Your smile is a part of you– and often considered the most memorable feature of your overall appearance. Having a smile that is comfortable, functional and that you feel good about is Dr. Blaylock’s goal when creating an individualized treatment plan that includes cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry can do more than enhance your natural smile. Cosmetic procedures often play an important role in addressing a variety of dental problems and helping to maintain lifelong oral health.
Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist
As a Dawson-trained dentist in Durham, NC with over 35 years of experience, Dr. Brent Blaylock has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of complex dental problems and bite disorders. Furthermore, he offers cosmetic dental treatments that can help restore a damaged smile, and balance the bite for lasting dental health.
Dr. Blaylock understands and emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing underlying dental problems as part of your overall dental health care. This is necessary for the results of any cosmetic dentistry procedure to be both comfortable and long-lasting.
High-quality Cosmetic Dentistry in Durham
Dr. Blaylock offers a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments and procedures, including:
- Porcelain veneers: Veneers are a quick way to get a beautiful smile. We recommend them for people with teeth that have stains, chips, or have gaps between them. They are wafer-thin, shells that will cover the front surface and sides of a defective tooth. Porcelain veneers are less invasive than crowns or orthodontic treatments and offer permanent results. They are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Dental crowns: Crowns, also called tooth caps, fit over an entire tooth for aesthetics and added strength. They are a popular and affordable treatment for many cosmetic reasons including misshaped, broken, discolored, and chipped teeth, and can even close a gap between teeth. A dental crown is basically a tooth-shaped cap that we place over your natural tooth and cement into place.
- Tooth bonding: Tooth bonding is a process where a tooth-colored material is bonded to the tooth to improve its appearance. We use bonding for many cosmetic reasons including badly stained, broken, or chipped teeth. Similar to a dental filling procedure, tooth bonding is typically an easy process we can complete during one visit. Tooth bonding involves tooth-colored resin material using adhesives and a high-intensity curing light.
- Teeth whitening: Dr. Brent Blaylock offers custom take-home teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is a fast, easy way to enhance your smile. Our personalized take-home teeth whitening kit is great for patients who want the convenience of whitening their teeth at home.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry involves making changes to your teeth, gums, and your bite to improve the overall appearance of your smile. A dentist can utilize almost any dental treatment to accomplish this.
What can cosmetic dentistry fix?
Cosmetic dentistry is capable of fixing many types of dental problems. This includes crooked teeth, stained teeth, yellow teeth, aged or worn down teeth, uneven teeth, teeth with gaps in between them, misaligned teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and missing teeth.
Why is cosmetic dentistry so popular?
A person’s smile is one of the first things noticed by others. Cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity over the years because patients want a better-looking smile. Having a smile that you love will significantly improve your confidence and self-image. Additionally, most cosmetic treatments will also improve your oral health.
What treatment(s) will I need to achieve a smile makeover?
Dr. Blaylock will want to see you for an initial consultation to determine your goals before recommending treatments. During this appointment, he will analyze your smile and take any diagnostics that he may need. In addition to learning about what you like and dislike about your smile, Dr. Blaylock will look for any underlying problems that may affect your results. The last step is to review the treatment recommendations. Each smile makeover patient will have a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs and wants.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. To help ensure that your porcelain veneers last as long as possible, be sure to brush and floss regularly. You should also avoid eating foods that are sticky or chewy. Do not bite down on hard foods like nuts. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss well at least once a day. Lastly, you should visit your dentist every six months for professional dental cleanings.
How long do teeth whitening last?
The effects of teeth whitening can last from six months to three years. It largely depends on the patient’s oral hygiene habits. You should also avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark juices. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove any plaque or bacteria that can cause discoloration.
Schedule a Cosmetic Dental Consultation Today
Dr. Blaylock will provide a thorough evaluation of your dental health, and recommend a plan of treatment tailored to your oral health needs and personal cosmetic goals. Your Durham dentist seeks to help his patients maintain a comfortable, functional bite that they are proud to share and feel good about. Request a dental exam and consultation by giving us a call at 919-518-9963 or requesting an appointment online anytime.
A healthy smile is an important part of your daily quality of life. Cosmetic dentistry can help you keep your natural teeth looking and feeling their best for as long as possible.