Instant Orthodontics
Instant Teeth Straightening?
When you hear the word “orthodontics,” you probably think of braces and other types of tooth straightening options. Well, that is partly true. Let Dr. Virk, a leading Spokane cosmetic dentist explain:
Orthodontics does involve the straightening of teeth using metal braces or plastic aligners such as Invisalign. However, the term “instant orthodontics” refers to a cosmetic dentistry procedure that does not involve braces or plastic aligners. Instant orthodontics is actually the use of porcelain veneers and sometimes porcelain crowns to straighten your teeth (or make them appear straight) without moving your teeth at all.
So, while instant orthodontics does involve straightening the teeth, it does not require the often expensive, uncomfortable metal braces of yesteryear. And, once your teeth are fixed (straightened) using instant orthodontics, they will remain straight, without the need for retainers or rubber bands or those very painful braces adjustments. During a thorough, no-cost consultation, our Spokane cosmetic dentist will be able to ascertain whether or not you are a good candidate for this fairly simple, quick cosmetic dental procedure.
With precise color matching and porcelain that is custom made in a laboratory by highly trained technicians, instant orthodontics applications are very natural looking and look virtually the same as your other teeth. The teeth that have been fixed using instant orthodontics will be even more durable than your natural teeth. When porcelain veneers are used in the instant orthodontics procedure, your smile will be whitened, your teeth will be beautifully shaped and cracks and chips will be concealed. Instant orthodontics really is a one-stop-shop procedure that is 100 percent safe and painless. In no time at all, you can have the beautiful, white, straight smile you have always wanted.
If you have any of the below problems, instant orthodontics may be the best treatment option for you:
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overlapping teeth
What to Expect With Instant Orthodontics
Instant orthodontics can usually be applied in 2-3 visits, depending on the severity of your problems. Once it’s determined which teeth need to have porcelain veneers applied, we will take an impression of your teeth. The impression is sent to a lab with very detailed instructions on what we want done. The highly trained lab technicians then create what is called a “wax up” of what your enhanced smile will look like. When you return to our office, we will review the wax up together and make changes we deem necessary. The revised wax up will then be sent back to the lab and your new teeth will be created out of porcelain.
In the meantime, you will be fitted with temporaries, and when your new veneers are finished, you will return to the office for a final fitting, at which time we will apply them to your teeth and be sure they fit properly. When we are all pleased with the look and feel of your new porcelain veneers, they will be bonded to your teeth.
Recovery time for porcelain veneers is about the same as with any type of mild cosmetic dental procedures. During the days immediately following the application of the veneers, your gums may be a bit sensitive and swollen, but this is normal and will not last long at all. After a few days, we may need to adjust them to ensure a proper fit. If you find the discomfort to be too much, we will suggest taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen. Most people report little or no gum tenderness at the completion of the instant orthodontics process.
If you feel you may be a candidate for instant orthodontics, please contact our cosmetic dental office in Sacramento today to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation. At that time, we can determine whether or not porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers will give you the smile you want and deserve.