Your smile is one of the first things that someone else notices about you when first meeting. In fact, studies have shown that people with straighter, brighter teeth are typically perceived as younger, smarter, and more successful than their not-so-lucky counterparts. If you’re ready to love the look you see staring back at you from the mirror, schedule a consultation today with our skilled cosmetic dentist at RiverPlace Dental in Portland, OR. Dr. McInnis would be happy to review our available cosmetic services with you in detail so that you can select the one(s) that best fits your personal goals.
Stains, chips, cracks, gaps – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if your smile has ended up with several noticeable flaws over time. Thankfully, porcelain veneers can give you a comprehensive makeover in just a few short appointments! These restorations are designed to be extremely thin so that they can fit over the visible surfaces of your teeth and look completely natural. We can even design veneers to change the overall shape or length of certain teeth.
Veneers are highly durable, and they actually resist staining more effectively than tooth enamel over time. As long as you care for them properly with regular dental checkups and diligent at-home oral hygiene, you can expect them to last for 10-15 years or even longer.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
Needing a new dental restoration like a crown doesn’t have to mean the end of your natural, attractive smile. Dr. McInnis is happy to offer metal-free, all-ceramic materials as options for these types of procedures so that her patients can enjoy both restorative and cosmetic benefits.
Dental ceramic is so lifelike that it actually reflects light just like your natural tooth enamel, and the structure is surprisingly durable. Once in place within your smile, it will feel and look just like the real thing. Additionally, it’s 100% biocompatible, which means patients won’t run into many of the problems that metal restorations can cause. For instance, your crown won’t be as sensitive to changes in temperature, and people who’ve experienced allergies in the past to traditional restorations don’t have to worry about a similar reaction. We look forward to seeing you enjoy a healthier, happier smile!
Even small dental flaws like dark spots and chips in the enamel can hurt your self-esteem over time. Thankfully, direct bonding is able to correct these issues quickly and beautifully. The procedure only takes a single appointment, during which Dr. McInnis will apply tooth-colored composite resin (the same material we use for fillings) to the affected area and sculpt it into a lifelike shape that’s hardened in place.
Teeth can become stained and discolored over time for a number of different reasons. Some people may experience this because of simple lifestyle decisions, like too much coffee and wine, while completely unavoidable factors like old age and genetics can wreak havoc on others. No matter what your personal situation is, Dr. McInnis is happy to help you regain the shining smile you deserve here in Portland. In-office teeth whitening is perfect for patients who consider speed a priority, and take-home kits are also available if you’d prefer to brighten teeth on your own schedule.
Although each patient comes to our office with different smile goals, one question almost always comes up: How much does it cost? Rest assured, our Portland dental team is here to help you pinpoint the answer. To do so, we need to first determine what you’d like to change about your smile, what service (or services) you’re interested in, and how quickly you want to see the results. Until your appointment, you can learn more about the price in this next section!
Whether you’re coming in to fix a small chip or address noticeable discoloration, it’s likely that there will be more than one smile-enhancing treatment to choose from. For example, professional teeth whitening, direct bonding, and veneers can all fix stubborn stains, but the treatment process and price vary considerably. That’s why our dedicated cosmetic dentist, Dr. McInnis, will sit down with you one-on-one during your consultation to learn all about your smile goals and help you determine which treatment is right for you.
Oftentimes, patients are hesitant to move forward with the cosmetic dental service they are interested in because they are unsure whether or not it’s worth the investment. If you’re in the same boat, then you’ll be happy to know that improving the appearance of your smile has the potential to positively impact virtually every aspect of your life – from your success in the dating world to your success in the corporate world. It’s even possible for cosmetic dentistry to boost your oral health by addressing common problems, like gaps, and motivating you to implement a solid dental care regimen!
Our goal with any treatment completed at our office – from preventive care to cosmetic services – is to make the entire process as seamless and stress-free as possible. For that reason, we offer our patients several financial solutions, including:
Have more questions about the cost of cosmetic dentistry? Then give us a call so we can help!
While many people assume that cosmetic dental treatments are expensive, this is not always the case. While you’ll probably have to pay out of pocket since dental insurance rarely covers elective treatments, these procedures vary significantly in overall cost and can be seen as an investment. Having a smile you can be proud of can make it easier to make a great first impression that opens up all sorts of opportunities in the professional world and the social scene. We offer several financing options through CareCredit to make paying for cosmetic dentistry more manageable.
If cosmetic dental treatments are administered by a qualified dentist, they are perfectly safe for most patients. This is particularly true for teeth whitening, as many people have injured themselves through user error with store-bought whitening kits. However, not every treatment is suitable for every patient, so we’ll have to examine your mouth to determine which procedures could fit your needs. If you have any gum disease or tooth decay, it will probably have to be cleared up before you can receive treatment. We’ll make sure that you understand which treatments you can receive and what you will need beforehand during your initial consultation.
If you think your smile could stand to be a little prettier, you may be able to benefit from cosmetic dentistry. While many dental stains are too stubborn to be lifted with store-bought whitening kits, professional teeth whitening treatments can leave your teeth sparkly and bright. Defects like cracks or chips can leave teeth vulnerable to injury or infection, and veneers or direct bonding can provide the protection they need to stay healthy. Many patients would like brighter and more youthful-looking smiles, and cosmetic dentistry can make your teeth appear a few decades newer. The best way to determine which cosmetic dental treatments can be right for you is to have a consultation with your dentist.
The lifespan of your cosmetic dental results depends largely on which procedures you have received and how well you take care of your teeth. While treatments like direct bonding and teeth whitening can last for several years with excellent care, more extensive treatments like porcelain veneers or metal-free restorations can last for fifteen years or more with the right upkeep. A few tips for keeping your new smile in great shape for the longest time include practicing excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, wearing a nightguard to bed if you grind your teeth, refraining from using your teeth as tools, and limiting your intake of foods and drinks that can cause stains.