The Woodlands and Houston — Answers to Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Questions

We have provided the answers to some common questions we hear from patients at our practice in The Woodlands, near Houston. If your cosmetic or restorative dentistry question isn't answered here, please contact our practice to speak with our knowledgeable staff. We are always here to answer any question you may have about your dental care.

• How do I know if I'm a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
• How are G. Lewis veneers different from traditional porcelain veneers?
• What is instant orthodontics?
• My old crowns have dark lines at the gum line. Can you fix this?
• Is teeth whitening safe?
• How does Invisalign® work?
• I'm missing teeth. What are my tooth replacement options?
• I have dental anxiety. Can sedation dentistry help me and what types do you offer?

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

If you have been considering undergoing a cosmetic treatment to improve your smile, ask yourself these questions to see if cosmetic dentistry is right for you.

• Are you embarrassed about smiling in public?
• Do you ever cover your mouth with you hand when you smile or speak?
• Are you unhappy with the way your smile appears in photographs?
• Do you wish your teeth were whiter, smaller, larger, less crooked?
• Do you envy the models' smiles in magazines and on TV?
• Do you feel that too much or too little of your teeth show you smile?
• Would you like to change size or shape or your teeth and gums?
• Do you have spaces or gaps between your teeth?
• Are you considering orthodontic treatment to achieve a perfect smile?
• Do you have misaligned or crooked teeth?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate a cosmetic procedure. Contact the Texas Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to schedule a cosmetic consultation today. Our dentists can help you decide which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you.

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How are G. Lewis veneers different from traditional porcelain veneers?

G. Lewis veneers were created by Dr. Lewis to be extremely natural looking. G. Lewis veneers are no-prep veneers, meaning that the natural tooth structure is not changed to accommodate the veneer as is necessary with traditional veneers. They are so thin that they can be placed right on top of the natural tooth.

What is instant orthodontics?

Instant orthodontics is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the artistic placement of porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and/or dental bonding to create the illusion of a straight smile. It is called "instant" orthodontics, because we can create immediate results without the need to wear braces. Instant orthodontics is designed to create permanent results that look completely natural.

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My old crowns have dark lines at the gum line. Can you fix this?

Yes! The dark line around the gums often appears with crowns that have metal under the porcelain. We can replace these types of crowns with all-porcelain crowns that eliminate the dark line and look completely natural. We offer several all-porcelain restorative dentistry options to replace your old crowns.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. At the Texas Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we use the Zoom!® teeth whitening system that has been proven safe and effective for most patients. All soft tissue, including the lips and gums, are protected during the treatment, and the whitening gel is gentle yet highly effective. We help ensure our patients' safety by performing a thorough examination before teeth whitening to make sure there are no existing problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, that can make teeth more sensitive to the whitening process.

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How does Invisalign® work?

The Invisalign® system uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move the teeth into alignment over time. These aligners are removable, so you can eat and care for your teeth as normal, and since they are made from clear plastic, they are nearly invisible. The patient wears each set of aligners for about two weeks, and then replaces them with the next set in the series. Each set of aligners gradually move the teeth until they are in proper alignment.

I'm missing teeth. What are my tooth replacement options?

We are proud to offer our patients dental implants, a modern solution to missing teeth. Implants are small posts, made of titanium, that take the place of the tooth root in the jawbone. We attach a custom-made artificial tooth on the post for a natural look. The entire implant dentistry procedure, including the surgical placement of the implants, is performed right at our office. For patients who aren't good candidates for implant dentistry, we also offer dental bridges and dentures to replace missing teeth.

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I have dental anxiety. Can sedation dentistry help me and what types do you offer?

Yes. With sedation dentistry, you can remain relaxed throughout your treatment. At the Texas Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, for a light to moderately sedate state, as well as oral conscious sedation, which allows the patient to be awake but completely relaxed throughout the procedure. For more complex dental procedures, such as oral surgery, we offer IV sedation which allows the level of sedation to be adjusted.

Schedule a Cosmetic or Restorative Dentistry Consultation

Contact our practice in The Woodlands, near Houston to schedule a cosmetic or restorative dentistry consultation today.

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