Cosmetic Dentistry in Melbourne, FL
Research demonstrates that the simple act of smiling can reduce stress, lessen pain, elevate our mood, and encourage positive social interactions. Benefits like these, and many others, illustrate the power of smiling on our well-being. Unfortunately, many Americans are dissatisfied with their smile, with some studies reporting that 40% avoid smiling in photos. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we offer cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the look of your smile and improve your quality of life.
If you want to revamp your smile, we can help. With Dr. Apel’s extensive 30+ years of experience providing quality dental solutions, you can trust us to help you achieve the smile you have always envisioned.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you are frustrated with your smile, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Our services address many dental imperfections, including teeth that are:
- Cracked or broken
- Chipped
- Misshapen
- Crooked
- Discolored
- Misspaced (gapped)
- Missing
Flaws like these can be rectified with cosmetic procedures. Still, if you have dental problems that compromise your long-term oral health—like cavities or gum disease—we must treat these before making aesthetic improvements.
Cosmetic vs. Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry serve distinct yet complementary purposes. Restorative dentistry primarily focuses on repairing and restoring function to teeth damaged by decay, disease, trauma, or other factors. Common procedures include fillings, crowns, and root canals, with the main goal being to address oral health issues and prevent further deterioration.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry emphasizes enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. We perform procedures like teeth whitening and veneers to improve the overall look of the teeth, addressing issues such as stains, misalignment, or gaps. While restorative dentistry prioritizes function and health, cosmetic dentistry aims to boost confidence and create a more attractive smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Cosmetic dentistry allows for tailored solutions to address your unique concerns and goals for your smile. With his expertise in cosmetic procedures, Dr. Apel can even combine multiple treatments to give you a complete smile makeover.
Read on to learn more about our popular cosmetic procedures.
Teeth Whitening
While over-the-counter teeth whitening products are plentiful, they do not provide the same effectiveness as professional whitening solutions. Dr. Apel provides whitening services that are safe, comfortable, and transformative. With take-home whitening kits, you can brighten your smile from the comfort of your home.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to change the teeth’s color, shape, or size. Dr. Apel typically applies veneers in pairs, from just two teeth to all the teeth in your smile line, depending on your unique smile goals. These coverings conceal various imperfections, such as stains, chips, cracks, or gaps, providing a natural but transformative smile enhancement.
Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire visible surface of a tooth to restore its function. While primarily restorative in their purpose, tooth-colored crowns also provide cosmetic enhancement, improving the appearance of a weakened, damaged, or severely stained tooth.
Bridges have a similar dual purpose, but rather than addressing the needs of a damaged tooth, bridges replace missing teeth. If you have one or more consecutively missing teeth, a bridge can close the gap in your smile while restoring function to your bite. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we offer various bridges to suit different patient needs—from traditional bridges to implant bridges.
Mini Dental Implants
If you are struggling with tooth loss, mini dental implants are a revolutionary replacement solution. As their name suggests, mini implants are a modern alternative to traditional dental implants. Half the size of conventional implants, mini implants are a more accessible option for those with limited bone density or a narrow jawbone. They can also be placed in a single, minimally invasive procedure that reduces discomfort and recovery time.
Mini dental implants are popular in dental offices today due to their excellent success rate and versatility. Dr. Apel uses mini implants to replace individual missing teeth with prosthetic crowns, multiple teeth with bridges, and full arches of teeth with dentures. Dr. Apel can even retrofit an existing denture, connecting it to 4-8 mini dental implants for a secure solution to loose or ill-fitting dentures.
Although the primary purpose of mini implants is to restore oral function, they also offer an efficient and reliable way to improve smile aesthetics.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, treat decay by filling the cavity with a white filling material. Unlike other fillings, the composite variety discreetly restores the tooth’s structure with a material that matches the shade of your natural teeth. This tooth-colored composite resin is particularly useful when cavities are located in visible areas of the mouth.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic procedures can improve the aesthetics of your smile, correcting issues like discoloration, misalignment, or gaps between teeth. A beautiful smile can contribute to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
- Better oral health: Some cosmetic treatments, like veneers or crowns, can strengthen and protect teeth, promoting strong oral health. Cosmetic procedures can also improve dental function, allowing for better chewing, speaking, and overall comfort.
- Improved self-confidence: An improved smile often increases self-esteem and confidence, encouraging a more positive self-image.
- Positive first impressions: A confident, attractive smile can make a strong first impression in personal and professional interactions.
- Natural-looking outcomes: Modern techniques and materials ensure that cosmetic enhancements look natural and harmonious with your other teeth.
- Long-lasting results: Depending on the procedure, cosmetic enhancements can provide long-lasting results, extending the longevity of your beautiful smile.
Free Cosmetic Dentistry Consultations
At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we offer complimentary consultations to learn about your dental goals and guide you toward a solution that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
As part of your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive dental exam, review your medical records, and take X-rays to generate 3D scans of your oral cavity. These measures will give us essential information about the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. As a result, we can determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, will best address your smile concerns. The consultation is an opportunity for us to work with you to design a treatment plan that achieves your ideal smile.
Financing Your Smile Enhancement
Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures; however, many treatments have both restorative and cosmetic components, meaning that your plan may cover some of the treatment costs. If you have dental coverage, we will help you get the maximum reimbursement possible from your plan.
For out-of-pocket expenses, we partner with several third-party lending companies to alleviate the financial burden of dental procedures. Companies like CareCredit, Sunbit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry offer flexible payment plans that help make your treatment affordable. These plans allow you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments, ensuring access to high-quality dental care without upfront financial strain.
With various options to meet your budget, you can look forward to a more aesthetically pleasing smile without breaking the bank.
Revamp Your Smile at Designing Smiles Dentistry
At Designing Smiles Dentistry in Melbourne, FL, we provide tailored solutions to help you achieve your dental goals. Our range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry allows us to design thorough treatment plans that consider your needs.
Dr. Apel has spent over 30 years helping thousands of patients restore function and beauty to their smiles. If you are unhappy with your smile, contact us today to schedule a free cosmetic dentistry consultation.
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