Studies demonstrably link poor oral health, including stained teeth, decay, and missing teeth with lower self-esteem. Those with poor oral health and appearance overwhelmingly report that problems with their teeth negatively impact their success in various relationships. However, there is excellent news if you’re feeling insecure about your teeth and smile. Cosmetic dentistry can fix all aesthetic conditions, giving you a boost in self-confidence. Here is how cosmetic dental treatments can help you get a smile you’ll be proud to show the world.
Repair Damaged Teeth
There are a variety of restorative treatments that can restore decayed, damaged, or missing teeth. Decayed teeth can be nonsurgically restored with dental fillings and dental crowns. Chipped, cracked, and small teeth can be treated with dental veneers, cosmetic bonding, and porcelain dental crowns.
Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth not only cause diminished self-esteem, but they can also impact your ability to chew, bite, and speak normally. Thanks to advancements in restorative treatments, no one needs to live with missing teeth. Restorative treatments to complete your smile include dental bridges, dental implants, implant-supported fixed dentures, and implant-supported removable dentures.
Close Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between the teeth can be easily corrected using a variety of treatments. Small gaps may be closed with cosmetic bonding or a dental veneer. Larger gaps between teeth can be treated with clear, discreet orthodontic aligners.
Straighten Teeth, Correct Improper Bite
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be the first thing others notice about you, thanks to clear aligners. Clear aligners can correct minor to moderate problems with tooth alignment, such as crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, crowded teeth, and slanted teeth. Clear aligners can also close gaps between teeth.
Moreover, clear aligners can treat minor to moderate malocclusions (bite issues). Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners treatment provided by an experienced cosmetic dentist can transform not only your smile, but your entire facial appearance by correcting overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Correct Stained or Yellowed Teeth
Yellow teeth can be professionally whitened in your dentist’s office, or at home using a dental-grade take-home whitening kit. For teeth that are gray or brown, a dental veneer can be placed to provide a whiter smile.
Boost Your Self Confidence With A Beautiful Smile
There is no reason to suffer from a reduced quality of life due to imperfections in your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can fix all aesthetic concerns you have, resulting in a beautiful smile that can boost your self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry
Will dental insurance pay for any cosmetic treatments?
Dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening or dental veneers. It often provides partial or even full coverage for treatments that are both cosmetic and medically necessary, including dental crowns, bridges, and orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage details.
How long will it take to align my teeth with clear aligners?
The duration of your treatment will depend on the complexity of orthodontic conditions that need to be treated. Minor imperfections may only take a few months to correct. Malocclusion (overbite, underbite, etc.) may take 18 months or longer to correct.
Schedule a Cosmetic Dental Consultation in Albuquerque
Dr. Brian K. Dennis is the only American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist in Albuquerque. If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile while boosting your self-confidence, schedule a cosmetic dental consultation with Dr. Brian K. Dennis by calling 505-292-1051. Alternatively, you may send us a message and we will respond promptly.
Botox is a prescription medication that can help complement cosmetic dental work. More and more, patients are choosing a skilled, experienced dentist to provide this aesthetically enhancing but simple procedure to go along with a smile makeover. Botox can also be used to treat conditions such as TMJ and the bruxism that can cause it.
BOTOX® for Cosmetic Purposes
BOTOX® Cosmetic is created from the botulism toxin, and works easily by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox can be successfully used to smooth out frown lines between your eyebrows, eliminate crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and laugh lines. And, patients who have a high lip line can also use Botox to relax lip muscles and get a lower, more pleasing smile line.
Botox for Migraine and TMJ Relief
Botox can also be successfully used to provide temporary relief from migraines and as a minimally-invasive treatment option to eliminate TMJ pain.
How Can Botox Help with Bruxism
Bruxism or teeth grinding is one cause of TMJ. This involuntary behavior, one that may be both annoying and painful, and can also wear away your tooth enamel, causing gum sensitivity, chipped teeth, and pain. If you’ve tried other approaches, for example, a custom nightguard created by your dentist, but the results haven’t been what you’d hoped for, Botox can be an effective treatment for teeth grinding.
While you may first think about Botox as being used mainly to eliminate wrinkles or plump lips, its muscle relaxing properties have been shown to stop jaw clenching and teeth grinding for an extended period of time. And in the case of bruxism, certain muscles may need to be relaxed.
How Does Botox Work to Treat Bruxism?
Using Botox for teeth grinding involves the injection of a small amount into the muscles responsible for jaw movement, such as the masseter muscle, which are responsible for chewing. Botox can also be injected into the frontalis and temporalis muscles. It works by reducing clenching, which then helps to relieve any accompanying tension and aches. A patient will usually begin to feel a difference between 1 and 3 days or up to 2 weeks following the injection, depending on the individual, and Botox provides lasting help for between 3 and 6 months.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Used carefully for pain relief or for cosmetic purposes and administered by a skilled dental professional, there are no side effects for Botox treatment for bruxism. However, you could find a few short-term effects such as pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, headache or symptoms that are flu-like, eye dryness or tearing, or occasionally some eyelid or smile drooping, all of which are temporary.
But naturally, you’ll want to discuss options and details for treatment with your dental team.
How Much Does Botox Treatment Cost?
The average cost of Botox ranges from $250 – $500. The price varies depending on just how much treatment you'll be receiving. It may be possible to set up a package for ongoing Botox treatment, as well.
Ready to Learn More about Botox?
If you’re ready to learn more about the use of Botox, both to enhance or accompany a cosmetic dental makeover or to help treat a TMJ disorder or bruxism, reach out to us today. We’re right here in Albuquerque, and ready to answer any questions, or schedule an appointment!
If you’re about to schedule your first appointment for BOTOX, you might be wondering how long you can expect to go before you need to schedule your next treatment. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect, since every patient is different and typically, earlier treatments don’t last quite as long as subsequent injections. Read on to find out the answer to the question: How long does BOTOX last?
Why See a Dentist for BOTOX
Many patients are surprised to hear that they can get BOTOX injections from their dentist, but thanks to their education and training, dentists have a keen understanding of facial musculature and nerves. This means they're among the most well-qualified professionals to administer this treatment.
Seeing your dentist for BOTOX is also convenient. There’s no need to find a new office to visit, and you can even schedule your BOTOX treatments to coincide with your biannual dental check-ups!
BOTOX for TMJ Disorder and Headaches
One of the ways Dr. Dennis utilizes BOTOX in his practice is for the treatment of temporomandibular joint pain. Face pain, jaw tension, muscle spasms, teeth clenching, and teeth grinding can all be relieved with BOTOX injections. Tension headaches, which are frequently related to TMJ problems, can also be treated by these injections.
The muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the alignment and movement of the temporomandibular joints are usually the source of TMJ pain. BOTOX injections are a safe and effective treatment for reducing chronic pain and headaches by relaxing these muscles. After treatment, you'll see a difference in as few as one to two days. BOTOX injections for TMJ issues also soften the appearance of the jaw by relaxing tense, overworked muscles, resulting in an improved facial profile.
How Long BOTOX Lasts for TMD and Headaches
Therapeutic BOTOX used to treat TMD and headaches typically lasts three to four months, although some patients need more frequent injections, and others need less frequent treatments.
Aesthetic BOTOX for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
BOTOX injections are also available for aesthetic purposes. Dr. Dennis has completed extensive training in facial aesthetics, allowing him to provide BOTOX injections to treat a variety of cosmetic issues, including frown lines, crow's feet, laugh lines, and forehead wrinkles.
Another cosmetic use you may not be familiar with is BOTOX injections to improve the appearance of the smile. If you have a so-called “gummy smile,” and you’re not interested in a permanent solution like cosmetic crown lengthening, BOTOX can prevent your upper lip from raising too high when you smile, so less of your gum tissue shows.
How Long BOTOX Lasts for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Like therapeutic BOTOX, BOTOX for aesthetic purposes also begins to wear off around after three or four months, although sometimes results last longer or shorter. You may also find that, over time, your results will start to last longer than they did with your first few treatments, and you might be able to schedule your injections every six months.
Learn More About BOTOX in Albuquerque
If you’d like to learn more about BOTOX, contact us today at 505-292-1051 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Having a beautiful white smile is something that many people dream about. After all, bright teeth help you glow with confidence. Unfortunately, life has its own plan for your teeth. Stains of browns and yellow seem to plague even the most careful individual.
Not having pearly whites does not mean you don’t have excellent oral care. In fact, many stains come from foods, beverages, and even bad habits. The good news is that you can call up your dentist and get your teeth professionally whitened - effortlessly wiping away all those stains.
The Need for Teeth Whitening
Throughout your lifetime, your teeth become stained. Every time you open your mouth to insert foods or beverages, you are risking staining. But, that’s not all. There is a whole list of reasons why your teeth may be in need of whitening.
- Not brushing and flossing as you should.
- Not receiving regular professional dental cleanings.
- Consuming beverages such as coffee, soda, red wine, grape juice, etc.
- Chewing or smoking tobacco.
- Certain medications and medical conditions.
- Eating acidic foods or those with heavy dyes.
Age and genetics also play a part as well - the older you get, your enamel begins to wear down leaving your teeth appearing stained and discolored.
How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
While you may be looking for a specific answer, the length of time teeth whitening lasts will depend. It could last as long as two to three years but it could also only last a few months. It comes down to how you care for your teeth after the whitening. In other words, if you know certain things can stain your teeth, you will want to avoid them when your teeth are whitened - or they will become stained again.
Treat your teeth with care and you will find they will keep shining bright longer.
Caring For Your Teeth After Whitening
So, how can you care for your teeth after whitening so that it lasts for a long time? Making some lifestyle changes may not only keep your teeth whiter, but they can also help you maintain good oral care.
Reduce your teeth staining and prolong your whitening with these tips:
- Quit smoking (or chewing) tobacco.
- Stop drinking beverages that contribute to stains on your teeth, such as coffee, teas, and sodas.
- Practice healthy oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as having regularly scheduled professional cleanings.
- Limit your consumption of foods that are overly acidic or those that have a lot of dyes. Always brush your mouth after you do -- or at least rinse.
The more lifestyle changes you make to protect your teeth, the longer your teeth whitening will last. Talk to your dentist for additional recommendations -- and about whether or not you should consider using at-home whitening treatments to maintain your professional whitening results.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening at Brian K. Dennis, DDS PC
Ready to have your teeth professionally whitened? If you have any questions about professional whitening procedures or you are ready to get started, contact our office today at 505-292-1051. Or request an appointment online.
Do you want a whiter smile? You can try whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and other over the counter whitening products for mediocre results. Or you can get professional teeth whitening at your dentist’s office that will give you more dramatic results.
How much does teeth whitening cost? It depends on a few different factors.
Whitening Treatments Vary in Cost
Depending on the type of whitening treatment you choose, you’ll find drastically different prices.
Over the counter products you can purchase or order:
- Whitening Toothpaste: $3-$20 Almost every brand of toothpaste has a whitening version on the shelves. The range in price depending on the brand and type.
- Whitening Mouthwash: $5-$10 Combining whitening toothpaste with a whitening mouthwash may give you better results that last longer.
- Whitening Strips: $20-$50 These are clear plastic strips that fit over your teeth with a bleaching agent.
- Whitening Gels: $20-$70 Whitening gels are applied to the teeth in different ways depending on the product.
Products you can get at your dentist’s office:
- In-office Whitening Treatment: $300-$1,000 This is professional teeth whitening treatment applied in the dentist’s office. A special light is often used to accelerate the whitening process.
- Take-home Whitening Treatment: $200-$400 Your dentist will make you a custom-fit tray that fits over your teeth and a bleaching gel to apply to your teeth at home.
Why Does Whitening Cost More at the Dentist?
You may be thinking, why should I pay more to get teeth whitening treatment at my dentist’s office when I can just purchase whitening products I can do at home for much less? There are actually a few different reasons.
- Professional-grade whitening treatments are more effective. You will get significantly whiter teeth from the whitening treatment your dentist uses than from over the counter products.
- Professional-grade whitening treatments are safer for your teeth and gums. A protective barrier is put over your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. It is also gentler on teeth than over the counter products.
- Your dentist can customize your whitening treatment to ensure a natural look. Teeth that are too white can look artificial, which is a common mistake do-it-yourselfers make.
How Does the In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure Work?
The first step is to protect the gums. A rubber shield can be placed over the gums or sometimes a protective gel is applied to the gums first. Then the bleaching agent (carbamide peroxide) is applied to the teeth and a special light is used to activate the bleaching agent and accelerate the process.
Your teeth may feel a little sensitive for a temporary time following your whitening treatment. Using sensitive teeth toothpaste can help when used for a few weeks after the procedure.
If I Invest in Professional Teeth Whitening, Will My Teeth Stay White?
One of the biggest concerns patients have about teeth whitening is how long the results will last. This depends greatly on your habits. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea, red wine, or dark colored soft drinks, your results may not last as long. Smoking is another teeth staining habit that could more quickly discolor your teeth. If you are not willing to give up these habits, you may want to use the take-home whitening treatment to help your teeth stay whiter longer and protect your investment.
How Much Does Whitening Cost at Brian K. Dennis General and Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you’re looking for affordable professional teeth whitening, Dr. Brian K. Dennis, DDS offers competitive pricing. As listed above, the average price range for in-office teeth whitening is anywhere from $300-$1,000. But our price is at the low end of the range, just $374. Even our take-home whitening system is lower than average at just $200. You can get drastically whiter teeth for an affordable price with our teeth whitening treatment.
Call 505-292-1051 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to brightening your smile.
Choosing the best cosmetic dentist near you can be a daunting task. Nearly every dentist these days advertises cosmetic services like whitening and veneers, but when you’re investing in something as important as your smile, you want to make sure you’re seeing an expert with the knowledge and skill to help you achieve the results you want. While we hope you’ll agree that Dr. Brian Dennis is the best cosmetic dentist in ABQ, ultimately, we want you to have the information you need to make the right decision for you. Here’s what to look for.
Credentials
Any dentist can offer cosmetic dentistry, but not all dentists are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Dennis is the only AACD-accredited cosmetic dentist in Albuquerque, which means he’s among the leaders in the field. AACD accreditation requires rigorous clinical testing and a mastery of the latest aesthetic techniques.
Education
All cosmetic dentists graduate from dental school, so when it comes to education, what you need to look for is continuing education. This is important, as cosmetic dentistry changes and evolves quickly with the introduction of new technologies; what a dentist learned in school 20 years ago might not be relevant today. Dr. Dennis participates in over a hundred hours of continuing education each year, and he also teaches other dentists in his role as a visiting faculty member at Spear Education.
Affiliations
Professional affiliations are another way in which dentists can learn, grow, and connect with others in the field. Dr. Dennis is active in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, helping member dentists achieve accreditation. He has chaired annual sessions for the New Mexico Dental Association and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Albuquerque District Dental Society.
Before and After Photos
Professional bona fides are one thing, but it’s also essential to see a cosmetic dentist’s work before you commit to any treatment. A good cosmetic dentist will share before and after photos on their website, and is usually happy to share additional photos of specific treatments upon request, since not all patients are willing to have their photos shared publicly. You should be skeptical of any cosmetic dentist who is unwilling to provide before and after photos.
Patient Reviews
When reading through patient reviews, search for ones that mention the specific cosmetic treatment you’re considering. While most dentists can provide great results with something like teeth whitening, that doesn’t tell you anything about their veneers or dental implants—and it’s these types of procedures where a skilled dentist with an eye for detail really counts.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Finally, make sure any dentist you’re considering employs the latest in dental technology at their practice. This ensures that you’ll receive the highest standard of care. You can learn more about the 3D technology Dr. Dennis uses on our website.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Dennis
If you’d like to make an appointment with the best cosmetic dentist in ABQ, contact us today at 505-292-1051 for a consultation.