North Meridian Dental Excellence offers a full range of cosmetic dental treatments to help you achieve a bright, balanced, and natural-looking smile. For optimal results, our dentist in Indianapolis, IN examines each patient’s teeth and gums before each treatment to find options that work best for them and their personal needs.
Dr. Ahlbrecht considers aesthetic goals and the patient’s oral health needs. He identifies any underlying problems that could compromise long-term results and incorporates this into a personalized treatment plan.
From teeth whitening and tooth bonding to porcelain veneers and straightening crooked teeth, our team uses high-quality materials and advanced dental technology to ensure a bright and stable smile for years. Revamp your smile with our cosmetic dental treatments. Cosmetic dental care is one of the most popular dental services we provide to the public.
Cosmetic Dental Solutions
We offer multiple cosmetic dentistry solutions at our office. We may use one or multiple to ensure we give you the smile of your dreams.
Invisalign
Straighten crooked teeth with Invisalign for a more balanced smile. Invisalign is the modern alternative to traditional metal braces that have reinvented the orthodontic process. Invisalign aligners are also clear and virtually unnoticeable.
During treatment, the teeth straighten over time with clear aligners. Compared to traditional methods, the average treatment time for Invisalign is shorter, and the aligners don’t pinch gums. Patients who use clear aligners may remove them to eat and brush their teeth, so there are no dietary restrictions.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant shells that cover and protect teeth for long-lasting restoration. They also reflect light for a luminous look. After you receive your custom porcelain veneers, avoid foods and beverages that typically stain teeth, such as sodas, teas, coffee, and red wine. This will help maintain the look of your veneers.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding material helps rebuild tooth structure and lighten teeth’s appearance by several shades. It is a quick and easy solution to addressing cosmetic problems. During bonding, a composite resin is adhered to and shaped to teeth. It is then cured and bonded using a special bonding light.
Teeth Whitening
Treat stained or yellowed teeth with in-office or at-home teeth whitening. Dr. Ahlbrecht uses bleaching gel and a laser to brighten teeth quickly and comfortably in our office. For at-home treatment, you will need to schedule an appointment in our office so that we can produce digital impressions.
Dr. Ahlbrecht creates flexible tooth trays to hold bleaching gel. You can remove the trays and may wear them during sleep. Brighten your smile and say goodbye to stained, discolored, and yellowed teeth. As with many other treatments, touch-ups are needed to preserve the brilliant results of teeth whitening treatment.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many people believe that cosmetic dentistry is all about aesthetics. To be fair, this is why many patients desire cosmetic dentistry in the first place. People get insecure about the appearance of their smiles. However, underlying oral health issues usually cause cosmetic problems. When we perform cosmetic dentistry, we look to treat the root cause of the condition, taking care of the cosmetic issues, too.
One of the best examples of this is crooked teeth. Usually, patients are self-conscious about the way they look, but crooked teeth can harbor many oral health problems. Crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight ones. They’re often cramped and jumbled, making it hard for all areas to be cleaned properly. Sometimes, even our specialized dental tools can’t reach everywhere. You may still be susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, even if you do everything right.
Crooked teeth make your bite uneven, too. When your bite comes together, the pressure distributes across your teeth equally. When your bite is uneven, the pressure doesn’t distribute evenly either. Some teeth end up taking on more of the pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster and are more prone to chipping and breaking. You may need restorative dental care to mend these other teeth.
Uneven bites are one of the main causes of TMJ disorders. When your bite doesn’t come together properly, your jaw joint doesn’t track smoothly. The muscles and ligaments that help move it strain and tense up. TMJ can cause popping and clicking in the jaw, tension, pain throughout the face and head, and problems opening and closing your mouth. The jaw joint may also get stuck in one position.
Crooked teeth can cause all of these issues. Correcting them can improve more than just your self-esteem.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
How is cosmetic dentistry different from general dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on maintaining and restoring oral health, such as preventing cavities and treating gum disease. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. Many procedures overlap, but the main difference is cosmetic dentistry’s focus on aesthetics.
How long do cosmetic dental procedures last?
The longevity of cosmetic dental procedures varies depending on the treatment and how well you care for your teeth. Teeth whitening can last a few months to a couple of years, while veneers and crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more. Regular dental care and avoiding habits like grinding teeth can extend the life of cosmetic treatments.
Does insurance cover cosmetic dental treatments?
Most cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by insurance because they are considered elective procedures. However, if the treatment also serves a functional purpose, such as repairing a damaged tooth, part of the cost may be covered. It’s best to check with your dental insurance provider.
How can cosmetic dentistry improve my self-confidence?
Cosmetic dentistry can improve self-confidence by giving you a smile you’re proud to show off. Enhancing the appearance of your teeth can make you feel more attractive and less self-conscious in social and professional settings. Many people report feeling happier and more confident after cosmetic dental treatments.
Are there any risks with cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is generally safe, but like any dental procedure, it carries some risks. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening or veneers. Bonding materials may chip over time, and veneers or crowns could need replacement after many years. Choosing an experienced dentist can help minimize these risks.
Does cosmetic dentistry hurt?
No, there shouldn’t be pain with cosmetic dentistry. We utilize local anesthetics and sedation dentistry for every cosmetic dental procedure. At most, you may feel some sensitivity. Tooth whitening often has this side effect, and you may experience it with enamel removal for things like porcelain veneers.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Do you want to improve the aesthetics and health of your smile? Try our professional cosmetic solutions for a brighter, straighter, healthier smile. Call our office for treatment today at 317.204.7134. You may also request a consultation online.
Our dental practice serves patients near Indianapolis, Meridian Hills, and Carmel, IN areas. Ask a staff member if you have further queries about our cosmetic options. Our team is happy to give patients clarification on any issues or questions about treatment that they may have.