Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

The versatility of veneers makes them a good option for many patients who have stained, chipped, or irregularly shaped teeth. They’re especially useful if you have multiple cosmetic flaws that you want to address with a single treatment. It’s not recommended to get veneers if you currently have untreated cavities; we’ll need to remove all signs of decay before covering the tooth. Also, if we find signs that you are grinding your teeth at night (which can end up damaging your restorations), we’ll need to give you a nightguard that you can wear while you sleep.

How Long Will My Veneers Last?

Just like crowns and fillings, veneers periodically need to be replaced. Their average lifespan is around 5 to 10 years, but in some cases, they can last longer than that. It all depends on the kind of care they receive. You don’t need to do anything special or change any of your oral hygiene habits; you simply need to brush and floss like you normally would. During your professional cleanings every six months, we’ll check your veneers and make sure they’re still in good shape so that we can address potential problems far ahead of time.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

Some patients assume that they will need to get veneers to hide all of their teeth, but this isn’t generally the case. For one thing, only the teeth that are normally visible whenever you open your mouth need to be considered for the procedure. Furthermore, the number of veneers needed depends largely on what kind of corrections are being made; multiple veneers are needed if you want to improve your smile’s overall color, but only one or two may be required if only a couple of teeth have cracks that you want to hide. It’s considered a good idea to get an even number of veneers for the aesthetic benefits.

How Much Will Veneers Cost?

As you might imagine, the number of veneers needed to make the desired changes is a key factor in determining what the final cost will be. Many insurance companies won’t pay for veneers since they’re a cosmetic treatment, but there are some policies that may cover up to 50% of the associated fees if they see it as reasonable. Before you commit to getting veneers, we can talk to you about your financial situation and help you explore your options for fitting the treatment into your budget. 

Brighten Your Teeth for the Dazzling Smile You Deserve

Want to look younger than other people your age? No problem—come to Winegar Dental for teeth whitening in Harker Heights. Studies show that when subjects are shown pictures of people with white teeth, they consistently estimate them to be younger than their chronological age. But if that’s not enough to convince you, then consider that people with white smile are also consider to be friendlier, smarter and have more successful and exciting careers. All this because of white teeth! At Winegar Dental, we offer Opalescence in-practice and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments.

What Happened to Your White Teeth?

Look at the smile of a baby or young child and you’ll see how white your teeth used to be. Unfortunately, teeth are not exempt from the body’s aging process. But the time we reach our 20s, teeth have likely started to succumb to stains and discoloration.

The leading cause of an off-white smile is the foods and beverages you consume most often. Coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, red sauce, red wine, blueberries and chocolates—all of these can leave deposits in the micro-cracks and ridges of enamel. Similarly, the nicotine in smoking and chewing tobacco can dramatically stain your teeth. Over time, this accumulated staining changes the natural white color of teeth.

In addition, discoloration can happen below the enamel surface in the dentin layer. This can result from an injury that causes bleeding within a tooth or from the use of certain antibiotics when teeth are developing.

Removing Staining and Discoloration

To remove these stubborn stains, Winegar Dental uses Opalescence. Both the in-practice and at-home whitening systems remove surface stains as well as those within the dentin. Opalescence breaks apart these deep stains and lifts them away. If you select the in-practice treatment, then the entire process will be completed in about one hour. Gums and soft tissue are protected and the professional strength gel is applied to your teeth. At the conclusion of this treatment, your smile could be up to 10 shades whiter.

If you prefer to whiten you teeth more gradually in the privacy of your own home, then we also have the Opalescence at-home system. We’ll give you a set of custom-fitted mouth trays and the Opalescence home formula. Fill the trays and wear the application for 30 minutes to an hour every day for two weeks. The at-home treatment is equally as effective as the in-practice and the results are just as dramatic.

If you’re ready to take years off of your age, then your cosmetic dentist in Harker Heights to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Are you interested in brightening your smile, but still have a few questions before moving forward? We would love to help! While each smile is unique, many patients considering teeth whitening have similar questions. So, we have listed the most frequently asked ones below. If your question isn’t on this list, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment so our experienced team can provide you with the information you need one-on-one!

What Can I Expect from the Teeth Whitening Process?

For your convenience, we offer both in-practice and at-home teeth whitening solutions! If you choose to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home, we will provide you with a custom mouth tray and special whitening gel to use for 30 to 60 minutes every day for two weeks. However, if you want to lift stubborn stains and unpleasant discoloration at our office, the entire process will take about an hour. We will apply a safe, powerful brightening gel (while protecting your gums and soft tissue) to make your smile up to 10 shades whiter!

Will Teeth Whitening Hurt?

From routine dental work to smile enhancements, many patients have one question on their mind: Will it hurt? Fortunately, many patients report only experiencing minor sensitivity following their treatment, while others report no side effects at all! If you are prone to tooth sensitivity, we have a number of ways to help. Not only can we suggest a special toothpaste to use before and after, but we can also adjust the time and strength of the bleaching agent to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Improving your smile is a mental, emotional, and physical transformation. In addition to boosting your self-esteem, a brighter smile can improve your first impression, progress your love life, and help your professional success. In fact, a recent study found that job applicants who underwent teeth whitening before their interview were more likely to be hired! Plus, subsequent studies have found that a whiter smile can take 10 years off your appearance. So, it’s safe to say a brighter smile can positively impact virtually every area of your life.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

When it comes to the cost, it can vary depending on a number of factors, including how many treatments you need. To ensure you get the exact price, without paying for anything you don’t need, you should schedule an appointment with our friendly, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist in Harker Heights! After discussing your cosmetic concerns and smile goals, we will provide you with an estimate based on our conversation. That way, you get an accurate answer tailored to your unique smile. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call! 

A Simpler Way to Straighten Smiles

Wearing braces to the office could get awkward very quickly, but that doesn’t mean that working adults don’t have any good options when it comes to correcting their crooked teeth and uneven bites. With ClearCorrect, Dr. Winegar can offer you a convenient, discreet way to straighten your pearly whites without having to worry about your orthodontic appliance attracting unwanted attention or getting damaged during meals. Call us today to schedule a consultation with us and learn if ClearCorrect could be the answer to creating your dream smile.

How Does It Work?

We begin by taking a digital scan of your mouth. That way we don’t have to rely on messy, uncomfortable dental putty for an impression. The data from our scans is sent to ClearCorrect, where they’re used as reference to create a series of clear aligners that will move the teeth in stages. The aligners are all created with a 3D printer, so you can be sure that they’ll fit properly throughout the treatment. Once you’ve received your aligners, you’ll wear them for at least 22 hours every day, only removing them for meals and your daily hygiene routine. You’ll switch to new aligners as the process continues and your teeth move ever closer to your ideal alignment.

Who Is a Candidate?

ClearCorrect can often be used as an alternative to braces in order to correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems. It’s normally recommended for teenagers and adults, especially those who would feel self-conscious with metal braces; young children generally lack the discipline required to leave their aligners alone throughout the day, which can lead to a prolonged treatment.

When considering ClearCorrect, it’s important to remember that a straighter smile won’t just improve your appearance; it will also enhance your health. It’ll be easier to brush and floss as thoroughly as possible once your teeth are correctly aligned, and you’ll protect your jaw joint from the pressures of an uneven bite (thus preventing painful conditions such as TMJ disorder).

How Much Does It Cost?

You’ll probably want to have a clear idea of what ClearCorrect will cost before committing to athe treatment. Thanks to the way technology has transformed the process, the cost of clear aligners is now comparable to that of traditional braces. The exact price will vary depending on how many aligners are needed and how long they’ll need to be worn. If you have concerns about the costs, remember that correcting your orthodontic issues sooner rather than later could help you avoid jaw pain, dental damage, and other oral health problems that could potentially be costly to treat.

Care and Maintenance

In order to protect your ClearCorrect aligners and ensure a smooth treatment process, we recommend you follow these care and maintenance guidelines:

• Do not eat or drink while wearing your aligners; otherwise, they might get damaged or stained. (Water is okay, though.)
• Do not chew gum or other sticky foods that could stick to the aligners.
• Brush your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in your mouth.
• Use a toothbrush to clean the aligners thoroughly. You should especially make sure that the insides are free of food particles that could get trapped against your teeth.

ClearCorrect FAQs

It’s not hard to see why ClearCorrect is such an attractive option to so many patients, but you might nevertheless still have some concerns about how it works and what you can expect. Dr. Winegar always makes a point of listening closely to her patients so that he can guide them towards the smiles of their dreams. Below are some of the questions we’ve heard most often from ClearCorrect patients; let us know if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for.

Will ClearCorrect Hurt?

When your ClearCorrect aligners are made, they’ll be carefully designed so that they fit perfectly on your teeth. That way, they won’t cause unnecessary irritation to your gums or the inside of your mouth. You might experience some discomfort when wearing a new set of aligners for the first time, but this just means that they’re exerting the necessary pressure on the teeth – in other words, they’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to do. Any minor discomfort or sensitivity usually vanishes after giving your mouth a few days to adjust.

Will ClearCorrect Affect My Speech?

Many patients are concerned that they won’t be able to speak clearly with an oral appliance in their mouth, but the truth is that this is rarely a problem when it comes to ClearCorrect. You might have a slight lisp for the first few days; that’s because your tongue and the various muscles in your mouth need to get used to operating with the aligners present. Over time, though, any minor speech issues should fade, and you should be able to speak with confidence at all times. If you want to accelerate the adjustment process, you can practice talking by reading aloud. Take the time to repeat any words that you find particularly troublesome.

Will ClearCorrect Affect My Diet?

Because you can remove ClearCorrect during meals and snacks, there are no dietary restrictions while you’re undergoing the treatment. That said, you do still need to be careful. Chewing gum is generally not recommended because it can get stuck to the plastic and lead to various problems. For that matter, you need to clean your mouth as thoroughly as possible before putting your aligners back in your mouth; any sugars or acids left behind on your teeth could end up trapped in place, giving them an opportunity to cause some real damage to your enamel.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

On average, ClearCorrect requires less time to make the desired adjustments to the teeth compared to traditional braces. The exact amount of time will vary depending on the type of adjustments needed and the severity of the case. You can normally expect the treatment to be completed in about 12 months, although this depends heavily on your ability to wear the aligners for the specified amount of time each day. Note that even after you’re done with the aligners, you’ll most likely need to wear a special retainer to make sure that the results last over the long term.

Invest in a Beautiful Smile

If you’re not in love with your smile, you don’t need to feel insecure about your cosmetic imperfections. You can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth using a minimally invasive procedure. Your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Winegar, can correct a variety of flaws with direct bonding. A tooth-colored resin is used to enhance the color, size, shape, and proportion of your teeth without needing a lengthy treatment process. After just one appointment, you can have a radiant smile you’ll want to show off.

What is Direct Bonding?

Direct bonding goes by many different names; however, no matter what you call it, you’ll enjoy amazing results. A composite resin material is applied to a tooth to cover minor aesthetic concerns, like discoloration or a chip. The resin matches your enamel to blend in with your tooth to provide natural-looking results. The procedure doesn’t require you to permanently alter its structure or undergo a lengthy procedure. You can achieve a drastic improvement to your smile after just one visit.

How Does Direct Bonding Work?

After an initial consultation to ensure you’re a candidate for your treatment, you’re scheduled for your cosmetic procedure. Generally, your appointment will take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of teeth you’re treating. If you’re improving several teeth, Dr. Winegar might recommend multiple appointments.

A numbing agent may be used to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure, but it often isn’t necessary. Your tooth is cleaned and dried before a weak acid is applied to it to open the pores in your enamel to create a secure bond. The previously shaded resin is placed on your tooth and sculpted into the desired shape. A special light is used to quickly harden it. Dr. Winegar will smooth and polish your tooth before you leave, so you will walk out with a flawless smile.

What are the Benefits of Direct Bonding?

When compared to other cosmetic procedures, direct bonding offers exceptional benefits, such as:

• Natural-looking results that can last for a decade or longer with the right care.
• Correct several issues using a minimally invasive treatment.
• Quick results in as few as 1 appointment.
• Doesn’t require you to permanently alter your tooth.
• Easy maintenance and care.
• More affordable than other elective procedures.

Is Direct Bonding Right for Me?

If you’re embarrassed by minor imperfections with your smile, you might be a candidate for direct bonding. Dr. Winegar will evaluate your teeth and discuss the results you want to achieve to ensure it’s right for you. Many patients are a candidate for the treatment to correct:

• Tooth decay.
• Exposed tooth root.
• Dark tooth discoloration or stains.
• Chips, cracks, or misshapen.
• Small gaps between teeth.
• Shorter than average teeth.

Invest in a Beautiful Smile

If you’re ready to love the smile you see in the mirror, Dr. Winegar can help. Contact our office today to see if you’re a candidate for direct bonding. She’ll transform your smile and your confidence using a solution that looks natural.

Dental Bonding FAQs

Curious about the kind of corrections that can be performed with dental bonding? Are you looking to learn more about the process and its benefits? We’ve heard many questions about bonding over the years, so we decided to take some of the most common ones and provide some helpful, informative answers below that can help give our patients some additional confidence when planning their own cosmetic treatments. If you have additional concerns, please call us.

Is Bonding Similar to Veneers?

In one sense, bonding and veneers are similar because they can both be used to make a wide variety of corrections. However, the procedures themselves are completely different. Veneers are thin shells attached directly to the front of the teeth, and as such small amounts of enamel will have to be removed to make them look natural in the mouth; with dental bonding, no such changes are necessary. Furthermore, it typically takes at least two appointments to place veneers whereas dental bonding can be completed in just one hour. This means veneers are more suitable for extensive corrections while bonding is ideal for minor improvements that only need a “quick fix.”

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

The composite resin used in dental bonding can last a very long time before it needs to be reapplied. In many cases, the material has a lifespan of around 10 years. As a rule, the treatment will last longer if you’re practicing proper oral hygiene and taking good care of your teeth in general; that means brushing at least twice a day, not biting down on overly hard foods or objects, and so on. Don’t forget your regular appointments at Winegar Dental. We can check on the status of the bonding material and give it a touch-up as needed.

Will Others Be Able to Tell That the Tooth Was Bonded?

Most people meeting you for the first time will be unable to tell the difference between a tooth that was bonded and one that hasn’t been touched up at all. The composite resin will be shaded and molded to blend in with the rest of the smile perfectly to the point where it looks like a completely natural part of the enamel. As such, the only thing anyone will notice is a dazzling, flawless smile. Dr. Winegar always pays close attention to the details to produce the best cosmetic results possible.

Does Cosmetic Bonding Require Specialized Cleaning?

Not at all. A tooth with composite resin applied to it can still be brushed and flossed like any other tooth. Make sure you’re sticking to your regular routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and be sure to visit Dr. Winegar for regular cleanings twice a year. Also, try to limit your intake of dark-colored beverages such as coffee that are known to stain teeth. You should also avoid biting down on ice, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods; they can wear away at the composite resin as well as the rest of the natural tooth.