Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax, VA
If you’re struggling with a less-than-perfect smile, you’re not alone. Cracked and chipped teeth, as well as teeth that are misaligned or stained, are common problems that almost everyone can relate to. Getting a beautiful smile doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated, and our experienced team can walk you through the process completely, making your dream smile a reality.
Get a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful with cosmetic services from Phoenix Smiles Dental Center in Fairfax, VA. Call us today for more information and to schedule your comprehensive evaluation.
CALL US:(703) 278-8866 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Fairfax Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions
A cosmetic dental plan needs to take in many different considerations to ensure a beautiful smile and long-lasting results. Your personalized strategy may be as simple as teeth whitening or as complex as a full smile makeover with implants and orthodontic work. The first step is to receive a complete evaluation and a basic consultation with a dental professional like Dr. Folake Akinbi and her skilled team. Some of our most popular cosmetic dental services include:
Starting with the Basics of Cosmetic Dental Treatment
At your first appointment, we begin with a detailed history, including your complete medical and dental background. After your specific concerns are reviewed, your dental anatomy is analyzed, and suggestions can be made on ways to improve the appearance, function, and health of your smile. Your personalized plan will include addressing any basic dental health concerns first, and then we can incorporate the recommended treatments to improve the appearance of your smile.
The number and length of your appointments differ based on the type and quantity of procedures you will need. You may need preliminary appointments to improve the health of your gums as well as other supporting structures. Separate visits may include fillings for repairing existing decay, a professional cleaning to improve gum health, and consultations for addressing any alignment issues. After your teeth and gums are healthy, then the major changes to your smile can be completed. The front visual areas of your mouth are usually done first to create a functional cosmetic transformation that matches into your smile perfectly.
Cosmetic Dentistry from Phoenix Smiles Dental Center
- Fill unwanted gaps between teeth
- Improve or correct under and overbites
- Repair chips, cracks, and decay
- Replace old fillings or outdated restorations
- Brighten and whiten the color of your teeth
- Even out size, shape, and symmetrical alignment
- Replace missing teeth
How Fillings Improve Your Smile
Phoenix Smiles Dental Center provides restorative treatments designed to repair and prevent damage from decay. When it comes to choosing a filling, we can help you decide which material will help protect your teeth and meet your aesthetic needs. A filling is often used to repair damage and to add strength to your tooth.
Fillings prevent plaque and bacteria from building up inside the tooth and exposing the inner nerves. Without a filling, a minor cavity can expand until it compromises the integrity of the tooth, leading to the need for more complex treatments like a full crown or root canal therapy. Fillings can improve the function and aesthetics of your tooth, and the procedure is minimally invasive.
Composite fillings look and feel natural, and the resin creates a superior fit that keeps your tooth protected, intact, and strong. Advanced technology and materials make it possible to create restorations from many angles and on varying surfaces of a tooth, allowing for maximum preservation of your original dentition.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Filling?
If you need a filling, we will first make sure you are comfortable and relaxed, and prepared for each step of the procedure. Your gums will be numbed, and then we will remove all existing decay and clean the area thoroughly. Then we will apply the filling material to the area to prevent reoccurring damage and eliminate any pain. The fillings are layered in small amounts at a time, and each layer is cured with a special light. After a light polishing and flossing, you will be able to resume your daily activities and your restored smile.
Further Support and Enhancement with Dental Crowns
Larger areas of decay or a tooth that needs root canal treatment can be fully restored with a crown to reestablish shape, size, strength, and appearance. A crown covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line and is used for many reasons, including:
- To complete a root canal treatment.
- Restore a broken, cracked, or severely worn-down tooth.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Correct misshapen or extremely discolored teeth.
- Support a tooth damaged by decay too large for a filling.
A crown restores the normal size, shape, and function of a tooth, making it stronger and easy to brush and floss. To determine what material to use for your crown, we will consider the location and function of the specific tooth, the natural color of your teeth, and how much of the tooth shows when you smile. Metal alloys may be used if the tooth needs to stand up to strong bite pressure, and porcelain or composite is used on highly visible teeth.
After you receive a crown, it is important to continue with an effective home oral care routine and visit us regularly. The tooth under the crown is still susceptible to decay, and the crown itself can wear down over time. With regular exams and cleanings, we can help you keep your crowns and your smile in optimal condition.
Improving Appearance and Confidence with Veneers
If you have a minor misalignment or teeth with deep stains, you might want to consider veneers. These custom restorations are made from high-quality porcelain material that is bonded to the front of a tooth. Veneers are very durable and can make your smile look straighter and brighter in just one treatment.
Custom veneers are designed to mimic the luster and appearance of your natural teeth with minimal tooth preparation. The shells are so thin that very little of your enamel needs removal, preserving the structure of your original dentition. Porcelain veneers can eliminate the variation in alignment and spacing, creating an even and eye-catching smile that restores confidence and joy.
Whiter Fairfax Smiles with Professional Whitening Treatment
From fashion models to CEOs, whitening treatments are the most popular way to dramatically improve smile aesthetics. In as little as one hour, you can have a whiter, brighter smile with little to no sensitivity problems. The team at Phoenix Smile Dental Center will perform an initial examination and then prepare your teeth for the procedure. We use Philips Zoom’s professional-grade varnishes applied in 15-minute increments to get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. You can add your whitening treatment at the end of your annual cleaning and exam and walk out with a smile that looks and feels great!
If you would rather whiten your smile at home, we also offer convenient take-home kits. Use Zoom’s powerful yet gentle gel as directed for excellent results at your own pace. We will show you how to use the custom trays and dental grade gel to help you maintain long-lasting results safely and effectively. This DIY option is great for touch-ups or special occasions and is more effective than most retail products.
Practical and Comfortable Alignment with Invisalign
If your case of misalignment can’t be corrected with bonding or veneers, Invisalign clear braces are a great option for both young and mature patients. Invisalign uses a system of clear trays to gently move your teeth into the right position. These clear braces offer ideal comfort and are completely discreet.
A misaligned bite or crooked teeth can cause problems with chewing and eating, as well as muscle tension and headaches. Invisalign offers an effective way to resolve these issues and avoid the restrictions and awkward look of traditional metal braces.
Customized clear aligner trays are created from precise digital images of your teeth, and you use a new set of aligners every two weeks until your treatment is complete. You will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, but you can remove them for eating, brushing and flossing, and for special occasions. The more diligent you are about wearing your aligners, the quicker your treatment will be finished. Although you will most likely need to wear a retainer aligner every night, you will get to enjoy the cosmetic and health benefits of beautiful straight teeth every day, all day.
Replacing Missing Teeth with Implants & Bridges
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, we can recommend a variety of options and work with a specialist that will provide you with a customized solution. A fixed bridge, which puts two crowns on the teeth next to the gap, filling the gap with a false tooth (pontic) is the quickest and least expensive choice. A bridge can usually be completed in two office visits, depending on your oral health. The crowns and the artificial tooth in the middle can be made with metal or composite and designed as one piece for easy fit and quick placement.
A bridge is generally less expensive than a dental implant upfront but could be less suitable in the long run. You will have to use special tools like a floss threader to clean under the false tooth, and the wear and tear on the neighboring teeth can cause them to deteriorate and become more susceptible to disease and decay.
Dental Implants for Optimal Oral Health
Another option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. The treatment involves the surgical placement of a titanium post by a trusted specialist, and then we will complete your restoration with a custom crown. Implants replace a tooth from root to crown, providing essential stimulation to your jaw bone, which helps maintain density and preserve your overall facial structure. Implant-supported restorations can be brushed and flossed normally, feel very natural, and will last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
3 Main Steps for Dental Implant Placement
- Placing the Implant
- Placing the Abutment
- Installing the Crown
Other restorations such as full or partial dentures can be combined with dental implants, making them more comfortable and more secure. Implants offer superior stability and a natural-looking smile, so you can enjoy eating all your favorite foods and speak with confidence.
Let Your Confidence and Natural Personality Shine with Expert Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax
Cosmetic dentistry provides many treatment options for those who wish to enhance the beauty of their smile. In most cases, combining different techniques is the best way to maximize resources to achieve your desired results. Cosmetic dentistry also benefits your overall well-being because improving your smile helps establish confidence and a positive self-image.
Dr. Akinbi and the team at Phoenix Smiles Dental Center is passionate about helping you attain the smile of your dreams. Our staff is experienced and helpful in assisting you and your family with all your questions, scheduling, and financial needs. For a smile you can be proud of, contact our office today for a complete evaluation and cosmetic treatment consultation.
CALL US:(703) 278-8866 REQUEST APPOINTMENT