Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic dentistry is a set of dental treatments that improves the beauty and health of one's smile. Nearly every dental procedure has 2 elements: Aesthetics and function. A quality cosmetic dentist takes both of these elements into consideration; so that one may be rest assured that they will not only look great, but enjoy hassle free long-term results.

Cosmetic dentistry provides more than just a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry has also been shown to improve a person's overall health and emotional well-being. An improved smile can boost a person's self-image, making them more confident in their daily

This will depend on your personal goals and on what final results you'd like to see. Some smile makeovers may consist of as few as one or two short procedures, such as dental bonding and teeth whitening; whereas others may require more extensive work, including porcelain veneers, dental implants, and other, more time consuming procedures.

The most obvious advantage of having a full smile makeover is that you end up with the smile you've always wanted - the color, the structure, and the function of strong, healthy, bright and beautiful teeth, another advantage is that in some cases, cosmetic dental procedures may be redundant or may actually require more time and expense when done separately; so addressing your cosmetic dentistry needs as a whole can save you time and money in the long run.

The most obvious advantage of having a full smile makeover is that you end up with the smile you've always wanted , the color, the structure, and the function of strong, healthy, bright and beautiful teeth.

The procedures may include any one or a combination of the following:
•    Porcelain veneers/laminates

White filings Crowns Bridges Teeth whitening

Anyone is a good candidate for a smile makeover, if you do not feel confident in the way your teeth or smile looks because of a chip on a tooth, crowding, misalignment, or staining.

The placement of tooth-colored composite fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures at Exodus Dental Care. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.

Porcelain is a very smooth material that resists permanent staining. Porcelain veneers do not stain when they are exposed to coffee, cigarettes, tea and wine. With diligent brushing, stains and plaque will not build up on the porcelain surface.

Porcelain veneers have the appearance of real teeth. A tooth is naturally translucent. Porcelain veneers are made of porcelain and will give you the appearance of a natural smile.

There are health benefits as well as aesthetic ones. The health benefits include less risk of overloaded or worn down teeth, and teeth that are easier to clean and care for.

Teeth that have been straightened, repaired or replaced mean less risk of decay and infections.  On the aesthetic side of things, your teeth will look and feel much better. You will have a clear, white smile which will improve your confidence and overall well-being. Patients often report a pride in their new smile, as well as feeling more confident in social or work-related situations.

There are no known medical complications with a smile makeover, although no dental procedure is risk-free.

The duration of your smile makeover will extend if you look after your teeth and have regular dental checkups. You will also require maintenance treatments such as repeat teeth whitening, as your teeth will start to lose brightness over time. Porcelain veneers can break or fall off and will require replacing. Composite bonding is prone to staining after a period of time and will need to be enhanced or replaced. Crowns or bridges will have to be replaced after 20 years or more.

If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening  may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, then cosmetic dentistry will give you the results you are looking for while saving you time and money. Clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of “invisible” teeth aligners. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to be fitted with cosmetic veneers.

Modern metal-free dentistry has evolved to a point where we can be much more conservative with tooth preparation. A dental veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth, a cosmetic veneer, essentially covers the visible part of a tooth preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. Veneers can straighten, lengthen and whiten teeth to provide the desired smile and bite. Each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that an outer layer of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for veneer placement.

When "seated" correctly, veneers are strong and can last for many years, even a life time with good oral care.

Porcelain veneers are non-porous and will not stain or discolor.

Yes. Aesthetic dentistry is the ultimate blend of art and science. If quality and service are important to you, look for experience, proven results, and a focused approach to your unique needs and desires. There are many different materials used in veneers and crowns.

Bonding is done by placing tooth-like material onto the tooth to build it up and/or to alter its shape. Over time the bonded portion of a tooth will change color as compared to the natural, un-bonded portion of the tooth. The advantage of bonding is that it is an ultra-conservative way to restore a tooth and is completed in one visit. The disadvantage is that it will discolor over time and is more prone to breakage than a veneer.

Sometimes people have too much gum tissue or there is an asymmetry of the tissue across the smile. The solution is simple. A specialized soft-tissue laser can remove the excessive gum tissue. There is always a margin of tissue that can safely be removed to further enhance a smile. This non-surgical and pain-free procedure is completed in a matter of minutes.

Cosmetic dental work is probably not as expensive as you think. The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on how much you want or need. Like any cosmetic process, costs will vary with the amount of product or services you desire. A skilled cosmetic dentist can explain various fees and the best procedure for you.