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Kelowna Cosmetic Dentistry 101: What You Need To Know

Smiling couple cosmetic dentistry Kelowna
Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve the smile you've always dreamed of.

Photo by Richard Foster via Flickr

By Kevin Wood

If you’ve been looking in the mirror and seeing a less than perfect smile looking back at you, then you may want to think about cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry usually has to do external procedures for your smile and teeth. By working with your Kelowna dentist, you’ll be on your way towards a smile you truly love.

In this article we’re going to take a look at the three most common cosmetic procedures that you can have done today: whitening, Invisalign, and dental veneers.

 

Whitening

If you’ve been noticing your teeth are becoming more yellow or stained with time, then you may want to start looking for a cosmetic dental specialist. There could be a variety of reasons for the discoloration of your teeth, however, the following are some of the most common culprits: tea, coffee, cigarettes, antibiotics, and soda.

When you visit your Kelowna dentist for a teeth whitening consultation the procedure involves an initial appointment where impressions are made, and a second appointment where you receive the trays with instructions on how to use them. After a period of time you’ll see noticeable changes in the whiteness of your smile.

 

Invisalign

If you have front teeth that are improperly aligned, or are thinking about going to an orthodontist, but don’t want to deal with braces, then Invisalign might just be the best solution for you.

Invisalign uses a series of clear retainers to slowly straighten your smile into perfect alignment. The process is similar to braces, although there’s obviously less hardware involved.

The Invisalign treatment process is outlined below:

  1. A thorough examination takes place. Impressions are taken and if needed, photos and x-rays.

  2. A treatment plan is developed.

  3. A consultation appointment is scheduled where you can see the movement of your teeth, using a 3-D software program.

  4. The first aligner is inserted, and necessary changes are made.

  5. You will receive enough retainers to switch out every six weeks. At this time you will also return to the office for a checkup.

  6. Once the treatment is finished you’ll receive a set of retainers to wear that will hold your teeth in place.

  7. Your retainers will be delivered and your treatment will be finished

The average treatment time is between 8 to 12 months.

 

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers help to change the size or shape of your teeth, as long as the structure of your tooth is intact. The most common reasons for this are because of cracked, discoloured, misaligned, short, or teeth spaced too widely apart.

Your dentists will work with the ceramists to ensure your smile is perfect. After the veneer is finished, the dentist will ensure you love it before it is placed. In some cases, there may be bite issues that may interfere with your dental veneers. In these instances you’ll want to fix your bite first by working with your Kelowna cosmetic dentist before moving forward.

We hope this article has been helpful and you have a better grasp on the benefits that cosmetic dentistry can bring into your life. Remember, if you’re not happy with your smile there’re things you can do to fix it. You deserve to have a smile you’re proud to share!