If you find yourself avoiding smiles because of the way your teeth look, its time to see a cosmetic dentist in Rockville. Cosmetic dentistry is beneficial for many people, and while it does give your smile a better appearance, it goes beyond that. Your oral health is important to your overall health and quality of life. We believe you deserve the best, so here are the top five reasons to see a cosmetic dentist in Rockville.
Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist is a dentist who focuses on the appearance of your smile. They can correct imperfections and improve your smile. Cosmetic dental procedures include things like porcelain veneers, crowns, teeth whitening and more.
Discolored Teeth
Over time, teeth can become discolored. This is particularly true for people who regularly consume coffee or red wine. Other factors that can lead to stained teeth include poor oral hygiene and habits like smoking.
However, your dentist may be able to perform a professional tooth whitening treatment. This treatment is safe and effective, as well as customized to your needs.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chips and cracks are more than just unsightly. They can cause pain and discomfort, and if left untreated they can lead to more serious problems like cavities and gum disease. Fortunately, there are solutions.
A common solution for chipped teeth is bonding. This involves using composite material to rebuild the tooth and restore its functionality. Another option is a dental crown, which covers the entire tooth. On the other hand, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. These are custom-made shells that can completely restore your smile.
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can cause the rest of your teeth to shift. This can create new gaps or cause your teeth to become crooked. To correct this, your provider may recommend a dental bridge or dental implant. A dental bridge “bridges the gap” between your teeth while a dental implant is a replacement tooth that is implanted into the jaw bone.
Cosmetic Dentist for Chronic Headaches
When teeth are misaligned, it can cause tension and pain in your jaw and head. Temporomandibular pain is caused by issues with your jaw or bite. This condition makes your muscles work harder to bring your teeth together. As a result, you may experience pain in the jaw, aching around the ear, or chronic headaches. However, with treatment, you could see significant improvement in your symptoms.
Insecure Smile
If your smile is letting your down, then its time to see a cosmetic dentist in Rockville. Cosmetic issues can have a serious impact on your self-esteem and confidence.
Cosmetic Dentist in Rockville
Don’t let your smile hold you back anywhere. Get the beautiful, functional smile you deserve and get ready to say cheese for all the photos! Contact Dr. Hackley and her team today to schedule a consultation.
Missing teeth have a significant impact on the appearance of your smile and the function of your mouth. Dental implants and dental bridges are the most common ways of correcting this. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some things to consider.
What is a Dental Implant?
Many people don’t realize how complex the foundation of teeth is. The structure consists of bone, ligaments, and nerves. When it is removed, the neighboring area slowly deteriorates. Teeth can shift, causing misalignment and gaps between other teeth.
A dental implant is a way to replace this structure. The process of dental implants takes a few months. First, a titanium post is implanted. Then, new bone grows around the metal post and when the dentist decides that it is secure, a crow is added to the top and sealed in place.
Pros and Cons 
The biggest advantage of dental implants is that it lessens the burden on surrounding teeth. Also, it promotes healing of bone structures and gums under the teeth. Dental implants tend to reduce long term risks to the jaw and a high-quality implant will last you a lifetime.
Unfortunately, dental implants can be an expensive treatment. Especially if there are multiple teeth that need to replace in different spots. This is because oral surgery is required to implant the metal post. Another disadvantage is that the process does take longer, since it depends on how quickly your body heals.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Essentially, a dental bridge attaches to the remaining healthy teeth and bridges the gap between. During this process, the two teeth on either side of the gap are shaved down and fitted with a cap and accompanied by the bridge. In some cases, dentists may use a winged, or Maryland bridge. This type of dental bridge is embedded into the neighboring teeth, rather than capping them.
Pros and Cons
The main advantage of dental bridges is that they are one of the most affordable methods for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Additionally, they don’t require bone grafting, and this treatment is much faster than dental implants.
Unfortunately, dental bridges place greater strain on the surrounding structures, especially the two teeth that are attached to the bridge. So, dental bridges rarely last a lifetime. More importantly, bridges don’t address any problems with the underlying structure. So, long term issues may arise due to bone loss.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
If you are missing a tooth, or need an extraction, its important to decide if a dental implant or dental bridge is right for you. Let our team help. Contact Dr. Hackley DDS today to schedule an appointment.
Capped teeth, or dental crowns, are an effective way to repair an injured tooth. Dental crowns help avoid the extraction of a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Dr. Hackley and team offer dental crowns to repair damaged teeth and restore a functional, healthy, and beautiful smile. Here are the top 5 benefits of capped teeth.
Simple Procedure
Restorative dental treatment may sound complex, or intense but dental crowns are a minimally invasive and fairly simple procedure. First, the dentist removes any damaged tissue and cleans the tooth. Then a crown is designed for the tooth. Once it is cast, it sent to the lab to be made.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hackley places a temporary crown. This allows you to eat and function normally while the permanent crown is being made. Once the permanent crown is ready, it is placed over the tooth and becomes a permanent part of your smile.
Relieves Discomfort
Capped teeth are used to repair enamel or structural damage to the teeth. The problems often cause the tooth to become sensitive to temperature or pressure. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the cap is placed to protect the remaining tooth. This protects the tooth and reduces discomfort and sensitivity.
Customized Treatment
Dental crowns are designed to match the shape, size, and hue of your existing tooth. Our office offers different materials to fit everyone’s needs and budget.
Restore Your Smile 
Capped teeth are primarily designed to restore injured or damaged teeth. However, they are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry. Since crowns fit over your existing tooth, they instantly correct discoloration, chips, cracks, fractures, and misshapen teeth. In some cases, dental crowns are used to create the aesthetic appearance a patient desires.
Long-Lasting Results
Dental crowns are made from durable materials that are designed to last a long time while standing up to the trauma of biting, chewing, and grinding food. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, your crowns can last upwards of 30 years.
Capped Teeth Smile Restoration in Virginia
Patients in need of restorative dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry, can benefit greatly from dental crowns. To learn more, please contact Dr. Hackley, DDS, LLC today.
Have you found wondering “how can I fix my smile?” Most of us have at least one thing we wish we could change about our smile. In fact, studies show that your smile affects your self-esteem and impacts how other perceive and even treat you. Now, it is easier than ever to improve your smile. So, how can I fix my smile?
Teeth Whitening
Over time teeth become yellow, dull, and stained. This can make you look aged, unhealthy, and less attractive. Teeth whitening is a fast, safe, non-invasive, and affordable option for fixing your smile. It is also the perfect finishing touch to other dental work, like orthodontics.
Gum Contouring
If you have a gummy smile or a nonsymmetrical gumline you’ve probably wondered if there is any way to fix it. Gum contouring is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue without surgery. It works on a single tooth or on many to achieve your desired look.
Alternatively, you may want to consider a Botox Lip Flip to improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Dental Bonding 
Are you worried about cracks, gaps, chips, or discoloration? Dental bonding is a great way to hide common smile imperfections in a single visit. Bonding uses a tooth-colored material that’s adhered to your teeth, shaped, and then polished. Once complete, it blends in seamlessly. This is a less expensive option than veneers and lasts up to 10 years before needing touch ups.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells. The provider adheres them to the front of your teeth. They are durable, and resistant to stains and decay. Veneers address tooth shape, alignment, width, and length, as well as gaps, stains, chips, and cracks and more.
Crowns
Dental crowns are the best options for teeth that are severely damaged or decayed. A crown is a tooth shaped cap that fits over your existing tooth. It improves the tooth’s strength and function, as well as appearance. Crowns look and feel like a natural tooth.
Implants
Dental implants address missing teeth. This is the only restoration that replaces your entire tooth, from root to crown. Dental implants offer many benefits such as preventing shifting teeth, preserving bone structure, offering full functionality and more.
Fix My Smile Today
Don’t let your smile hold you back. Are you ready to fix your smile? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
Review the typical costs you can expect from dental crowns in Maryland.
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Whether or not you need dental implants or dental bridges depends on a variety of factors.
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