Cosmetic Dentistry

Personalized Cosmetic Dentistry in Lincoln

Even with proper care, years of use can take a toll on your smile. If a healthy, appealing smile is your goal, the right cosmetic dentistry can make a world of difference.

Dr. Rubina and the team at Bella Vista Smiles believe that everyone deserves a smile they can truly feel good about. We provide tailored treatments that promote your oral health while flattering your features. With our innovative and personalized options, even our simplest cosmetic service can positively enhance your dental aesthetics.

Don’t wait to wear the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Schedule a consultation today to find out how we can help you achieve your best smile.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help My Smile?

Our dental team believes that your smile is as unique as you are, and we take this to heart when developing your tailored cosmetic treatment plan. New and existing patients visiting our Lincoln practice are welcome to take advantage of the many cosmetic dental care services we provide.

Our cosmetic solutions include:

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Composite Fillings
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Invisalign® Clear Braces

Teeth Whitening for a Luminous Smile

Dingy, discolored enamel is one of the most common cosmetic issues adults face. Fortunately, it’s also the easiest issue to treat. With professional strength teeth whitening, you’ll gain a vibrant, eye-catching smile you’ll be proud to show off.

We provide two options for whitening your teeth: in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. Both options use a professional-grade gel capable of eliminating years of stains and restoring your enamel to its natural color.

 

In-Office or Take-Home Teeth Whitening: What’s the Difference?

Both of our whitening options have unique advantages, so you can decide on the one that best meets your needs.

For fast, powerful teeth whitening, in-office whitening is the reliable choice. This option uses the strongest concentration of whitening gel because it is applied and monitored by a professional. We take careful steps to ensure that your whitening treatment is across your entire smile while minimizing the chances of tooth sensitivity. Depending on the level of staining in your enamel, it’s possible to whiten your teeth by as much as eight shades in a single one-hour session!

If comfortable and convenient teeth whitening is your goal, our take-home whitening kits allow you to whiten your teeth on your schedule. After a quick office visit to get impressions of your smile, we craft custom whitening trays that let you whiten your smile at your own pace. Use this kit to whiten your teeth gradually over a period, or to provide quick touch-ups before an important event. Best of all, the trays are yours to keep, and you can purchase a refill of the gel during your regular office checkups!

 

Is Over-the-Counter Whitening As Good As Professional Whitening?

Today, there are countless teeth whitening products available in your local retail stores, from whitening toothpaste to strips to one-size-fits-all gel kits. While these products can help you maintain your smile or provide mild whitening, they lack the power and effectiveness of professional teeth whitening.

Having a dentist oversee your whitening treatment allows us to use the highest-strength whitening agents so that you get the most visible results. Over-the-counter products don’t have the same strength, so you’d have to use them frequently to get the same results. This can weaken your enamel, putting your teeth at risk. If you’re looking for proven results, professional teeth whitening is the fastest and safest option.

 

Can You Whiten a Restoration?

Restorations are designed to match the color of your surrounding teeth to make them appear natural in your smile. They’re resistant to staining, but cannot be whitened. If you need a cosmetic restoration, such as a veneer or crown, we recommend whitening your teeth beforehand. That way, your restoration will always look at home in your smile.

Porcelain Veneers for a Customized Smile

Whether it’s staining, worn enamel, or dental damage that’s impeding your smile, you can transform it with the help of custom veneers. These thin ceramic shells fit over the front of your most visible teeth, concealing cosmetic imperfections and creating a flattering, uniform smile. The porcelain material matches a tooth’s color, luster, and translucence, helping them to blend seamlessly in with the rest of your teeth for a truly natural appearance.

 

What Can Veneers Do?

Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments, capable of altering a tooth’s color, shape, and even alignment. Each veneer is designed to fit the tooth’s unique place within the smile, enhancing it in a way that compliments your natural facial features.

Veneers can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Worn teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Uneven or misshapen teeth
  • Severe discoloration
  • Mild misalignment

 

Should I Get Veneers or Crowns?

Both veneers and crowns can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic imperfections, which often leads patients to wonder which one they need. We will work with you directly to help you understand the benefits of each type and which would be more effective for your unique smile.

To help you get an idea of which one might suit you best, here are the most important features of both types of cosmetic treatment:

Veneers

  • Cover the front tooth surface
  • Require minimal shaping of teeth for placement
  • Last 8-10 years with care
  • Best for front six most visible teeth

Crowns

  • Cover the entire tooth above the gums
  • Last 10-15 years with care
  • Can withstand regular biting and chewing
  • Can be used on any tooth

Porcelain Crowns

When your tooth faces damage or decay, a porcelain crown can ensure that your tooth is healthy and whole without sacrificing your smile’s aesthetic. Each crown is custom-made to fit harmoniously into your smile, optimizing its shape, function, and appearance all at once.

 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Crowns are designed to be durable and to protect the inner tooth from damage. While porcelain doesn’t last as long as a metal crown might, with proper care, they can easily stay in good shape for 10-15 years, and possibly longer.

You can help your crown last longer by avoiding biting on hard things such as ice cubes, hard nuts, or hard candy. A nightguard can help improve the longevity of your restoration if you clench or grind your teeth at night.

Straighten Teeth with Invisalign Clear Braces

Crooked teeth can have a huge impact on your smile aesthetic. If you’ve wanted to straighten your smile but have been reluctant to wear traditional braces, Invisalign can provide a discreet and comfortable alternative. These clear aligners gently guide teeth into the desired position, and since they fit comfortably around your teeth, no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them!

 

5 Benefits of Invisalign

There are numerous advantages to straightening your teeth with Invisalign. Whether you prefer it for comfort, health benefits, or cosmetic enhancement, this treatment has much to offer. Here are five things you can look forward to when using Invisalign.

  1. Comfortable – Invisalign braces are custom-fitted to your teeth, with no wires or brackets. You might even forget you’re wearing them!
  2. Discreet – The aligners are clear and fit closely around your teeth, which makes them almost invisible when you’re speaking or smiling.
  3. Convenient – The removable aligners allow you to eat, brush, and floss just as you normally would without any orthodontic equipment in the way.
  4. Quick – On average, these aligners take less time to complete treatment than most traditional braces.
  5. Healthy – The ability to brush and floss normally helps reduce the chance of decay and gum disease while straightening your teeth. These aligners also have less risk of accidental injury to your teeth, gums, or soft tissues.

 

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Invisalign is highly effective for those with mild to moderate cases of misalignment, such as crowding, crooked teeth, and gaps. More complex misalignment may require traditional braces because of the differences in how the two methods work. We will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you’d be a good candidate for Invisalign.

Invisalign braces are removable but must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be most effective. For this reason, we recommend this treatment for adults and responsible older teens. If you’d like more information on how Invisalign works, feel free to contact our friendly office with any questions you might have!

 

Am I Too Old to Straighten My Teeth?

Good news – there’s no maximum age limit for straightening your teeth! While it’s true that orthodontics is recommended for children and teens, it’s possible to straighten your teeth at any age. Even if you’re well into adulthood, you can still benefit from the health and aesthetic advantages of a straighter smile.

Wear Your Best Smile in Lincoln

At Bella Vista Smiles, we love helping our patients smile with confidence. We work with you to personalize your treatment so that you can enjoy optimal oral health, function, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking for a simple enhancement or a complete transformation, we’re excited to help you achieve your ideal smile.

Ready to get started? Contact our office to schedule your cosmetic consultation today!