Cosmetic Dentist Correcting Allentown Smiles
Looking for a picture-perfect smile like the ones you see on the covers of celebrity magazines? You may think bright, straight teeth are only achievable on a movie star budget, but the innovative, comfortable restoration options available from Dr. Eric J. Marsh and Dr. Michele A. Pisano-Marsh allow any patient to achieve a flawless smile quickly and comfortably. Contact our team to schedule a cosmetic consultation. We welcome patients from the entire Lehigh Valley.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin sheaths of porcelain that conceal numerous smile flaws with one, simple cosmetic dentistry solution. If you have extensive dental chips, cracks, gaps, or stains, porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution to perfect your smile.
If we determine porcelain veneers are the right cosmetic treatment to transform your smile, you’ll need to plan for two visits to our Allentown, PA dental office. During your initial visit, we’ll get started by numbing the area to be treated. Then, we remove a minimal amount of surface enamel in order to allow the veneer to blend seamlessly into your smile. Next, we capture impressions of the prepared teeth. These are used by our lab to create the custom porcelain veneers. Until we receive the final product from our lab, we’ll place temporary veneers to protect your treated teeth. Finally, you’ll return to exchange your temporary veneers for custom veneers, leaving you with a flawless smile.
Metal Free Restorations
While dental crowns and other restorations are typically used to repair dental damage, they can also be utilized for purely cosmetic reasons. If patients have a tooth that is severely discolored or misshapen, a dental crown may be the best way to correct the cosmetic concern.
We offer two types of tooth-colored restorations: E-Max and Lava. Both of these brands are completely metal free, which means they are safe for patients who have allergies or sensitivities to metal. E-Max crowns are high quality, all-ceramic restorations. They are precisely shaded to match the surrounding tooth structure, and even after years of daily wear, they retain their natural appearance. Lava restorations are a unique combination of zirconia and ceramic. This allows us to offer strength and durability comparable to gold crowns with the natural looking appearance of an all-ceramic restoration.
Direct Bonding
The direct bonding procedure uses tooth-colored filling materials for purely cosmetic treatment. Composite resin is a mixture of plastics and glass that can be shaded to match your smile. This natural-looking composite is applied directly to imperfect teeth in a putty-like form. It can be used to improve the appearance of smiles by filling in cracks and chips, closing gaps between teeth, and concealing dental stains that are resistant to teeth whitening.
The process for direct bonding is simple and comfortable. We numb the area to be treated, remove any damaged structure, and apply the composite resin directly to the tooth. Then, we shape the resin to correct or conceal cosmetic flaws. Once it’s in place, we harden the bonding material using a curing light. Finally, we polish the treated tooth.
While we don’t recommend bonding for patients who wish to transform a number of teeth, if you wish to improve the appearance of just a few teeth, direct bonding may be an affordable, same day alternative to porcelain veneers.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’re interested in brightening your smile, we offer professional, personalized at-home teeth whitening kits. We prefer the highly-effective Opalescence whitening system. Unlike store bought whitening kits, our professional whitening treatments include a custom crafted application tray and higher dosage of the active whitening agent. Over the course of two or more weeks of application, patients typically see smiles six or more shades brighter. Because we customize the treatment plans, patients rarely experience dental sensitivity.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
You can have the smile of your dreams with cosmetic dentistry, but it's a big investment. It's normal to have a few concerns before you're ready to commit to anything. Your cosmetic dentist in Allentown will explain everything and help you make the best decisions to reach your goals. While you wait for your consultation, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
You've probably heard that cosmetic dentistry is expensive, but you don't have to be rich or famous to revamp your smile. There are more treatment options than ever before, which means there's a solution to fit your budget, like teeth whitening. Many factors affect the amount you will pay, like if you need any preparatory procedures, the type of treatment, and if you can use your dental insurance. We provide many payment options to keep a picture-perfect smile affordable for everyone. A member of our team will help you find the financial solutions you need to enhance your pearly whites without it costing you an arm or a leg.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Cosmetic Dentistry?
It's rare for dental insurance to cover elective procedures, but there are exceptions. Many cosmetic services also provide restorative benefits. If your cosmetic dentist determines treatment is medically necessary, you can use your dental insurance to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. Your benefits may also include other aspects of your treatment plan, like your consultation or any prep work. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage to lower the amount you pay.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
Cosmetic dentistry isn't a single procedure. Instead, it's a category used for services addressing aesthetics, like dental bonding or teeth whitening. Every procedure has a different lifespan, and many things will affect the duration of your results. Your cosmetic dentist will explain how long you can expect your beautiful smile to last and what you can do to get the most out of your investment, like brushing and flossing. It's best to avoid anything that can damage your new smile, like drinking a lot of coffee, smoking, or chewing on your fingernails. Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. We will keep your teeth and gums healthy to protect your investment.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Your comfort will be your dentist's top priority. If necessary, they'll use a local numbing agent to block any discomfort. You may feel some slight pressure or unusual sensations, but you will not have any outright pain. Depending on your treatment, you may have some sensitivity or tenderness for a couple of days. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Avoid any hot or cold foods and drinks for 24 to 48 hours. As your discomfort improves, you can resume your regular diet.