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!

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!

 

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.

We at Belvedere Family Dentistry provide total dental solutions including veneers at one place. Find out everything about these dental enhancements and their benefits in making you look and feel more confident and better.

What are Veneers?

A veneer is mostly made of porcelain and gets bonded to the tooth to enhance its shape and color. It is designed in a way that only the top and front of the tooth gets covered. There are many ways these porcelain laminates help improve your teeth. They can close any gaps between teeth. They can whiten your dark or stained teeth or add length to misshapen or small teeth. They also have protective benefits for your damaged or chipped teeth, preventing further wear.

There are different ways that veneers can help boost your confidence and dental health.

Enhance Your Teeth

Porcelain veneer can enhance teeth with different types of problems. You can use it if you have discoloration. It can also help address teeth misalignment. Even when you have small teeth, these laminates can help achieve uniformity. A mold is made of your teeth and then it is sized so that it fits properly to the problem teeth.

Save Your Teeth

Many times, you can use veneers to save your weakened or cracked teeth. The veneer works as a splint when the tooth is stabilized and prevents the need for tooth replacement. Porcelain laminates are thin, but once they get bonded to the teeth, they are quite durable. Combined with proper care, they can help prevent tooth decay too.

Veneers can thus help in enhancing your smile and teeth function, while also in protecting your teeth. Your teeth will become more symmetrical, your bite will improve, and cracked teeth will get splinted. Thus, there are many advantages of choosing these porcelain laminates for your teeth. We at Belvedere Family Dentistry provide all kinds of dental solutions including porcelain veneers. Whether you have misaligned teeth or you want to enhance your smile, give us a call or send us an email for an appointment. We have well-qualified and experienced dentists who can examine your teeth and recommend the best solution.

Root canal therapy, also referred to as endodontic therapy, involves removal of nerve chamber of a tooth or the bacteria infection within the pulp. You may require Root canal treatment in a wide range of dental conditions including deep tooth decay, trauma, or even chipping to tooth. It helps in eliminating the root cause of pain and makes the tooth usable.

There are many benefits of Root canal treatment. Most importantly, it helps in preserving your tooth. We at Belvedere Family Dentistry provide root canal therapy within the comfortable and safe setting of our dental office. We have well-qualified and experienced orthodontists to ensure effective treatment.

ROOT CANAL IS A SIMPLE PROCEDURE

Contrary to common perception, root canal therapy is a simple procedure. Most of the time, the experience is similar to getting fillings. It involves providing anesthesia so that there is no discomfort and you feel fully relaxed and comfortable. A tiny hole is created to access and remove the pulp. The Cavity thus created is then cleaned thoroughly and the hole is sealed. A dental crown is placed over the tooth for protection and ensuring its longevity.

Most people are worried about Root canal pain. An experienced dentist knows how to keep their patient feeling comfortable during the procedure.

SYMPTOMS THAT DEMAND ROOT CANAL THERAPY

There are many Root canal symptoms that indicate that the tooth pulp is infected. This can include:

With Root canal treatment, your dentist is able to address the root cause of these problems.

ADVANTAGES OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

There are many advantages of having Root canal treatment. The most important ones are as following:

A big advantage of choosing Root canal treatment is that it saves your tooth. This means there will be no missing teeth or gaps. We at Belvedere Family Dentistry provide comprehensive dental solutions, including root canal therapy. Our experienced and well-qualified dentists can complete the procedure in a comfortable and painless way. Give us a call at 704-927-5499 or request an appointment.

Repairing Chipped Teeth with Dental Restorations

Anyone with a chipped tooth wants a repair that leads to a normal appearance and sturdy biting surface. Custom-made dental crowns are the best way to fix damaged teeth to provide a gorgeous smile while making it easy to consume healthy foods such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Finding a dentist in Charlotte NC with an understanding of creating natural looking restorations is imperative when teeth are damaged. Dentists have different specialties, including the field of cosmetic dentistry that focuses on the appearance of teeth in addition to structural repair. It is simple to find a dental facility that makes restorations by looking online or in telephone directories.

Get Dental Restorations that are Aesthetically Pleasing

In the past, dental crowns were made of metals that provided a strong surface to chew food but were unsightly. Eventually, dental laboratories learned how to coat or cover the metal restorations with porcelain to make a tooth aesthetically pleasing. However, porcelain restorations would often require repair due to cracks or chips along with needing extensive cleaning to remove stains from beverages and food. Today, there are fantastic composite materials to make restorations that look nice and last a long time without needing a repair or replacement. After finding a dentist in Charlotte NC with training and experience in prosthodontics, schedule an evaluation of a damaged tooth to have it repaired with a color matching dental restoration.

Dental Restorations are Made Quickly

Someone with a damaged tooth is probably nervous about getting a restoration because they have heard horror stories about procedures. Cosmetic dentistry has made huge advances in the past few years with faster and less painful procedures that are often completed in one office visit. Many prosthodontists have dental laboratory equipment on-site, making it possible to create an image of a restoration quickly. Dental facilities now have modern computer software that assists with three-dimensional images to make a perfect looking dental restoration. Before making the restoration, the dentist gets medical images to see the health of the facial bones and dental roots.

Restorations are Custom-Made

Patients require anesthesia as the top of the natural tooth is removed along with internal structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Dental crowns are primarily designed to cover the outer area of damaged teeth that are cracked or chipped due to vehicle accidents or sport injuries. A tooth with a smaller chip is ready to have a dental restoration without extensive treatment while a tooth with internal damage to the pulp may need endodontic therapy. Cosmetic dentistry facilities are prepared to work on a patient’s damaged tooth to provide individualized treatment to make a customized dental restoration that lasts for many years

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:

1. What Does Cosmetic Dentistry Mean?

Cosmetic is a term that can be used to describe a beneficial change in appearance. Therefore, cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is done to improve or restore a person’s appearance.

2. What Is A Cosmetic Dentist?

All Charlotte Dentists learn how to perform procedures that can improve a person’s smile. However, some dentists complete advanced training and specialize in treatments that enhance a person’s smile.

3. What Does A Smile Analysis Entail?

A smile analysis involves studying every element of a person’s smile, including jaws, gum, appearance of the teeth and alignment. A person’s facial features will also be studied.

4. What Are Some Of The Ways A Smile Can Be Improved Using 21st Century Techniques?

Today, there are numerous cosmetic procedures that can be performed at a local dentist office. Dentists can make teeth whiter, alter the shape, size and alignment of the teeth, replace missing teeth and fill in parts of a tooth that have decayed.

5. How Can A Discolored Or Chipped Tooth Be Restored?

Dentists can bond composite resin to the tooth.

6. How Can Back Teeth Be Restored If They Have Been Damaged?

Non-metallic tooth material can be applied to teeth that have traumatic injuries or cavities.

7. What Options Are Available For More Severe Tooth Problems?

Porcelain veneers, which are thin types of porcelain material, can be used to alter the appearance of undersized or misshapen teeth. Porcelain crowns can also be used.

8. What If The Teeth Do Not Meet Together Well?

Malocclusions, which are also known as bad bites, can be corrected with braces. Clear aligners or traditional braces may be used at a local dentist office. Both clear aligners and traditional braces can help move the teeth into their proper position, which gives a person a more attractive smile.

9. What If Someone Has Missing Teeth?

Many people who have cosmetic dentistry questions also want to know about the options available for missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace the roots of missing teeth. A porcelain crown will be connected to the dental implant. Porcelain crowns look just like one’s natural teeth.

Teeth Whitening is Proven to Be Safe and Effective

If you’ve noticed that your teeth aren’t as white as they once were, you’re not alone. Many people experience a gradual darkening of their teeth, as several environmental factors can cause stains. The good news, though, is that there are several whitening treatments available that can get the job done effectively and, most importantly, safely. A visit to your Uptown Charlotte dentist can help you understand what your options are.

What are the causes of stained or yellow teeth?

The enamel that coats your teeth slowly wears away as you age, leaving teeth slightly grayish. In addition, the following things can stain your teeth, turning them more yellow and sometimes brown.

– Coffee
– Tea
– Soda
– Tobacco products

A build up of tartar can also cause stains, giving people another reason to brush, floss, and regularly visit their general dentist.

What can you do about it?

You can speak with your general dentist, or one that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, to figure out which approach might be most ideal.

1. Whitening toothpastes use polishing and bleaching agents that can usually get your teeth a shade lighter.

2. Whitening gels and strips are peroxide-based and require regular applications to see noticeable effects.

3. Tray systems involve putting your teeth into something similar to a mouth guard. This tray is filled with a peroxide-bleaching agent, and the tray is worn either for a few hours in one sitting or for a period of time each night or day.

4. In-office whitening is the most efficient treatment, with results appearing immediately after your first appointment. This treatment is also endorsed by the American Dental Association, whereas some of the other at-home methods may not be.

All of these methods are safe if done according to the proper directions. The products are manufactured using safe amounts of peroxide, which will only work to whiten your teen without affecting other parts of your mouth or body.

Speaking with a dentist knowledgeable about cosmetic dentistry can give you a better idea of how you can go about getting the maximum benefit out of your treatment.

Call our dental practice to learn more about your options. If you’re looking for a Uptown Charlotte dentist, we’d be happy to consult with you, and we can suggest treatments that we feel would work best.

Veneers are porcelain or plastic thin shells that are placed on the front of the teeth. A simple procedure, veneer installation doesn’t usually require anesthesia, and it’s often the top choice for those seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments. These are used to brighten teeth and mask a discoloration.

Benefits of Dental Veneers
There are several reasons to opt for dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist instead of crowns. For one, they are a much more conservative option for those seeking to improve shape, size or color, hiding effects like tetracycline staining or injury damages. Veneers are also a great choice for hiding gaps between front teeth.

In other words, they’re a suitable cosmetic replacement that don’t cost as much. Although they don’t last as long as crowns, they do stay in place for quite some time.

During the Procedure
The whole procedure may require three separate appointments: diagnosis, preparation, as well as bonding.

Preparing the teeth requires a light buff so that the veneer’s thickness is accommodated. Usually, the dentist will remove up to half a millimeter of the tooth surface, and this procedure might require local anesthetic. A veneer made with composite resin will often be completed with one appointment. Once the tooth is ready, the veneer is bonded.

A mold is required for ceramic veneers, which is where multiple appointments come into play. After the veneers are ready, the dentist puts each one on the tooth so that the shade and fit can be gauged. Take the time to view these when they’re on your teeth, paying extra attention to the shade of white; it’s still possible to change the color at this stage, but not once it is bonded.

After the veneer is placed onto the tooth using certain adhesive chemicals, the dentist will use a light beam so that the cement is hardened, keeping the veneer durably in place.

Veneer Maintenance
It’ll take a couple of weeks for you to get used to your new teeth, but you’ll have to treat them all the same. Be sure to brush and floss every day. You’ll also likely have a follow-up appointment two weeks following the procedure.

Although they aren’t perfect replacements, veneers can be a great way to cover up unsightly tooth problems. If you’re ready to rebuild your self-esteem, it can all start with a smile: Give your local cosmetic dentist a call and ask about dental veneers today!

Fast Dental Restorations

When you have damaged or missing teeth, you probably feel self-conscious about smiling or talking to other people. Fortunately, there are modern and fast ways to repair your unattractive teeth with the assistance of a cosmetic dentist. In most cases, it is possible to have the appearance of your teeth improved in only one or two office visits. Most procedures at dental facilities are completed quickly without a patient experiencing discomfort, but if you need local or general anesthesia, then it is available. Here are a few of the restorations available to repair or replace your missing teeth.

One: Dental Veneers Designed to Cover Tooth Damage

Dental veneers are a type of restoration that cosmetic dentists have used for many years to cover cracks or discoloration on a patient’s tooth enamel. These custom-made restorations are created from porcelain or composite materials to cover the front of damaged teeth. The thin restorations are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and with the proper care, a veneer will last for many years to create an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Two: Dental Crowns to Protect Tooth Pulp and Nerves

If you have a large cavity or diseased tooth, then a dentist can remove bacteria to save the interior pulp and nerves. To protect this interior portion of the tooth, a dental laboratory technician can create a customized color-matching dental crown that fits over the healthy part of a tooth. A dental crown helps to improve your facial appearance and provides a strong biting surface.

Three: Dental Bridges to Provide a Strong Bite

Instead of wearing a removable partial denture inside your mouth, request information about dental bridges from a dentist. This dental restoration is considered a fixed appliance because a dentist attaches the device to surrounding teeth. Dental bridges are a combination of metal wires and durable plastics that are designed to hold color-matching artificial teeth that are similar to dental crowns.

Contact Our Dentist

When you have multiple missing or damaged teeth, a dentist is able to create a plan to restore a smile with an assortment of methods. In some cases, you might need more than one type of restoration to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. You do not need to undergo several weeks of procedures or excruciating pain to replace or repair problems with your teeth. To schedule an appointment to learn more, contact a cosmetic dentist today.

Teeth whitening is a process that many people obtain from their dentist. Tooth whitening is a procedure by which a cosmetic dentist uses technology to remove stains from the enamel on a person’s teeth. An interested person may want to obtain tooth whitening services for a number of reasons. The following are three common reasons that people see a specialist for assistance with teeth whitening:

Before a First Date

The first date is a crucial time for getting a teeth whitening procedure done. First impressions mean everything, so you will want to ensure that you look your best when you approach your date. You can get a whitening job from your dentist to ensure that your date will remember your white teeth even if he doesn’t remember anything else about you. Smiles are very attractive to both men and women. You can be an absolute hit just because you had a beautiful smile to show someone. A cosmetic dentist will be delighted to help you obtain the treatment that can improve your experience.

Before a Job Interview

You may want to get your teeth whitened before a job interview. Your prospective employer will be interested in your teeth, as well. He or she will be paying close attention to your clothing, your hygiene and your demeanor. Prospective employers always look at the hair to make sure it isn’t unkempt and the teeth to make sure they are not badly stained or have food particles in between them. Prospective employers will never tell a candidate that he or she didn’t get hired because of a cosmetic aspect, but it does occur. Your best defenses is to get preventative dentistry whitening before your go to the big event. Preventative dentistry stops mishaps and embarrassing rejections from occurring.

Before Important Pictures

Another perfect time for whitening the teeth is right before you take important pictures. Driver licenses photos, passport photos and school photos are important photos that you will want to take in the best shape you can possibly get in. Therefore, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist as quickly as possible.

Scheduling an appointment with a whitening specialists is easy as pie. All you need to do is call or stop by the website and complete a quick short-form request. Someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Uptown Charlotte Dentistry & Orthodontics

Specializing in Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers and Crowns.

We do our best to make it easy for you to get the beautiful smile you deserve! Our office accepts nearly all major insurance plans. Even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will file your claim, handle all the paperwork, and help you get maximum insurance benefits.

Follow us

Stay Informed

Don't Miss Out On Dental Tips or 
Special Discounts.

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram