Cosmetic dental care goes beyond just making your smile look great. Treatments like clear aligners, teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding don’t only improve how your smile looks, but they also help your overall oral health. At Gunbarrel Dental Center, we focus on both.
For example, crooked teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay because they’re harder to clean. Aligning your teeth makes it easier to brush and floss properly. If you have broken or chipped teeth, they can get worse when you eat. Using veneers or bonding to fix them can help protect your teeth and balance your bite, preventing further harm.
At Gunbarrel Dental Center in Boulder, CO, Dr. Rachel Barone offers a range of dental services that not only enhance your smile but also improve oral health. We proudly serve patients in Boulder and the surrounding areas.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in Boulder, CO
We offer a variety of treatments that brighten and straighten your smile, including:
Clear Aligners
ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system that helps straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. These clear trays are switched out every two weeks, gently moving your teeth into place. ClearCorrect is a discreet and more comfortable alternative to metal braces.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have deep stains or slightly crooked teeth, veneers are a great option. Dental veneers are thin shells that we bond to the front of your teeth. They can cover one tooth or all teeth in your smile and are perfect for hiding stains or minor alignment issues.
Tooth Bonding
For small chips, cracks, or stains, dental bonding is an efficient way to add structure to one or more broken or stained teeth. The bonding material is made of biocomposite resin that we color-match to the appearance of the natural tooth enamel. Dental bonding is a more economical alternative to dental veneers and is best for smaller cosmetic imperfections.
Teeth Whitening
Our QuickPro in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments can lighten your teeth by several shades. It uses a two-step process: first, a layer with 20% hydrogen peroxide is applied, followed by a second layer to seal it in. You can also choose take-home trays to whiten your teeth at home.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Many people believe cosmetic dentistry is only about looks, but it offers much more than that. Here are some great benefits you can get from cosmetic dental care.
Improved Appearance and Facial Shape
Most people choose cosmetic dental services to enhance their smiles. At the very least, cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a bright, even smile. It can also change your facial shape. Well-aligned teeth can balance your facial features and give you a symmetrical jawline. Straight teeth can help create a natural smile and improve how your face looks overall.
Boosted Confidence
One of the best perks of cosmetic dentistry is the confidence you gain from having a smile you’re proud of. If you have bad teeth, it can make you feel self-conscious, limit your social life, and hurt your self-esteem. A better smile can help you feel more comfortable when talking to others, especially in jobs that involve interacting with people.
Studies show that having a beautiful smile is linked to better mental health. It can lower stress, anxiety, and depression. Smiling freely can boost your mood and increase positive feelings, improving your overall quality of life.
Better Oral Health and Function
Many cosmetic dental issues come from underlying oral health problems. Our cosmetic dentist in Boulder will treat these root causes to improve both how your smile looks and how well it works.
For instance, fixing crooked teeth makes them easier to clean, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straight teeth also help balance your bite, so all your teeth share the pressure evenly, which prevents wear and tear on just a few teeth. A balanced bite can also reduce your chances of TMJ disorders, which cause pain and difficulty moving your jaw.
You’ll also notice better dental function. Cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers or dental crowns can stabilize and strengthen damaged or weak teeth. When these issues are fixed, you can chew and speak better, helping you maintain a healthy diet and communicate more easily.
You can trust that cosmetic dental restorations will last a long time and be easy to keep clean. Materials like dental porcelain resist stains, so you can enjoy coffee and other foods without worrying about discoloration. Professional teeth whitening lasts longer than store-bought options. Treatments like dental bonding and porcelain veneers can last for years before needing adjustments or replacements.
Cosmetic Dental FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dental treatments:
How long does it take to adjust to new cosmetic dental work?
Adjusting to new cosmetic dental work, such as dental veneers or crowns, typically takes a short period. You’ll likely feel comfortable and natural with your new smile within a few days to a week. It’s normal to have some sensitivity or slight discomfort at first, but this usually fades quickly. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, you’ll soon forget you ever had any dental work done.
Are there any specific lifestyle changes needed after getting cosmetic dental work?
After getting cosmetic dental work, there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make to ensure the best results that will last. You need to maintain good dental health, including regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your new dental work. Also, regular dental visits are vital to monitor the condition of your teeth and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
How do cosmetic dental materials react to teeth whitening treatments?
Cosmetic dental materials, such as dental veneers or crowns, typically do not react to teeth whitening treatments in the same way as natural teeth. While your natural teeth may lighten in color, the cosmetic restorations will remain the same shade. Some cosmetic materials are more likely to stain over time. Because of this, maintaining good oral hygiene is vital to keeping your smile looking its best.
How do cosmetic dental procedures affect bite alignment?
Cosmetic dental procedures enhance your smile’s appearance while maintaining proper bite alignment. Whether you are getting dental veneers, crowns, or other treatments, your dentist will ensure that the restoration fits perfectly with your existing teeth. Proper alignment with cosmetic restorations helps maintain a balanced bite, ensuring you can chew and speak comfortably and naturally. With proper planning and execution, cosmetic dental work can improve your smile without compromising your bite.
How does ClearCorrect compare to metal braces?
Traditional metal braces use wires and brackets to straighten crooked teeth. ClearCorrect uses clear, removable aligners that are more comfortable and easier to clean. While metal braces can irritate your gums, ClearCorrect aligners will fit your smile without causing discomfort.
Do I need dental veneers or tooth bonding?
Veneers and bonding treat similar issues but use different methods. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth, best for those in your smile line. The dentist applies bonding directly to the teeth and is best for smaller areas.
How long does QuickPro whitening treatment take?
Our team applies QuickPro whitening and sealant varnishes in about 15 minutes. Within 30 minutes, you can see a noticeable difference in your smile.
How much whiter can my teeth get with professional teeth whitening?
With professional whitening, your teeth can get up to eight to twelve shades lighter. The exact result depends on your natural tooth color and the type of stains you have. In-office treatments usually give the most noticeable results. We’ll check your teeth and talk about the likely outcome to help you reach a brighter smile.
Book a Consultation for Cosmetic Dentistry in Boulder, CO
Schedule your next dental visit at Gunbarrel Dental Center today or call 720-881-0614. If you have any questions about your cosmetic concerns, let our team know during your next appointment. We serve patients from Longmont, Gunbarrel, Boulder, and the nearby areas in Colorado.