Reinvent Yourself With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry from ColemanDental in Houston TX brings with it many benefits: from a sleeker, cleaner appearance and a boost in self-confidence, to improved dental health. There are a lot of different procedures to choose from.

While the most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry is a beautiful new smile, we never overlook the dental health aspects. Available procedures can improve the functioning of your teeth and bite, and since your teeth will probably be easier to care for, you’ll have healthier teeth and gums.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Some of these procedures, like bonding and veneers, restore teeth that are cracked and broken. Crowns can strengthen teeth that are worn or damaged. Whitening can brighten your teeth by several shades. All of them make your smile look great!

At ColemanDental in Houston TX, cosmetic dentistry may be just the answer for your dental needs. People from Memorial Villages and Tanglewood also come to us for general dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Coleman Dental:

713-783-2800

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

7575 San Felipe St, Suite 135
Houston, Texas
77063

Is It All About Flashy Smiles And Trendy Styles?

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If you can’t be in Paris, then bring fashion home. Facial fashion, that is. The pouty, the flashy, the sultry, the glamorous, the gleeful. At ColemanDental in Houston TX we offer cosmetic dentistry to keeping you looking great and feeling confident.

Few of us were born with perfect teeth. Cosmetic dentistry means using sound dental techniques to improve the appearance of your teeth. Even one procedure can make a big difference to your smile.

The possibilities include:

  • Teeth Whitening: This may be the most popular one we’ve got. Professional teeth whitening can transform your smile into something to behold.
  • Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are custom-made shells of medical-grade ceramic that we attach to the front of your teeth to cover chips, gaps, and other imperfections.
  • Bonding: Dental bonding involves the application of a putty-like resin directly to the teeth. We can correct small chips, coat discolored teeth, and even fill in small cavities.

Cosmetic dentistry from ColemanDental in Houston TX can give you a flashy new smile! Find out why people from Memorial Villages and Tanglewood come to our practice for their smiles, and for dental implants. Call us today!

Contact Coleman Dental:

713-783-2800

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

7575 San Felipe St, Suite 135
Houston, Texas
77063

Look And Feel Better With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry from ColemanDental in Houston TX can not only upgrade your smile, it can improve the health of your teeth and make your face more attractive and younger-looking.

If you have teeth that are decayed or otherwise damaged, there are multiple remedies. Porcelain veneers, bonding, and crowns are some of the effective procedures available. What if a tooth is missing entirely? A dental implant is a complete restoration.

Even one procedure can have a big impact on how you look. Procedures like teeth whitening and tooth-colored fillings are simple, but have dramatic results.

Regardless of your dental issues, chances are cosmetic dentistry can help. Some people assume they have to live with stained, chipped, cracked, crooked, or missing teeth, but today’s dentistry can correct most dental issues.

At ColemanDental in Houston TX, we create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day. Our patients always look and feel better afterward! Patients from Memorial Villages and Tanglewood also come to us for restorative dentistry. Call today!

Contact Coleman Dental:

713-783-2800

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

7575 San Felipe St, Suite 135
Houston, Texas
77063

Pain After Dental Bonding: What’s the Fix?

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I had a fair amount of dental bonding done a few weeks ago. The vast majority of it was for cosmetic reasons, but I did have a couple of cavities as well. The doctor said it would be easier on me if I did it all in one visit and I assumed he was right. Since then, my teeth have been very sensitive and it seems to be getting worse. It actually hurts on one side every time I bite. I called the office and asked about it and the lady said I’d get used to it over time. If this was true, I would think it would have stopped by now. Is there something else I need to be doing?

Thank you,

Shirley in Minnesota

Dear Shirley,

Actually, it sounds like you need to go back to the dentist. The dental bonding could need to be smoothed out a little bit. When you have excess material, it affects your bite and the constant unnatural banging on your other teeth can become painful. That’s why it hurts more when you bite down. Since the tooth is already upset, the pain lingers on for some time after. Some people report having shooting pains or jaw pain when their recent filling needs an adjustment as well. This isn’t something that gets better on its own. In fact, letting it go can further traumatize the tooth and the one that it’s biting against, which may result in the need for additional treatment. You’ll have to go in to have it smoothed out.

There are other issues it could be as well. It’s possible there’s something going on with the tooth or the dental bonding, too. If the tooth is just irritated, something like that would likely settle down on its own. Taking ibuprofen to help the inflammation may speed up recovery time with things like that. At other times, if the tooth was traumatized or the cavity was deep, a root canal may become necessary for your comfort and the long-term retention of the tooth.

It’s a little disappointing that the office staff didn’t suggest that you go in and have the dental bonding checked out and adjusted. That’s generally the first step when someone feels uncomfortable after a filling. Start with that and, if you don’t feel relief within a week or so, you may need to start looking into other possible causes for the discomfort.

Sometimes teeth really do need a little rest to settle down, but you’ll start to gradually feel better as time passes and it sounds like your pain is getting worse. Unexplained pain should never be ignored, and certainly not if it’s progressive. Get this checked out as soon as you can.

Can Dental Bonding Fix Black Triangles?

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I have what my dentist is calling black triangles. Would dental bonding fix them?

Sam W. – Kansas

Sam,

Black Triangles are often caused by receding gums.  The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure there is not gum disease. If that’s dealt with and you just have the cosmetics issue, then dental bonding is a possibility, but please bear in mind it is a tricky procedure. You’ll need an expert cosmetic dentist.

Black triangles are a hole left by the abandoned gum structure. It’s essentially a food trap, leaving plaque and calculus a nice little home. The dental bonding has to be shaped in such a way that it doesn’t perpetuate the problem. You’ll want to be able to floss the area smoothly, without any resistance. Then you’ve got the technical issues with gum fluid and the aesthetic issues that require artistry.

If I were in your place, I’d look for a dentist who’s reached accreditation status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). They’ll have the skill and artistry to do it properly.

Cosmetic dentist’s dental bonding is yellow.

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My daughter is in the thick of her teen years. She hated the discoloration on her front teeth. So we met with a dentist that was recommending a cosmetic solution for her two front teeth. The price wasn’t exorbitant, so we did it. Well, the dentists did tooth bonding and now they are yellow. Yes, two yellow front teeth. Ugly and embarrassing to any teen. I honestly think they look worse now than before. When I went in to complain, the dentist shaved off the bonding work and reapplied more. And it’s still yellow. It’s coming off too in some places. I think it looks terrible. Is there anything I can do? I’m having a hard time trusting this dentist to go back in? I’m not sure she knows what she is doing? Is that normal to remove it and reapply? Do you think I have a case to go to another dentist and ask reimbursement from the first?

– Betty in Kansas

Betty,

Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story. It sounds like it may be time to go see another dentist. And you definitely have a case in requesting that the original dentist cover the cost for the new work. But there is no legal recourse really that the original dentist must adhere to. In most cases, some firm persuasion does the trick. Most dentists will want to keep their reputation in tact by making it right. And worse case scenario you can mention that you are meeting with a lawyer. Good luck in how you approach her. Try to keep it cordial and not threatening in nature.

Dental bonding that isn’t done by an experienced cosmetic dentist can be mediocre at best. Unfortunately, it sounds like you had to learn the hard way. This work truly takes an artistic eye for creating beauty. Not just any dentist can do this kind of work. But how would you know? Fundamentally, general dentists are trained to fix things. They are solving some sort of functional problem. Whereas, an excellent cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beautiful, natural-looking solutions with an emphasis on esthetics. In order to be an expert cosmetic dentist, extensive advanced training is required. Some general dentists dabble in cosmetic dentistry but don’t go to great lengths to hone their skill. And since cosmetic dentistry isn’t a regulated field within dentistry, it makes it very difficult for an average patient to know the difference. Only 1-2% of dentists really do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. So moving forward, check the dentist’s credentials and ask to see their portfolio of work for cases similar to your daughter.

Porcelain veneers may be a good solution for your daughter. But do not let the original dentist do the veneers. It doesn’t sound like this dentist has the ability or heart to give you a beautiful result. Or since your daughter is young, direct dental bonding by another cosmetic dentist may turn out much better. If you find the right dentist with the right credentials, yield to their recommendation.

Dental bonding mistake!

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I am so utterly disappointed in the cosmetic dentistry I just had done. I decided to move forward in getting my front tooth gap closed and then some work done to the lateral incisors to make them appear a bit longer. The dentist recommended dental bonding be used to fix my smile. The first thing that I was surprised by was the fact that the color doesn’t match. When I talked to the cosmetic dentist about this, he said the color difference is supposed to match my “eye teeth” but then when I questioned him he stated that the color was consistent on all the work he did. I’m thinking he’s changing his story here. What was it? A darker color for the incisors or not? Well, I guess it doesn’t matter because they don’t look the same. So, when I expressed my dissatisfaction, he wants me to pay more. That, on top of the whitening toothpaste he is telling me to use, even after he had me do tray teeth whitening. Ugh! Have I been duped? Please help! I literally feel like my lateral incisors are grey.

-Carrie in California

Carrie,

Thank you for reaching out. Cosmetic dentistry mistakes are all too common and the more individuals that share stories like yours, future patients will hopefully become increasingly educated.

Most excellent cosmetic dentists feel that the central incisors should actually be lighter then the canine teeth which are darker. This is to create the most natural-looking smile possible. So if the coloration is how you described it, then this is a dental bonding mistake by your cosmetic dentist. A grey color isn’t acceptable.

If you feel the work is not sufficient, you have two main options. You can approach your cosmetic dentist and request that the work be redone and fixed. Or, you can request that the cosmetic dentistry is paid for elsewhere in seeking a different cosmetic dentist. Now, since it sounds as if your dentist is giving you different explanations and you obviously aren’t happy with the first attempt, you may be better served in finding a new cosmetic dentist to fix your dental bonding. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. If this first dentist isn’t able to give you a beautiful result, it is unlikely an artistic, natural result will  happen the second time around with the current dentist.

But it is imperative that you try to refrain from a confrontational demeanor. It sounds like he already is taking the stance that he will charge for any re-work. The thing is teeth whitening isn’t going to solve your problem either because the color is not going to change on the dental bonding. You have a case here. This needs to be redone at his expensive. You have already paid for a beautiful smile and he fell short. He needs to make this right.

Can I use an ultrasonic toothbrush on dental bonding?

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I came across something online that said not to use “ultrasonic cleaning devices” on dental bonding. Can ultrasonic toothbrushes damage the bond somehow? I need to know because I always use an ultransonic toothbrush and don’t want to compromise my restoration.

– Becky in Wisconsin

Becky,

Thank you for your question. The “ultransonic cleaning devices” is not referring to ultransonic toothbrushes. Toothbrushes are safe to use restorations like dental bonding and porcelain veneers. So there is no harm in continuing to use them.

The ultrasonic scaler is a professional piece of equipment used by dental hygienists at the dentist’s office. If it is not used properly, the ultrasonic scaler may damage the restoration. For example, the tip on these devices vibrates at ultrasonic speeds and can inadvertently scratch the surface of dental bonding and veneers. This may end up harming the glaze that seals the restoration. When there are scratches on the surface, the restoration may pick up stains over time.

In regard to electric toothbrushes, including ultrasonic toothbrushes, the bristles are soft and will not damage the glaze on the composite. They will clean and polish which will help keep the restoration looking great. Also, toothbrushes vibrate at lower speeds and are therefore considered “sonic” versus “ultrasonic” so they tend to be more gentle.

Botched cosmetic dentistry. What do I do?

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I hate my ugly tetracycline-stained teeth. They have stolen my joy and self confidence one too many times. I decided that I will not feel embarrassed or ashamed of my smile anymore. So I scheduled a consultation with my dentist. Finally, I felt like I was going to be proud to show off my smile because he said he had the solution, teeth whitening and dental bonding to cover the deep stains. So, I went for it. Well, it’s not even been a week and I’m regretting getting my hopes up. Maybe I will be plagued by tetracycline my entire life. I mean, maybe my expectations were to high? They do look better than before I had any work done. But they are a far cry from the pearly, white smile which is what I was hoping for. Is this as good as it gets? I feel like the cosmetic dentistry is botched.

– Kendra in Minnesota

Kendra,

Thank you for your honesty. There is good news and bad news. The good news is that there is something better. The bad news, your dentist didn’t select the best treatment plan to cover your tetracycline stains.

An expert cosmetic dentist knows that porcelain veneers are the best way to cover dark tetracycline stains. Your dentist was a bit conservative selecting teeth whitening and dental bonding to improve your smile. You need to get a second opinion. Although your current dentist may do decent cosmetic dentistry, your circumstances require a cosmetic dentist that truly understands the situation.

Look for a cosmetic dentist in your area that has successfully treated tetracycline stains in the past. Ask to see a portfolio of their work and check out their credentials. The right cosmetic dentist can deliver you that beautiful smile that you envision.

Porcelain veneers will be applied to the surfaces of your teeth and will cover the stains. Even if your dentist offers porcelain veneers at his office, it sounds like it’s time for a visit to an expert to get the best results. Sadly, botched cosmetic dentistry isn’t uncommon when it comes to tetracycline stains.

I have a huge chip in my front tooth.

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I fell and ended up with an ugly chip in my front tooth. I need to get it fixed and was wondering what would work better, porcelain veneers or dental bonding?

– Jo Ann in Michigan

Jo Ann,

Sorry to hear about your fall. As long as you aren’t in pain, then cosmetic dentistry should take care of it. You are correct in considering porcelain veneers and dental bonding for an issue like this.

Dental bonding is a tooth colored composite material that is pressed into place and shaped to mimic your natural tooth. It only takes one appointment. But in many cases dental bonding is more of a temporary fix. Bonding tends to chip or take on stain and needs to be replaced regularly. The thing is that each time it is replaced, more of your natural tooth structure is removed. Over time, this means your natural tooth won’t be as strong. Dental bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers.

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is permanently bonded to the surface of the tooth. It take more than one appointment and requires a ceramist be involved in created the final result. In the meantime, the cosmetic dentist will place a temporary veneer. So there is a little time (a couple weeks) between the preparation of the tooth and the final application. It is imperative that you select an experienced cosmetic dentist because cosmetic dentistry that is highly visible on your front tooth requires an artistic, trained eye. Don’t just go with any dentist that says they do veneers. Ask about their credentials and ask to see examples of cases similar to yours. Porcelain veneers last much longer but are more expensive.

Your best bet is to find the right cosmetic dentist and trust the recommendation given, whether dental bonding or veneers.

 

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Coleman Dental
7575 San Felipe St., Suite #135
Houston, Texas 77063
Call: 713-783-2800
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