Warren Dentistry is now Westview Dentistry. New name, same great team!

Aesthetic Dentistry

FAQ


Is teeth whitening safe and effective?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve your smile. It is a purely cosmetic procedure that brightens tooth color without affecting dental health.
What are the most common aesthetic dentistry procedures?
Common aesthetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, and periodontal treatments. Some, like teeth whitening, are purely cosmetic, while others also help protect tooth structure and function.
How is aesthetic dentistry different from general dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventing and treating oral health issues, while aesthetic dentistry improves the appearance of your teeth and smile. However, many aesthetic procedures, like crowns or veneers, offer both cosmetic and health benefits.

What Is Aesthetic Dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry, also called cosmetic dentistry, focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics. While many people choose aesthetic dentistry to enhance their smile, these treatments often support better oral health, such as correcting alignment and reducing the risk of decay. Westview Dentistry in Fort Worth, we offer personalized cosmetic dental solutions to help you look and feel your best.

Some procedures, such as teeth whitening, only have a cosmetic benefit, since tooth color poses no health risk. Many other aesthetic dental procedures have benefits beyond improved appearance. For example:

Crowns help reshape the teeth, but they also protect teeth that have undergone root canals or other procedures.

Periodontal treatment protects the tooth’s appearance by minimizing the damage caused by periodontitis.

Porcelain veneers are placed on teeth that may have cracked or have other abnormalities that impact tooth function.

Aesthetic dentistry addresses both sets of concerns, providing solutions that resolve dental issues while protecting the natural, healthy appearance of the teeth. As a result, many dental visits include at least one such procedure.

What to Expect at Your Visit

During your first visit with your dental, the dentist performs an exam and takes X-rays of the teeth. If you want aesthetic dentistry for cosmetic reasons, the dentist will make sure the procedure is safe. Or, if the checkup shows signs of trouble, like infection or misalignment, the dentist may recommend procedures that involve aesthetic work. Some procedures can be performed the same day, while others may require several visits to continue the work or to monitor progress.

Following aesthetic dental procedures, the dentist will provide instructions for home care of the new work, which include tips on oral hygiene and healthy eating habits. At this time, follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure the aesthetic dentistry is protecting the patient’s appearance and overall dental health.

For more information on aesthetic dentistry, read our blog on Boost Your Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry.

More Cosmetic Services

Aesthetic Dentistry

Table of Contents

How do I know if I need a night guard?

Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.

Why are night guards important?

Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.

People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension. 

How do I know if I’m grinding or clenching while asleep?

Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.

The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth. 

While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.

What are the long-term consequences of bruxism?

If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:

  • Temporomandibular Disorder – TMD occurs when there is a problem with one or both jaw joints, producing pain, limited joint mobility, clicking or popping sounds in the joints, or locking of the joints. 
  • Cracked or chipped teeth – Cracks and chips create pathways for bacteria to enter the tooth and reach the nerve, causing infection and potential abscess formation. 
  • Tooth sensitivity – Sensitive teeth can significantly impact your quality of life and make it difficult to eat and chew without pain.
  • Gum recession – Gum recession creates pockets between the teeth and gums, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, inflammation, and gum infections. Over time, severe gum recession can cause teeth to loosen and shift out of place.

These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.

Next Steps:

Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.

We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.

Questions or Concerns?

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.

As a top dentist in Fort Worth, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.