Cosmetic Dentistry

A cosmetic procedure is generally any treatment that improves the appearance of your smile. Procedures are customizable to your needs and can address concerns such as discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, misshapen teeth, and much more. Many cosmetic dentistry procedures require little to no downtime and can significantly improve the aesthetics of your mouth.

• Teeth Whitening

If you have cosmetic flaws in your teeth, our dentist can help you fix these issues with cosmetic dentistry procedures. Many patients like to have a whiter smile, and there are several ways to achieve this goal. Our dentist may suggest teeth whitening treatment, which involves applying a bleaching agent to your teeth to lighten their color. 

If stains are affecting the appearance of your teeth, talk to our dentist about the best teeth whitening options for you.

• Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are porcelain shells that are custom shaped to fit over the front of your teeth, hiding stains, chips, and cracks. In addition to covering the front side of your teeth, they can also be used to reshape or resize them. 

Veneers are a permanent restoration option. Once they’re bonded to your teeth, you’ll care for them by brushing and flossing regularly and receiving routine dental cleanings and examinations at our dental office. The placement of your veneers requires two appointments at our office so we can make molds of your teeth and then create your custom restorations.

Veneers generally last between five and ten years when properly cared for. They resist staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other dark foods and beverages, which makes them a popular option for teeth that are frequently exposed to stain-causing food and drinks. 

Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after receiving their veneers. However, this usually goes away after a few weeks as the gum tissues heal around the new veneers.

• Dental Crowns

A crown is an artificial cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to protect it from further damage. It can help restore a tooth that has suffered from decay, infection, or breakage. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin, and ceramic. The dentist will choose the best material based on the function and strength needed for each individual patient. 

Metal crowns will last longer but may cause some gum irritation. Porcelain fused to metal crowns will have a more natural appearance but may show a dark line near the gums where the two types of materials meet. Resin crowns look very much like natural teeth and blend in well with the rest of the mouth, but they can chip and break more easily than the other types of dental crowns. Ceramic crowns are the most natural looking of the options; however, they wear down over time and can eventually need to be replaced.

Patients who need a crown will need to have the tooth prepared prior to placement of the crown. An impression of the affected tooth will then be taken and sent to a lab where the crown will be made. Once it is ready, the patient will return to the dental office to receive their new restoration, which is bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Bencaz Family Dentistry, call (225) 665-2417 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 130 N. Hummell Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726.