Cosmetic Dental Care in Tempe, AZ

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry in Tempe - Shalimar Family Dentistry

It refers to any dental procedure that improves the appearance of your teeth or gums. Cosmetic dental work consists of teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, bridges, and more. Many procedures involve the addition, removal, or straightening of your teeth.

In our society, appearance is important, and cosmetic dentistry can help create the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted while improving your self-esteem! An appealing smile makes a very strong first impression.

Cosmetic dental procedures aren’t just for improving your appearance. Cosmetic dentistry can help to prevent, and correct certain dental issues helping you achieve better overall oral health. 

What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Tempe?

You no longer have to be content with chipped or stained teeth. Concerns with your smile that make you self-conscious can be fixed with an effective cosmetic procedure to give you the smile you have always wanted.

Our experienced dentists can correct the worst dental defects and also reduce signs of aging. The results of cosmetic dentistry are two-fold as procedures not only increase the health of your teeth, but also help to raise your self-esteem. With a relatively short recovery period, you can enjoy the beauty of your smile in just a matter of days.

The results of cosmetic dentistry is long lasting and provides an efficient way to improve the look of your smile.

Am I A Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Your needs are unique and vary according to the health and structure of your teeth and gums. Call and schedule an appointment at Shalimar Family Dentistry to find out how we can meet your expectations and help to improve your smile.

A composite fillings (or tooth colored) is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite fillings.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth.  Composite filling, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.

As with most dental restorations, composite filling are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite filling

  • Chipped teeth
  • Closing space between two teeth
  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Decayed teeth
  • Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

Fillings are usually placed in one appointment.  While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed.  If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection.  The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.  Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

If you are missing teeth, it is crucial to replace them. Without all your teeth, chewing and eating can destabilize your bite and cause you discomfort. When teeth are missing, your mouth can shift and even cause your face to look older. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth, and if properly maintained, can last a lifetime!

An implant is a new tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. It’s composed of two main parts: one part is the titanium implant body that takes the place of the missing root, and the second part is the tooth-colored crown that is cemented on top of the implant. With implant treatment, you can smile confidently knowing no one will ever suspect you have a replacement tooth.

In addition to tooth replacement, implants may be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. For patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so you have a more natural-looking smile.

An old woman smiling at the camera

Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment for patients who wish to replace missing teeth. Implants provide a very real and cosmetic solution when a tooth is missing or is beyond saving. Instead of dentures, you can have teeth you won’t have to take out at night, can chew all foods with, and are absolutely natural looking.

Tooth loss causes numerous problems that can affect eating habits, appearance, self-esteem, and overall health. It can serve as a permanent replacement for tooth loss to ensure the natural functioning of your teeth and is considered the most effective treatment for missing teeth. If you are missing teeth and would like to restore your smile, consider getting dental implants with our Tempe dental office.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants involve a small titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone, acting as a replacement root for teeth. Implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth and will eventually fuse to the bone tissue in your gums to create additional support. The installation of dental implants creates a natural looking smile that will enhance your appearance. This dental implant is then fitted with a anchor, called an abutment and then a customized porcelain crown.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

It can improve the overall look of your smile, granting you with a more polished and natural appearance. Dental implants feel just like natural teeth and involve none of the fears associated with traditional removable restorations that can slip or fall out. Implants are maintained just like your natural teeth and involve minimal downtime and pain. Dental implant also tend to last longer than alternative tooth replacement methods and are known to restore facial structure. Dental implant can also provide support for existing bridges or dentures.

Who is a Good Candidate?

For those who no longer wish to deal with the hassle associated with dentures, dental implants could be right for you. At Shalimar Dentistry, we perform a thorough clinical and radiographic exam of the mouth in order to properly assess your qualification for implants. We take special care to make sure your implants suit your mouth perfectly so that you can have the beautiful, natural looking smile you deserve.

What Are the First Steps in This Process?

Call Shalimar Family Dentistry in Tempe to schedule an appointment! Our clinical and radiographic exam will determine whether enough bone is present in your jawbone. Typically, the implant process takes around six months to complete in a course of several appointments. By scheduling a consultation at our Tempe dental office, we can assess your oral health for a dental implant procedure and make sure that your dental treatment is specific to your needs.

We have a menu of options for missing teeth to help restore your young and beautiful smile. Along with traditional dentures, our permanent dentures provide a solution you will never have to take out. Enjoy the foods you want, and smile with confidence again!

What are dentures?

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

Dentures can be made as complete or partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but also prevents other teeth from shifting.

What is the treatment?

We have option type for dentures, the conventional which is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed usually taking 4 to 6 weeks, and immediate dentures which are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures

  • Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch
  • Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch
  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues
  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metal on their smile. The prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging, especially for adult patients.  Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.

Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays.  These trays are changed every several weeks to fit the new tooth configuration. In addition to the reduced visual impact, Invisalign® aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled.  A great number of people report complete satisfaction with both the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.

What Kind of Bite Problems can Invisalign® Correct?

Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®

  • Overcrowding: This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth.  Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
  • Large gaps between teeth: This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
  • Crossbite: This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.  As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
  • Overbite: This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
  • Underbite:  This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

What Advantages Does Invisalign® Offer Over Traditional Braces and Veneers?

Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth.  There are many different considerations to make when deciding which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.

Invisalign® differs from traditional braces in that the aligning trays are fully removable.  This means that more discipline and commitment is required from the patient. This is not usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible. Almost identical results can be obtained by using either treatment.

Invisalign® is preferable to veneers in many cases because unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth. Veneers are thin covers that the dentist permanently affixes to the teeth. Teeth must be etched beforehand, meaning that to remove dental veneers, an alternative covering must be constructed.  In addition to being somewhat expensive, veneers can break and often last for less than 20 years.

What Does Invisalign® Treatment Involve?

First, our dentists will consult with you to devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays. Three-dimensional digital images are taken of the entire jaw. These images allow the dentist to move specific teeth on the screen, view the jaw from different angles, and also foresee what the face might look like in years to come. In essence, this technology can show how Invisalign® trays will change the facial aesthetics.

Once planning is complete, a unique set of aligners is made. The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical.

What Are Some Considerations When Wearing Invisalign® Trays?

Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several weeks to get used to. The trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking. It is important to remove the trays when consuming food or drink because food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye. There is no doubt that Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics.  Invisalign® is renowned for being both comfortable and effective.

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for Porcelain Crowns:

  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • Cosmetic enhancement
  • Decayed teeth
  • Fractured fillings
  • Failing Large fillings
  • Tooth has a root canal

What does getting a crown involve?

A porcelain crowns procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown.  A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown.  Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment at Shalimar Dental Care your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges.  You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.  The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  

Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth.  This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge

  • Fill space of missing teeth
  • Maintain facial shape
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability
  • Restore your smile
  • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits.  While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.  Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.  In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.  Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.  The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.  Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

Why Get Teeth Whitening?

A bright smile always makes a good first impression! Teeth whitening in Tempe is becoming the preferred solution for improving the overall appearance of teeth. Whitening is non invasive, quick, easy, and can make such a drastic impact. Over time our teeth can start to dull from various factors including:

  • Natural wear of tooth enamel
  • Staining or yellowing of teeth due to smoking or certain foods
  • Stained teeth due to medication
  • Excessive fluoride
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetics or effects of aging
  • Accidents

What is Teeth Whitening?

It is a bleaching method used to lighten teeth. The process targets the natural color of tooth enamel and brightens the enamel in order to create a whiter smile. At Shalimar Family Dentistry, our whitening process involves  an in-office whitening process in combination with at-home whitening trays that are worn either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight. The duration of whitening depends on the desired level of whitening as well as the level of staining. We find a combination of in-office whitening and take home whitening brings about the best long term whitening results.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening in Tempe?

A pretty woman showing her beautiful teeth

Any cosmetic procedure has the capability of enhancing the beauty of your appearance. Teeth whitening can create the confidence that comes with having a beautiful, natural looking smile. The procedure is non-invasive and only requires touch-ups every several months to maintain your beautiful new smile.

Are You A Good Candidate For Teeth Whitening?

Almost everyone is a good candidate for whitening. If you have stained or yellowing teeth, or experiencing the natural wear of your teeth, then a teeth whitening procedure may be right for you. At our Tempe dental office, we customize whitening procedure to assure you get great results.

Schedule A Teeth Whitening Appointment

Ready to find out more about teeth whitening treatment, and what it can do for you? Call us today to schedule your consultation.

Veneers help give your patients the smile they’ve always dreamed of having. Our dental lab provides custom-made veneers that can transform the shape and color of your patient’s teeth, exuding the look of vitality and confidence. 

Just two appointments can change the way your patients experience life – all thanks to a thin, translucent exterior shell place atop the surface of the teeth.

Dental veneers have long been used for cosmetic purposes among people who are displeased with the natural appearance of their smiles. Our veneers can provide greater symmetry to the face, reshape a chipped tooth, and help your patients achieve a brighter, whiter smile than is possible with traditional tooth whitening.

Our veneers are unlikely to stain and are resistant to fracture. When well cared for, they tend to last for many years, and even decades before needing to be replaced.