using an intraoral scanner.
A laboratory will use the digital impressions, and detailed notes from Dr. Doctor, to fabricate your veneers. In the meantime, you will wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth. When your lab fabricated restoration is ready, Dr. Doctor will double-check to make sure that they are a perfect fit before he attaches them to your teeth.
Veneers can disguise a number of cosmetic issues, including:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Discoloration
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too small
- Misshapen teeth
Direct Bonding
During the direct bonding procedure, Dr. Doctor molds a tooth-colored resin over a tooth with the goal of hiding its flaws. The resin is the same material that is usually used for tooth-colored fillings. It is biocompatible and blends in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Direct bonding is a popular option for correcting minor aesthetic flaws in teeth, such as discoloration, chips, and small gaps between the teeth. The initial results it produces are similar to what you might expect with porcelain veneers.
Direct bonding process
The direct bonding process is fast and painless. Here is an overview of what to expect during it:
- We will use the natural color of your teeth to guide us as we select the ideal shade for your dental bonding.
- The surface of your tooth will be etched a little in order to make it easier for the bonding to adhere to it. A conditioning liquid will also be applied.
- Dr. Doctor will mold the composite resin over the teeth. Once the resin is in place, a curing light will harden it in a matter of seconds.
- Dr. Doctor will make any necessary final adjustments to the size and shape of the bonding.
Replace Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Amalgam fillings, those noticeable silver ones in your smile, combine mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc to fill tooth cavities. They typically last about 10 years. Once, they were the only choice for fillings, but their popularity has decreased. Now, materials like resin-based composites are more common because amalgam can gradually create tiny cracks in teeth.
These fillings contain 50% mercury, which reacts to temperature changes by expanding or contracting. Eating hot food makes the filling expand, putting pressure on your tooth, while cold food like ice cream causes it to shrink, leaving spaces where bacteria can grow. Switching to resin, which matches your tooth color, can better maintain your teeth’s health.
So, why switch to resin composite fillings? They’re better for your tooth’s structure and appearance.
- Reduce allergic reaction.
Amalgam fillings, made with metals like mercury, zinc, copper, tin, and silver, can cause allergies or sensitivities in some people. Symptoms include mouth sores, skin rashes, and itching.
- Reduce exposure to mercury.
These fillings are half mercury. Even though considered safe, some indiv
iduals might be more affected by mercury.
- Improve aesthetics.
Amalgam fillings are visible when you smile, contrasting with white teeth, which can make you self-conscious. Resin composite fillings blend in, as they match tooth color and are hardly noticeable.
- Strengthen your teeth.
Amalgam fillings are just filled into teeth and don’t bond with them. Composite fillings bond directly, making your teeth stronger and reducing the chance of leaks. Leaks can allow bacteria in, leading to decay and possibly needing more serious treatments like crowns.
In-office Zoom teeth whitening treatments
You may have noticed your teeth over time have become discolored due to staining from certain foods or drinks. Zoom in-office teeth whitening may be just what you need to brighten up your smile. Dr. Doctor will supervise your Zoom whitening treatment, providing extra confidence that the procedure is both safe and successful.
How Zoom teeth whitening works.
The Zoom in-office procedure is a quick and efficient method for teeth whitening, taking less than an hour. This treatment involves applying a whitening gel and using a special LED lamp for about 45 minutes, which can lighten your teeth by several shades.
Dr. Doctor may recommend a professional cleaning prior to the whitening procedure. Then, Dr. Doctor will:
- Places protective barriers around your gum tissue and cure it in place.
- Place whitening gel on your teeth.
- Turn on the Zoom LED light and position it over your teeth.
- Repeat this process two more times.
- Remove whitening gel and tissue barriers and apply a protective gel.
After the procedure, Dr Doctor may suggest at-home whitening treatments if additional whitening is desired or to use to maintain your new whiter smile.
Opalescence® At-Home Whitening
Opalescence provides a variety of tooth whitening solutions aimed at enhancing your smile. They offer tailored trays for home use and professional treatments for in-office whitening, catering to different lifestyles and financial plans. The prescription-strength Opalescence Tooth Whitening Systems, more potent than store-bought products, are exclusivel
y available via your dentist.
- Safe
Opalescence at-home whitening gels are not available over the counter. Dr. Doctor will evaluate your smile and prescribe the right strength for your individual needs. While using the Opalescence Tooth Whitening System, we will supervise your treatment from initial consultation through completion.
- Effective
Opalescence offers strong, prescription-level at-home whitening gels in various strengths to suit your dental needs. These gels can start showing results after just one night, although it may take up to a week to see noticeable changes.
- Customized
The effectiveness of Opalescence at-home whitening gels comes from their use in custom-made bleaching trays. These trays are tailored to fit the unique contours of your smile, created from either a putty or digital impression of your mouth.
Laser Gingivectomy For Overgrown Tissue
Some patients experience an excess of gum tissue which can be the cause of their gummy smile.
If this is the case, a gingivectomy can be performed during which the excess gum tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped to expose more of your teeth.
The front two teeth are meant to be higher than the next adjacent teeth and at the same level as the third teeth from the center. There needs to be a certain distance to the bone level to the tip of the gum. If conditions are present, excess gum tissue can be removed with a laser over will result in a dramatic improvement in the smile.