Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

We receive many questions at the office regarding the differences between the cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer, in particular in-office bonding, traditional veneers, Lumineers, and Snap-On Smile. Here’s a quick primer on the different procedures which will help you discover what you need to know in order to make the decision that is best for you!

In-Office Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is often the best solution for those whose main concern is disguising minor aesthetic dental flaws, and generally requires only a single office visit. These flaws can include such things as chips and cracks, but bonding can also effectively change the shape and size of teeth. The results are immediate, and the procedure is fairly simple. Dr. Kotre applies a dental resin that has been carefully color-matched to the patient’s other teeth, before applying a UV light to harden and set it into place. After the resin is fully cured, it is shaped and then polished to give the patient a new, flawless smile.

Traditional Dental Veneers: Porcelain veneers are generally the best option for those who wish to make dramatic changes to the look of their teeth. Dental veneers can disguise many different problems, including heavy tooth discoloration, as well as crooked, chipped, or even missing teeth. They require several office visits to complete, and are generally the most time-intensive cosmetic procedure we offer. The first visit will include a discussion of what kind of changes the patient would like to make, and a digital image of what the results of the veneers will be. The second visit requires the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, which will allow the veneers to be placed on top of the existing teeth. Temporary veneers are also placed at this time to cover any spaces where enamel has been removed. About two weeks later, the veneers are ready and the patient can return to Dr. Kotre’s office to have the temporary veneers replaced with permanent veneers. The result is a perfect, truly “Hollywood” smile.

Lumineers: This new type of veneer is one of the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry. Lumineers take only two painless visits to fit and apply, and last twenty years. The thinner, more translucent nature of Lumineers often make them a more natural, less expensive alternative to traditional porcelain veneers, and they are able to disguise many of the same problems. Lumineers can give you a brand new smile in literally just a few hours!

Snap-On Smile: The very newest of the cosmetic dentistry options, Snap-On Smile can give you natural results with a minimal investment of time. Snap-On Smile differs from veneers in that it is removable. You can eat, drink, or do anything else you normally would, and then the appliance is removed at night for sleeping. Highly durable, Snap-On Smile is also a much more affordable option than other types of cosmetic dentistry, and is able to camouflage many of the same types of dental flaws.

If you are interested in our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry services, please contact our office today at 734-677-2156 to schedule your free cosmetic dentistry consultation, or visit our website today for more information.