What Are My Options?

The options to whiten your smile can seem endless. A quick browse through the local pharmacy will reveal lots of over-the-counter options: whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, floss, strips, gels, and trays, all with a range of prices that appeal to both penny-pinchers and those willing to splurge. Many of these products also claim results similar to professional dental-office whitening but in just minutes a day over the course of several days and at a fraction of the cost.

Can Dr. Barroso Help Me Whiten My Teeth?

Dentists, too, can choose from lots of bleaching options to help patients have the smile they want, and if you would prefer to trust the work of a pro, a trip to Dr. Barroso’s Legacy Dental office is in order. Your in-office treatment may take one visit or a couple and may use a special light to enhance whitening effects.

Can Dr. Barroso Give Me Something To Whiten My Teeth From Home?

Dr. Barroso may also offer an alternative with a set of disposable, take-home whitening trays. These pre-filled trays are hard-working and allow you to achieve professional-grade whitening at an affordable price. You can use them at whatever time and place is most convenient for you, which takes the stress out of trying to schedule treatments around your busy days. They also have the added safety net of keeping you under the care of the Burleson dentist you trust, who can help you with any questions you might have about your experience.

Do A Lot Of People Whiten Their Teeth?

These days most people whiten their teeth in some way, and it has become one of the most common cosmetic procedures available. If you think that a whiter, brighter smile will make you feel better as you navigate your life, a trip to the pharmacy or the dental office will reveal that your choices are endless. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive treatment or are ready for a splurge, an effective whitening solution is waiting for you.

Maybe you also have one tooth that is a little less than straight, or you might have a gap between two teeth. Perhaps you think your gums show too much when you smile. If any of these problems have made you embarrassed of the way your mouth looks, you’d likely love to find a way to feel more confident about your smile.

If you are considering aesthetic improvements and would like dramatic results, check with Dr. Barroso and Dr. Magers at Legacy Dental to see if veneers are the right choice for you.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells crafted from high-quality porcelain, designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. These custom-made veneers are bonded to your teeth, effectively transforming their appearance. They are a sought-after solution for various dental issues, offering a natural look and feel.

How can porcelain veneers help fix my smile?

Porcelain veneers can help with all of the issues listed above and more. They can:

• Mask teeth that are aged or discolored
• Hide years of wear or severe stains
• Close gaps between teeth that have shifted
• Repair teeth that are crooked or worn
• Adjust tooth shape or size
• Fix a gummy smile

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers come with a multitude of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics. Dr. Barroso and Dr. Magers are experts in harnessing these advantages to give you the smile you’ve always desired. These benefits include:

1. Exceptional Aesthetic Quality: Porcelain veneers provide an unparalleled natural tooth appearance. They mimic the light-reflecting properties and texture of natural teeth, ensuring your smile looks beautiful and authentic.
2. Customized for Individual Needs: Every set of veneers is tailor-made to suit each patient’s unique needs. This individualized approach ensures that the veneers’ size, shape, color, and fit perfectly complement your facial features and aesthetic goals.
3. Stain Resistance and Longevity: Porcelain is a non-porous material, making these veneers highly resistant to stain-causing substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco. This property, combined with its durability, means that your veneers can maintain their pristine appearance for many years, often a decade or more, with proper care.
4. Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem: A bright, well-aligned smile can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem. Porcelain veneers can dramatically transform your smile, often leading to positive social and professional interactions.
5. Minimally Invasive Procedure: The procedure to place porcelain veneers is minimally invasive. It typically involves the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, far less than what’s required for crowns or other restorative procedures. This aspect makes it a conservative approach to achieving a dream smile.
6. Strength and Functionality: Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong and durable despite their thinness. Once bonded to your teeth, they can restore and enhance the functionality of your teeth, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
7. Rapid Transformation and Instant Results: One of the most striking benefits of porcelain veneers is the immediacy of the transformation. Once your custom veneers are crafted and placed, you’ll walk out of Legacy Dental with a completely revitalized smile.
8. Low Maintenance: Porcelain veneers are easy to take care of. They require the same care as natural teeth – regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are sufficient to maintain their appearance and longevity.
9. Psychological Benefits: Aesthetically pleasing teeth have been linked to higher self-confidence and reduced anxiety in social situations. Porcelain veneers can significantly improve your overall mental well-being by enhancing your appearance and how you feel about your smile.

Choosing porcelain veneers at Legacy Dental in Burleson, TX, means investing in a long-term solution that enhances your smile and contributes positively to your overall quality of life.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

Determining if you are an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers is a crucial step in your journey toward a transformed smile. Our Burleson cosmetic dentists, Dr. Barroso and Dr. Magers, carefully evaluate several factors to ensure that porcelain veneers are the right choice for you:

1. Oral Health Status: The foundation for porcelain veneers is healthy teeth and gums. Candidates should be free from active dental decay and gum disease. Ensuring good oral health not only supports the longevity of the veneers but also contributes to the overall success of the treatment.
2. Adequate Tooth Enamel: A key aspect of veneer placement involves bonding the veneer to the tooth’s enamel. Candidates must have sufficient enamel for successful adhesion and long-term stability of the veneers.
3. Cosmetic Goals and Expectations: Porcelain veneers are perfect for individuals with specific aesthetic goals, such as improving tooth color, size, shape, or alignment. During the consultation, Dr. Barroso or Dr. Magers will discuss your expectations and how veneers can realistically achieve them.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Long-term care is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of porcelain veneers. Candidates should be committed to regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.
5. Lifestyle Considerations: Factors like teeth grinding (bruxism) or participation in contact sports might impact the suitability of veneers. Protective measures like wearing a nightguard may be recommended for those with such lifestyle factors.
6. Understanding of the Procedure: A well-informed patient is crucial for a successful outcome. Understanding the procedure, its benefits, and limitations ensures no surprises and helps set realistic expectations.
7. Overall Health Conditions: General health conditions that affect dental treatment, such as certain autoimmune diseases or diabetes, need to be considered. Stable health conditions are preferable for candidates considering porcelain veneers.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

When considering veneers, understanding the differences between porcelain and composite veneers is crucial. Both types have their unique benefits and limitations, and at Legacy Dental, Dr. Barroso and Dr. Magers can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Porcelain Veneers

1. Material: Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality ceramic material, offering exceptional durability and a natural appearance.
2. Aesthetics: They mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth and resist staining, maintaining their color over time.
3. Durability: Porcelain veneers typically last longer than composite veneers, often up to 10-15 years with proper care.
4. Preparation: The process requires the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, making it a semi-permanent treatment.
5. Cost: Generally, porcelain veneers are more expensive initially but can be cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity.

Composite Veneers

1. Material: Made from a composite resin material, these veneers are more flexible and less expensive than porcelain.
2. Application Process: Composite veneers can often be applied in one visit, as the material is sculpted directly onto the teeth.
3. Adjustability and Repair: They can be easily adjusted or repaired if damaged, offering a level of convenience.
4. Durability: Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan, typically 5-7 years, and may be more prone to staining and chipping compared to porcelain.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: While less expensive upfront, composite veneers may require more frequent replacements or repairs.

The Procedure

Initial Consultation and Examination

Dr. Barroso or Dr. Magers will conduct a thorough dental examination, possibly including X-rays, to determine your suitability for veneers. They will discuss your aesthetic desires, address any concerns, and outline what you can expect from the procedure.

Custom Treatment Plan

Based on the initial consultation, a customized treatment plan is developed. This may involve taking digital impressions of your teeth using advanced imaging technology, which helps in designing veneers that perfectly fit your teeth and meet your aesthetic goals.

Tooth Preparation

A minimal amount of enamel, usually less than a millimeter, is removed from the front surface of each tooth to be veneered. This is essential for ensuring a seamless fit and natural look. Local anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort during this process.

Impressions

After preparing the teeth, a mold or digital impression is taken. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are crafted. The process can take a few weeks, during which time temporary veneers may be placed to protect the prepared teeth.

Veneer Fabrication

Skilled dental technicians at the lab use the impressions to create veneers that match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Fitting & Adjustments

Once the veneers are ready, you’ll return to Legacy Dental for a fitting. Dr. Barroso or Dr. Magers will temporarily place the veneers on your teeth to examine their fit and color, making any necessary adjustments to ensure they meet your expectations and look natural.

Bonding

After ensuring a perfect fit, your teeth are cleaned, polished, and etched to prepare for bonding. A special adhesive is applied to the veneers, which are then precisely placed on your teeth. A special light is used to quickly harden the adhesive.

Final Adjustments

After the veneers are bonded, Dr. Barroso or Dr. Magers will make any final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and the veneers feel natural. They will also provide advice on caring for your new veneers.

Start Your Journey to a Perfect Smile

Ready to transform your smile with porcelain veneers in Burleson, TX? Contact Legacy Dental today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barroso or Dr. Magers. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams with the highest standard of care. Call us or visit our website to learn more about how porcelain veneers can enhance your smile and confidence.

Why Choose Clear Aligners?

Our dentist in Burleson provides SureSmile clear aligners as an alternative treatment to traditional metal braces. Unfortunately, some people who would immensely benefit from braces don’t get them because of the way they look. And we get it – braces aren’t the most convenient in some cases. Adults don’t want to look like a teen when they’re headed to the office or out on a business lunch. Teens often don’t want to be seen with a mouth full of metal that catches food or makes them speak funny. 

We don’t want our adult patients to look unprofessional or have their careers affected by missing out on opportunities because of their treatment. We don’t want our teen patients to worry about their image or develop self-esteem issues. That is why we have brought a clear solution for you that can provide straighter teeth for both teens and adults. 

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear Aligners use plastic aligners that are custom fabricated using advanced technology to precisely move your teeth. Each set of aligners is designed slightly differently from the next. This reflects the transition your teeth make throughout the process. Along with the rigid trays, “buttons” are attached to the front of some teeth to gradually and gently move them into their proper position. These bonded “buttons” are tooth-colored; though you’ll be able to feel them with your tongue, most people won’t notice them when talking to you. Once you’ve completed treatment, we will remove the “buttons” leaving your teeth as good as new.

Why Choose Clear Aligner Therapy Over Braces?

Clear aligner therapy (like SureSmile, Invisalign, or other similar systems) and traditional braces both aim to correct malocclusions and misaligned teeth, but they have different advantages. Here are the benefits of clear aligner therapy over traditional braces:

1. Aesthetics: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a more discreet option than metal braces, especially for adults and teens who may be self-conscious about the appearance of braces.
2. Removable: Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, which allows for better oral hygiene and reduces the risk of decalcification and cavities that can sometimes occur with braces.
3. Comfort: Aligners are made of smooth plastic, so there’s less irritation to the cheeks and tongue compared to the brackets and wires of braces. Moreover, there are no metal parts to adjust, which can sometimes cause discomfort.
4. Predictability: With clear aligner therapy, the treatment process is computer-aided. The entire plan is mapped out in advance, and patients can often see a simulation of their final results before they start the treatment.
5. Fewer Office Visits: Since there are no wires to adjust, patients using clear aligners typically require fewer dental visits than those with traditional braces. This can be more convenient for those with busy schedules.
6. No Dietary Restrictions: With braces, there’s a list of foods you should avoid to prevent damaging the brackets or wires, such as popcorn, sticky candies, or hard foods. With clear aligners, since they’re removed while eating, there are no such restrictions.
7. Easier Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing can be more challenging with braces due to the brackets and wires. With aligners, patients can maintain their usual oral hygiene routine.
8. Safety in Sports: For those who play contact sports, clear aligners are a safer option since there’s no risk of brackets or wires causing injury to the mouth during physical activity. However, it’s still recommended to wear a mouthguard.
9. Less Risk of Emergency Visits: With traditional braces, there’s a risk of brackets breaking off or wires poking the cheeks, necessitating emergency dental visits. These issues are less common with clear aligners.
10. Custom Fit: Aligners are custom-made for each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and targeted tooth movement.

However, it’s essential to note that while clear aligners offer numerous advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some complex orthodontic cases might be better treated with traditional braces. It’s crucial to consult with a Burleson cosmetic dentist to determine the best treatment option for each individual’s needs.

The Typical Treatment Process

1. Consultation:
   • Schedule an initial consultation with a dental practice like Legacy Dental, which offers clear aligners in Burleson, TX.
   • Discuss your dental concerns and desired outcomes with our cosmetic dentists.
2. Diagnostic Records:
   • Dr. Magers or Dr. Barroso will take digital impressions of your teeth.
   • Photos and X-rays will be captured to get a comprehensive view of your dental structure.
3. Treatment Plan:
   • Using the SureSmile system, our Burleson dentists will design a personalized treatment plan, often aided by computer simulations to predict tooth movement. So you can get a preview of your new smile before you’ve even gotten started!
   • Review the proposed treatment plan, including the estimated duration and expected outcome.
4. Fabrication:
   • Once the plan is approved, the digital design is sent to a lab where your custom clear aligners are fabricated using SureSmile technology.
5. Fitting Session:
   • Once the aligners are ready, you’ll have a fitting session with our dentists.
   • Your dentist will ensure the first set fits correctly and will provide instructions on wear time (typically 20-22 hours a day).
6. Regular Check-ups:
   • Schedule regular appointments (usually every 6-8 weeks) to monitor progress.
   • Receive new sets of aligners at each visit, progressively moving your teeth to the desired position.
7. Compliance:
   • Wear the aligners consistently, only removing them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
   • Follow the dentist’s instructions on how often to switch to the next set of aligners.
8. Completion:
   • Once you’ve progressed through all aligner sets and the desired results are achieved, the active phase of treatment is complete.
9. Retention:
   • To maintain the results, you’ll be provided with retainers.
   • The orthodontist will guide you on how long to wear them, usually full-time initially, then only at night.
10. Follow-up Visits:
    • Continue to visit your orthodontist periodically to ensure your teeth remain in their new position and to address any other dental concerns.

Remember, individual experiences may vary, and not every step may apply to all patients seeking clear aligners in Burleson, TX. Always consult with your local cosmetic dentist for detailed information and personalized advice.

What Happens Post-Treatment?

As with any orthodontic treatment, once finished, you’ll need a maintenance regimen. This step prevents your teeth from shifting back. The orthodontic process is a big commitment, so you’ll want to protect your investments by wearing a retainer.

These clear plastic trays look much like the clear aligners do. Retainers are comfortable and removable yet extremely durable – providing reliable results.

Are Clear Aligners Right For You?

In general, clear aligners can be used to treat the same orthodontic issues that are normally managed with braces, as long as the case isn’t extremely complex. Our Burleson dental experts may recommend clear aligners to correct teeth that are slightly crowded, crooked, or gapped. Certain problems with the bite, such as an overbite, open bite, underbite, or crossbite, can also be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

During your initial consultation, we will determine whether you’re a candidate for clear aligners. This treatment is often a great choice for adult patients and others who are interested in a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. In addition to being discreet, these aligners are also very comfortable because they are made from smooth, thin plastic without any fixed metal appliances.

Perfect Your Smile With Clear Aligners in Burleson, TX!

Tired of hiding your smile? Our cosmetic dentists in Burleson can’t wait to help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile through cutting-edge clear aligner therapy. Schedule your initial consult today and start the journey toward a beautiful, healthy smile!

In the meantime, please visit our SureSmile FAQ page to learn more about clear aligners in Burleson, TX, and the revolutionary SureSmile system.