At U9 Dental, we understand the power of a beautiful smile. A radiant smile not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Our skilled dental professionals are dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you want to correct minor imperfections or undergo a complete smile makeover, we have the expertise and advanced technology to help you achieve your dream smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth and gums. It includes a wide range of treatments, from fillings to teeth whitening to crowns and veneers to implant crowns to replace the missing teeth. The goal of a cosmetic smile design and makeover is to create a beautiful, natural-looking smile that complements your facial features and enhances your overall look. Our Cosmetic Smile Design and Makeover Services at U9 Dental, we offer a variety of cosmetic services to improve your smile, including:
Veneers
Dental Veneers at U9 Dental in Energy Corridor, Houston, TX, we believe everyone deserves a beautiful, confident smile. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with perfect teeth. That’s where veneers come. They’re an ideal solution for correcting imperfections like chips, stains, gaps, or misshapen teeth.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made, thin coverings crafted from tooth-colored materials that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Typically made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a flawless look and feel.
Why Choose Veneers?
Veneers are a great option for individuals with the following concerns:
- Discolored or stained teeth that don’t respond to traditional whitening treatments
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth that are too small or too large
- Worn-down teeth
The Veneer Process
Getting veneers generally involves two to three appointments:
- Consultation and Examination: During your first visit, your dentist will discuss your goals and examine your teeth to ensure veneers are the right solution for you.
- Tooth Preparation: The next step involves preparing your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel from the front surface. This ensures the veneers fit properly and look natural.
- Custom Veneer Creation: Your dentist will scan your teeth or take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create your custom veneers.
- Veneer Placement: Once the veneers are ready, you’ll return to the office for the final fitting. Your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth with a special adhesive and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
How to Care for Veneers
Caring for veneers is straightforward. Continue brushing and flossing as usual, and avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or pens. Also, refrain from using your teeth to open packages or bottles, as this can damage your veneers. With proper care, veneers can last for many years, making them a great long-term investment in your smile and confidence.
Why Choose U9 Dental for Your Veneers?
At U9 Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. Our experienced team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. We use the latest technology and techniques and an exceptional elite dental laboratory to ensure you receive the best possible results. We understand that choosing veneers is a significant decision, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Our priority is providing a comfortable and relaxing environment, so you feel at ease throughout the process.
If you’re ready to enhance your smile, Contact U9 Dental today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident you.
Crowns
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are restorations that cover or cap the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or discolored. Crowns can also support dental bridges and implants, making them versatile for both individual tooth restoration and more extensive dental work.
At U9 Dental in Houston, TX, we provide high-quality dental crowns, made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain fused to porcelain to restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
Types of crowns
At U9 Dental, we offer several types of crowns to suit our patient's needs and preferences, including:
- Porcelain Crowns- Porcelain crowns are highly popular due to their natural look and feel. They are strong, durable, and resistant to stains, making them ideal for restoring both front and back teeth.
- Zirconia Crowns- Made from advanced dental ceramics, these crowns are stronger and more durable than porcelain. They can be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for restoring front teeth.
- Metal Crowns- Metal crowns, made from gold, silver, or other metals, are known for their durability and longevity. They are often used on back teeth where strength is crucial, and they are less visible compared to porcelain or ceramic crowns.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns- PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal base offers durability, while the porcelain overlay gives them a natural look, making them a great choice for both front and back teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Crowns provide many benefits, including:
- Restoring the strength and function of damaged or weakened teeth
- improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
- Protecting teeth from further damage or decay
- Supporting dental bridges and implants
- Enhancing the overall beauty of your smile
Crowns Procedure
- The process of getting a crown typically involves two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage and shaping it to fit the crown. Impressions will be taken to ensure a precise fit and a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
- At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be fitted. Your dentist will check the fit and color to ensure it matches your natural teeth and make any necessary adjustments before cementing the crown in place.
Caring for your crowns
Crowns are durable and long-lasting but require proper care for longevity. It is essential to brush and floss regularly and avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the crown. Routine dental checkups and cleanings are also vital to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. If you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth or improve the appearance of your smile, the experienced team at U9 Dental in Houston’s Energy Corridor is here to help. We offer a range of high-quality crown materials to meet your individual needs and preferences. Our skilled dentists will work with you to create a natural-looking and long-lasting restoration.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile function of compromised teeth.
Porcelain Fixed Bridge
A porcelain fixed bridge is a non-removable dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth and restore both function and appearance. It is a highly effective solution that provides a natural look and feel, making it a popular choice among patients.
There are various types of dental bridges, and your dentist will work with you to determine the best option for your individual case.
· The most common type is the traditional bridge, typically made of porcelain fused to metal, which closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth. A traditional porcelain fixed bridge consists of: Two crowns- placed over the two anchoring teeth, known as abutment teeth. Pontics (artificial teeth)- attached to the crowns, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These bridges are durable and can last for many years, although they may eventually need to be replaced or re-cemented due to normal wear
- With advancements in dental materials, both zirconia bridges and porcelain-fused-to-zirconia (PFZ) bridges provide excellent strength and aesthetics.
- Zirconia bridges are known for their exceptional durability, making them a strong choice for restoring teeth, particularly in areas with heavy biting forces. They are also highly biocompatible reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.
- Porcelain-fused to zirconia bridge combines the strength of zirconia with the esthetic appeal of porcelain. This allows for a natural tooth appearance while maintaining durability. Zirconia itself has an opaquer appearance, but the porcelain overlay enhances its translucency and mimics the natural enamel, providing a more life-like finish.
Reasons for a fixed bridge
- To fill the space left by missing teeth
- To maintain the natural shape of your face
- To prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
- To restore proper chewing and speaking functions
- To restore your smile
- To upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent solution
The process of getting a fixed bridge
First Visit:
- Numbing the Area: The procedure begins with numbing the teeth to ensure comfort.
- Preparing the Abutment Teeth: The two teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to create space for the crowns that will support the bridge.
- Creating Impressions: A precise impression (mold) of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be custom-made.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is created to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile until the permanent bridge is ready.
Second Visit:
- Fitting the Permanent Bridge: During your next appointment, the permanent bridge is checked for proper fit, comfort, and appearance
- Adjustments: Adjustments may be made to ensure the bridge fits comfortably, and it may be temporarily cemented to allow your teeth and gums to adapt.
- Final Cementation: Once you are comfortable with the bridge, it will be permanently cemented into place during a subsequent visit
Aftercare and Maintenance:
At the end of your treatment, you will receive instructions on how to care for your new fixed bridge. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining the longevity of your bridge and keeping your smile healthy. If you are missing teeth and considering a dental bridge, Contact our friendly staff at U9 Dental to schedule a consultation. Let us help restore your smile and confidence.