Charlotte Cosmetic Dentists | Belvedere Family Dentistry & Orthodontics

06/Aug/2020

If you are dreaming of getting that perfect smile but dread the look of metal braces, you have probably decided on clear aligners being your best option. They give you the opportunity to straighten your teeth without the outward appearance of braces. At Belvedere Family Dentistry and Orthodontics we realize there are a growing number of clear aligner options from you to choose from. We have worked together to provide you with the information below comparing two of the most popular methods, SmileDirect and Invisalign treatments, to achieve your dream smile.

Invisalign requires that patients physically visit Belvedere’s office for their original consultation and to acquire their treatment. It begins with a face-to-face assessment with your dentist to determine your treatment plan. During this first assessment, bring up any concerns you may have about the treatment and our experienced dentists will answer right away! Your highly-trained dentist will be available throughout your entire Invisalign process, monitoring your progress closely and making it easy to adjust your treatment if necessary.

Smile Direct is done entirely through virtual communication, which means you will never come in and see a dentist for the length of your treatment process. The treatment begins with a smile assessment online, a teeth scan at a local SmileShop, a remote dental review, and ends with your clear aligners coming in the mail. A general dentist, who can become qualified to prescribe Smile Direct after only three weeks of training, will be available to review your aligners. Although this process sounds more convenient, it is not always the best route to take.

Since Smile Direct does not have the dental expertise, it is not equipped to handle any major realignment issues. Invisalign can handle complex issues with your teeth, including gaps, overbites, underbites, spacing, crowding and cross-bites. We know many patients are attracted to Smile Direct because of its price tag. However, Invisalign is a more expensive treatment because you are getting face-to-face dental expertise. Invisalign offers long term results that are monitored by your dentist throughout your entire treatment process and even after that!

If you want to achieve your dream smile with the help of Invisalign please reach out to our front desk at 704-927-5499 or schedule online to book your consultation for Invisalign treatment today!

Belvedere Family Dentistry -

06/Aug/2020

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and get that amazing smile you have always dreamed about without invasive metal wires or rubber bands. Our last blog post talked about the benefits of Invisalign and if you would make a good candidate for the treatment. Now we put our heads together to give you a little more intel into what you should expect over the entire course of your Invisalign treatment.

The first step of your Invisalign journey is to schedule your free consultation with one of our experts at Belvedere Family Dentistry. Your dentist will confirm that you are a good candidate for the treatment. This includes the confirmation that you are willing and able to wear your clear aligners for 20 – 22 hours a day. Once you are clear on the proper guidelines of the treatment, together we will create your perfect treatment plan. This includes x-rays, photographs and impressions of your smile that we will use to create a digital map of your smile transformation. With Invisalign’s advanced technology you will be able to see a sneak peak of your teeth in alignment post treatment. When we, and you, are both satisfied with your new smile renderings, we will order your first set of clear aligners. Once these aligners arrive, you will come in for a second appointment with us where we will further explain the process and ensure the trays are properly molded to your mouth.

Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks to slowly, deliberately shift your teeth into alignment. You may feel slight pressure or soreness in your jaw each time you begin to wear a new aligner, but this should help you notice your teeth getting straighter and straighter in no time. You must only remove your Invisalign as you need to eat, drink anything besides water or are brushing your teeth. It is imperative that you wear them as much as possible to see the results you want in the timeframe we have quoted.

Every 6 – 8 weeks, you will need to come back in to our office to receive your next set of aligners and allow us to monitor your progress. Once you are through all of the trays, it is possible to have that smile you always wanted! However, sometimes there are a few teeth that still need work. If this is the case, your dentist will order “refinement” trays that will gently move those stubborn teeth still bent a bit out of place.

Invisalign is a great option to get your dream smile! It should only be chosen if you know you can be responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene, are able to wear the aligners 20 – 22 hours a day, and will not misplace your trays as you take them out. If you have any questions, please call our front desk at 704-927-5499 or schedule online to book your consultation for Invisalign treatment today!

Belvedere Family Dentistry -

06/Aug/2020

The majority of our patients at Belvedere Family Dentistry & Orthodontics would love to be able to flash a bright, perfectly straight smile everyday, but many do not want to go through an orthodontic journey for aesthetic reasons. We offer an effective, more subtle alternative to traditional braces and metal appliances through Invisalign treatment. But how can you determine if Invisalign is the best solution for your individual needs? Our experts have broken down that answer for you below!

Can Invisalign Successfully Straighten My Teeth?

Invisalign treatment has successfully fixed crooked teeth, mild overbites and underbites, cross bites, wide gaps between teeth and overcrowded teeth in cases across the globe and within this office! It can be used on both baby and permanent teeth to provide desirable results. Through a precise digital scan and personalized treatment plan, these clear, custom-fitted trays gently and gradually shift your teeth into your desired position, not only providing an aesthetically pleasing smile but also improving your overall health.

In some extreme cases, Invisalign is not able to push teeth into place in a safe and efficient manner. If your teeth are severely rotated (defined as more than 20 degrees) or if misalignment roots from a skeletal issue in your jawbone, it is likely that traditional braces or other more serious procedures will be necessary to successfully treat your case. Our dental team in uptown Charlotte is here to help you determine the best path for your individual orthodontic journey.

Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign Treatment?

The ideal age for Invisalign treatment trends towards older teenagers and adults. Typically within this age range most of your teeth have fully grown in and the bones and muscles have matured to a point that development will not hinder the straightening process. It also takes a good deal of dedication and responsibility to successfully complete your Invisalign treatment, which can be lacking in younger children. We recommend that you wear your clear aligners 22 out of 24 hours every day, removing them to eat and drink anything besides water. You must also be sure to keep your aligners clean and not misplace them as you are removing them for each meal.

Of course, there are many more individual pieces that can be big determining factors for Invisalign or other orthodontic services. Call our front desk at 704-927-5499 or schedule online to book your consultation today and get help determining whether Invisalign treatment is right for you!

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

This question has been one of the most frequently asked and debated upon questions. Should you just brush your teeth twice a day? Should you brush your teeth after every meal? Exactly, how often should you brush your teeth per day? Today, we’re going to explore what the answer to that question is.

To start, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. Yep, just twice a day. But there’s more. Between brushing your teeth twice a day, you should also be flossing and rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash. You only need to do that once per day. To top off your oral care, you should also chew sugar-free gum throughout the day, between your meals, in order to decrease the amount of build-up on your teeth. These are great ways to prevent cavities and other gum diseases as a basic daily oral care routine.

In terms of visiting your dentist, you should come in for a dental cleaning at least twice a year. This is assuming that you are coming in for your annual check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, and other preventative care. If there are pains, aches, or other concerns that you have, of course, come in more often.

This is how often we recommend that you brush your teeth and come in for your dental care.

But of course, what if you forget to brush your teeth. You don’t need to brush your teeth at the same time every day, although that’s what we recommend. If you forgot to brush your teeth, simply brush it when you remember. There’s nothing wrong with brushing your teeth at a different hour of the day. Don’t let forgetting to brush your teeth become a habit because your teeth and gums will both suffer, as a result.

Make sure that brushing your teeth becomes a part of your daily grooming habit. When you use the bathroom in the morning, take a quick detour to brush your teeth. Make it a part of your routine so it becomes easier to remember.

Other things that you can also do in order to maintain great oral hygiene is to carry mini toothbrushes in your purse. These can be the type to substitute brushing your teeth when you are out and about just in case you need to brush your teeth and forgot in the morning. Carrying sugar-free gum is also another great way to keep your teeth nice and clean.

So how often should you brush your teeth?

The short answer? Do it twice a day, along with flossing and mouthwashing. You should also chew sugar-free gum, throughout the day, in order to maintain your pearly whites. It’s not a big deal if you forget to brush your teeth, just do it as soon as you can remember.

You should also visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventative maintenance and cleanings. If you need other tips or strategies to keep your oral hygeine at its best, feel free to contact us.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

We all have heard about the root canal procedure done by dentists to get rid of dental problems and to ensure healthier teeth. We will have a look at how the root canal treatment is done in detail as well as the things you need to keep in mind while going for a root canal treatment for your dental ailment.

Root canal treatment is generally done by a root canal specialist, called endodontist, who works in conjunction with your dentist. The treatment involves several steps, which are discussed in detail below.

The first step of the treatment procedure involves the dentist performing a series of X-Rays on the region where the root canal is needed to be done. These x-rays help the dentist to know the extent of the damage as well as helps him deduce the correct way to move forward in order to perform the treatment. The second step involves the administration of a local anaesthetic which numbs the specific region of the mouth where the procedure is to be performed to ensure minimal or negligible pain to the patient.

The next step involves the dentist putting a mat like thing on the affected region, to ensure that the teeth remains dry during the process. This mat is usually made of waterproof material like rubber or plastic. This mat also prevents the patient from swallowing undesirable substances which is used during the treatment process. The dentist would then remove the crown in order to gain access to the soft pulp to remove the infected tissues. If he or she finds any abscesses during the procedure it would be drained to provide long lasting relief.

Post the clean-up, the dentist would enlarge the canal so that it can be easily filled. To do so, the dentist would use an assortment of files which would make the region easier to be filled in as well as would give it a proper shape. This part of the process is long winded and it may take more than a single session to pass through this stage of the treatment process. The dentist would apply some medicine in the region between treatment sessions to ensure that the pathogens do not come back to attack the affected region. Antibiotics may also be provided to ward off any allergies or fever that may arise due to the process.

The last part of the treatment involves the sealing of the root canal to prevent further infection as well as the placement of a crown to prevent breakage or other damage. In some cases, the dentist may also suggest a treatment for the discolouration that may occur due to root canal.

Post the root canal treatment process, it becomes extremely important to practise proper oral hygiene to ensure that the teeth survives longer. Generally, teeth which go through the root canal process, survive a minimum of 8 years if proper care is taken.

Belvedere Family Dentistry specialize the root canal treatment process as well as other dental procedures to help you get relief from your dental ailments. Their team is helpful yet professional and ensures that their patients have happier and healthier smiles.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

After a visit to your dentist’s office, you leave with a radiant, confident smile. So, how do you keep that smile working for you all year round? The trick is to keep up with your dental hygiene routine but to also avoid foods that can stain your teeth. That’s right- there are foods out there that can do damage to your teeth, giving them the appearance of being dull and yellow.

A person’s self-esteem and confidence is so tightly tied to the color of their teeth and oral health that it’s worth it to avoid foods that will make your teeth stained. Here are a few foods that you should avoid:

Acidic foods with citric acid

One of the biggest culprits of yellowing teeth is from nutritious citric fruits. Sure, these fruits are packed with vitamin c and are great for your health, but go easy on them. The wonderful fruits can erode away your enamel, making your teeth sensitive to cold and heat. When your enamel is eroded away, you also reveal dentin, which is a yellowish tissue underneath your enamel.

Sugary foods and drinks

Both sugary foods and drinks will stain your teeth because the sugars create a playground for bacteria to feed off of. The more sugary foods and drinks you take in, the more bacteria will wear away at your teeth, causing holes. These bacterias release acids that cause things like tooth decay, which will definitely put you on the fast track to stain your teeth a much darker color. Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks you put into your mouth to avoid stained teeth.

Coffee

Coffee is another culprit when it comes to acidic foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Experts advise drinking coffee with a top lid instead of a straw or an open cup, in order to reduce the amount of coffee that makes contact with your teeth. Like the other acidic foods and drinks mentioned about, coffee also erodes away at the teeth’s enamel and allows other foods to continue to do damage, staining your teeth.

Wine

Yet another delicious treat that we need to talk about, wine can actually create holes in your teeth that help other foods stain your teeth, just like coffee. On top of that, wine is known to give your teeth a dull, gray colored stain, which is more difficult to remove than yellow stains. The plus side is that red wine is thought to help prevent cavities, so keep your wine drinking in moderation.

Keep these foods in mind while protecting your teeth

Foods that stain your teeth can do incredible damage to both your smile and your self-esteem. Avoiding the foods and drinks talked about above is the best way for you to maintain a wonderful smile year round. Also, remember to come to Belvedere Dentistry for your yearly cleaning and for a dental check up. We will help you keep your smile radiantly confident, stain-free, and welcoming throughout the year.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

Porcelain Veneers – Enhance Your Smile & Protect Your Teeth It is your smile that helps create the first impression. Your teeth play the most important role in having the perfect smile. Eventually, it comes down to your dental health and how confident you feel to put their teeth on display. An increasing number of people are realizing the benefits of veneers that help hide all the flaws and enhance your smile.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

What are the Advantages of Restorative Dentistry Procedures? If you are facing any kind of dental health issues that interfere with its functioning, your dentist can recommended a restorative dentistry procedure. There are different types of such procedures based on what kind of dental problem you have. We at Belvedere Family Dentistry provide all types of dental treatments within our comfortable and fully equipped dental office.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

Dietary Modifications There are several tips that people can use to help themselves maintain good oral habits in between trips to the local dentists office. While it is a good idea to see a local dentist office on a regular basis, choosing to consume foods which will not stain teeth is always advisable. Dietary habits which include a high concentration of caffeine such as coffee or fresh fruits such as blueberries can have an adverse affect on the overall appearance of a person’s teeth. These foods in moderation is usually advisable for people who are concerned about their cosmetic appearance.

Belvedere Family Dentistry

06/Aug/2020

The way you feel about your appearance can have a positive or negative effect on your self-image. If you do not like the way your smile looks, then you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. There are many questions people often ask Charlotte dentists about cosmetic dentistry. Below are some of the most frequently asked cosmetic dentistry questions:

Older Posts

Oral Hygiene Tips & More

Clear Aligners: Smile Direct vs Invisalign

What To Expect Throughout Your Invisalign Treatment

Is Invisalign Treatment Right For You?

Can Invisalign Successfully Straighten My Teeth?

Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign Treatment?

How often should you brush your teeth

Root Canal Treatment

Foods that can Stain your Teeth

Acidic foods with citric acid

Sugary foods and drinks

Coffee

Wine

Keep these foods in mind while protecting your teeth

ENHANCE YOUR SMILE & PROTECT YOUR TEETH

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY PROCEDURES?

5 FANTASTIC TEETH WHITENING TIPS FROM A CHARLOTTE COSMETIC DENTIST

9 FAQ’S ABOUT COSMETIC DENTISTRY OUR CHARLOTTE DENTISTS ANSWER

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