Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you already may have researched cosmetic dentistry. This is a specialization of dentistry that focuses upon creating positive aesthetic changes for patients’ smiles and teeth. Many dental practices offer cosmetic services. However, a true cosmetic dentist has studied the science and principles of the field on a post-graduate level, as cosmetic dentistry is not part of the standard curriculum for dental school. If you already have some knowledge about cosmetic dentistry, you probably have questions: one of them being, how long will it take to make the changes I want? We answer that question today on the blog, provided by Okemos’ award-winning cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia.
The time frame on three popular cosmetic dental procedures
Invisalign – If you want to straighten your teeth, braces are not your only option. Tenaglia Smiles is a certified provider of Invisalign for patients in Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing and the surrounding areas of Michigan. Unlike braces, which use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign achieves the same goal by wearing aligners made of a transparent plastic that are customized to make a snug fit over your teeth. You can remove the aligners when you eat and clean your teeth, although the aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day to be effective. You return to your provider every few weeks to receive a new set of aligners as your teeth move. Total treatment time averages 18 months.
Veneers – Veneers are thin pieces of material that are customized to fit over the front of your teeth and improve their appearance. Dentists have been using veneers for more than a century but modern veneers are made of dental porcelain–a beautiful and durable material that resists surface stains. This porcelain also has a translucency similar to natural tooth enamel, meaning the treated teeth blend seamlessly with your smile. At Tenaglia Smiles, we offer both porcelain veneers and Lumineers; the latter is minimally invasive and involves little to no removal of the existing tooth structure so the veneers make a flush bond. You can receive your veneers in about two weeks, with the process entailing two separate appointments.
Teeth whitening – A professional dental whitening treatment is the most popular procedure performed in all of cosmetic dentistry. Brightening your smile even by just a few shades can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your smile. Whitening also is less expensive than some of the other treatment options in cosmetic dentistry. This is also an extremely convenient procedure, which normally can be completed in about an hour. You can start seeing a difference in the appearance of your teeth right away. Tenaglia Smiles offers two methods of whitening your teeth in Okemos: the Zoom! Whitening System and the GLO system.
What should you look for in a cosmetic dentist in Okemos?
You want to choose a dentist who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of cosmetic dentistry – someone you can communicate with and express your desired aesthetic goals, and then will use their expertise to help you reach those goals. The ideal cosmetic dentist combines an artistic flair with a high level of technical ability. Dr. Tenaglia and her team of oral health professionals at Tenaglia Smiles have helped countless patients in the Michigan communities of Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing attain fabulous-looking smiles worthy of the red carpet in Hollywood.
If you are interested in learning more about the program of cosmetic dentistry at Tenaglia Smiles, then the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tenaglia. At this meeting, she will evaluate your current oral health, review your dental records and determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic work. From there, she decides which procedures are ideal to help you reach your goals. Find out for yourself why Dr. Tenaglia has received the People’s Choice Award as the favorite dentist in the region. To make your appointment, call (517) 347-6733 or contact us online.