Cosmetic Dentist – Raleigh, NC
Enhancing Smiles with Customized Cosmetic Dental Care
Would you like to improve the appearance of damaged, misaligned, or crowded teeth? Dr. Ricke and our experienced dental team members at Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh offer a wide array of smile-perfecting dentistry treatments, including metal-free dental crowns, Invisalign clear aligners, and veneers. Your smile should make you feel confident and proud to let it show, and for many people, all it takes to get there is a simple visit to their cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, NC!
Why Choose Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh for Cosmetic Dentistry?
- Experienced Dentist
- High-Quality Dental Materials Used
- Custom-Tailored Dental Treatments
Veneers
Dental veneers are a versatile one-stop-shop cosmetic treatment that allows patients to simultaneously improve the appearance of discolored, gapped, misaligned, and damaged teeth with a single procedure. Veneers are thin sheaths that are specially designed to fit over the visible surface of individual teeth. They’re typically crafted from stain-resistant porcelain, but they can also be made from resin. This procedure can add symmetry, beauty, and a spark of confidence to your smile.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
In the past, dentists would use metal to craft dental restorations like crowns and fillings. Not only could this have uncomfortable side-effects like increased sensitivity, but it also made damaged teeth stick out whenever you opened your mouth to speak or laugh. Dr. Ricke uses high-quality, tooth-colored materials like porcelain and ceramic to craft natural-looking dental crowns to protect damaged, misshapen, or treated teeth.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a convenient way to repair chipped and broken teeth as well as address gaps and discoloration. Typically, this treatment can be completed within a single appointment with Dr. Ricke. Using composite resin that’s customized to match the shade of your teeth, we’ll craft the broken or missing portion of your tooth and attach it to the natural enamel. We’ll then use a light to cure and harden the resin before texturizing and shaping it to look like the natural tooth. Once complete, you’ll have a full, beautiful row of pearly whites.
Learn More About Dental Bonding
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh, we offer teeth whitening kits equipped with professional-grade products to brighten your teeth by up to six shades within a few weeks. Just use the kit as instructed at home and see fantastic, safe results!
Invisalign® Clear Braces
Invisalign clear aligners are a modern, discreet way to address minor to moderate orthodontic issues like bite misalignment, crowding, and gaps between teeth. The average treatment is between eight and 14 months, but the length of yours will depend on your unique orthodontic situation. During your consultation, Dr. Ricke will examine your mouth and develop a customized plan to help you achieve your smile goals.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Would you like to enhance your smile? If so, the team at Lake Boone Dentistry is ready to serve you. Before you book your consultation, however, you might want to know more about the path in front of you. To assist you in your quest for information, we have put together a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry. If you do not see your specific questions addressed, reach out to us directly. We look forward to speaking with you!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Cosmetic dentistry comes with very little risk of harm if the following conditions are met:
- You receive care from a qualified professional. Some DIY cosmetic dentistry hacks can harm your smile. It is best to stick with methods and care providers that have a track record of success.
- You are honest with your dentist. Your dentist will thoroughly assess your candidacy for cosmetic dentistry. If your oral health does not allow you to undergo a certain procedure, it can be postponed until it would be safer for you.
- You follow directions. You should carefully follow any instructions that come with your treatment. For example, you should be sure not to overuse at-home whitening products.
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
If there are any aesthetic details in your smile that you dislike, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Some patients come to us hoping for a simple and quick fix to a minor imperfection; for example, they might want us to repair a chip in a tooth or help them to brighten up their smile. Others want a more extensive transformation; they might want a full set of veneers to help them look and feel younger.
Of course, the best way to determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for you is simply to schedule a consultation with our team. We can answer all of your questions and help you to have realistic expectations about what various treatments can accomplish.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The longevity of your results will depend on which cosmetic service you undergo and how well you care for your teeth. Here is an overview of how long some popular treatments might last:
- Teeth whitening can brighten your smile for anywhere from a few months to a few years. It depends on your diet, whether or not you smoke, and other factors.
- Dental bonding may endure for 3 – 5 years (longer in some cases).
- Veneers and metal-free restorations have the potential to last for decades before they need to be replaced. Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help them to stand the test of time.
- Invisalign is designed to produce permanent results. Of course, that depends on how diligent you are about wearing your retainer.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible. However, some minor discomfort or a temporary increase in sensitivity may occur with certain cosmetic procedures. For example, teeth whitening and the preparation process for veneers can increase sensitivity. As Invisalign places pressure on your teeth, you may notice a degree of oral soreness.
Our team can give you tips to minimize any discomfort that you may experience during your treatment journey. You should never be in extreme pain with cosmetic dentistry.