Cosmetic Dentistry at The Hills Family Dentistry
Your teeth serve many important purposes. One of their most vital roles is in biting and chewing, allowing you to eat properly and maintain good health. They also play a crucial role in speech by controlling airflow, and they can significantly impact how you look. When your teeth are discolored, misshapen, damaged, or missing, simple tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling can become challenging. These issues can also potentially give the impression of premature aging or become a focal point of attention. At The Hills Family Dentistry in San Marcos, we understand your dental concerns, and if the appearance of your teeth is impacting your daily life, we are here to assist you. We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to address your dental concerns.
Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, Onlays and Inlays
Porcelain veneers, crowns, onlays, and inlays are excellent cosmetic options that can address various imperfections. Dental porcelain veneers are thin shells designed to cover your natural tooth's surface, matching the appearance of your other teeth. They can restore a white smile when other options fall short. Porcelain veneers and crowns can also close gaps between your teeth, correct misshapen teeth, and repair damaged teeth, such as chips or cracks, restoring both form and function. Veneers and crowns are different, and the decision to choose one over the other is left to the discretion of our dentists. The most conservative option (dental veneers) will be considered first, unless there are other reasons that may require the tooth to have a crown instead. Factors that lead to the decision of a crown rather than a veneer include: large areas of decay, large areas of missing tooth structure, dark underlying tooth structure, and the relationship between this specific tooth with the rest of your teeth (occlusion). Onlays and inlays can be used in the back of the mouth when there are large areas of teeth affected by cracks, fractured tooth structure, or cavities. These tooth-colored (or gold) restorations are used as a conservative way to restore the integrity of the tooth when there is still a large amount of sound tooth structure remaining.
Composite Bonding
Minor chipping of front teeth can allow for the conservative placement of dental bonding. Dental bonding is simply the process of placing composite tooth-colored filling material to your front teeth to restore the natural shape, size, and color. Composite bonding can benefit those who have small chips in front teeth, gaps between teeth, and discolored teeth. The limitations with composite bonding are that it's fairly weak so it can chip or break easily, it can discolor or stain easily, and it heavily depends on the experience and expertise of the dentist placing it. In our office, Dr. Martin and Dr. Thomas excel in cosmetic dentistry and can make your teeth look whiter and your smile brighter within a short appointment.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® utilizes advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to illustrate the complete treatment plan, starting from your initial tooth position to your desired final alignment. Custom-made clear “aligners” are then produced to gradually move your teeth over time. The process is simple! Impressions of your teeth are taken, within weeks your aligners are ready to be delivered, and then you visit our office for very easy appointments for the aligner deliveries and monitoring of your progress. Each aligner is worn 24/7 (removed only to eat or drink something other than water) for at least a week until a new aligner is introduced to sequentially move your teeth into the proper final position. Clear aligners can be a fantastic option to move your teeth into a better chewing position to provide better functionality and aesthetics. Crooked and overlapped teeth can be straightened very easily with Invisalign® – schedule an appointment in our office to see if you're a good candidate today!
Teeth Whitening
Discolored teeth can make you look older and affect your confidence. Whether it's caused by food, beverages, smoking, medication, or poor oral hygiene, teeth discoloration can be embarrassing. While over-the-counter whitening products are available, they are often limited in the extent of whitening they can provide. The Hills Family Dentistry offers professional whitening services that can penetrate the enamel to restore your teeth's brilliant white appearance. Take-home customized whitening trays can last you a lifetime! Visit us at our San Marcos dental practice for the teeth whitening results you've been dreaming of.
Dental Implants
Tooth loss, whether it is one tooth or all of them, has a significant impact on your life. Chewing and speaking become more difficult, and missing teeth can sometimes be associated with aging. Furthermore, missing teeth can lead to bone resorption, which can alter the shape of your jaw. Dental implants represent the latest advancement in tooth replacement technology. This surgical procedure involves implanting a titanium post into your jawbone. Implants act as the “roots” for artificial teeth and can help prevent the bone loss often associated with tooth loss. Implants can replace any number of missing teeth, and just a few implants can support a full bridge of artificial teeth. While dental implants require some healing time due to the surgical nature of the procedure, the end result is a complete, natural, and beautiful smile.
All-On-4® Treatment Concept
The All-On-4® Treatment Concept was developed to provide our edentulous patients (dental patients with no teeth or a mouth full of failing teeth) with an efficient and effective restoration using only four implants to support an immediately loaded full-arch prosthesis. The All-On-4® Treatment Concept allows The Hills Family Dentistry in San Marcos to streamline the time needed for your new teeth, giving you the smile you've always dreamed of the same day you walk in.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dental Appointment
If you are dissatisfied with your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help restore your confidence. Contact The Hills Family Dentistry in San Marcos today at (760) 798-7166 for more information!