Teeth whitening has risen in popularity among Americans. We spend 1.4 billion dollars a year on over the counter teeth whitening products. There is no guarantee, and no way to rate the effectiveness of all these products. Still, the fact remains that Americans are concerned about whitening their teeth for various reasons. The main reason that people buy these teeth whitening products is that appearance is important. However, many of these over the counter products are ineffective with little or no guarantee of working.

The best way to get your teeth whitened is to call the professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in Charlotte. When you tell your cosmetic dentist, whiten my teeth, he can make sure that you are a good candidate and that you are not just throwing your money away. Not everyone is a candidate for good or great results. In some cases, teeth just will not get any whiter. Additionally, people are under the misconception that whitening your teeth at the dentist is not affordable.

Affordable teeth whitening by your cosmetic dentist at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry provides many different options for whitening your teeth. The cosmetic dentist also can guide you as to the best way to maintain the results, thus making it even more affordable over the long run. You may get results with professional or over the counter teeth whitening products; however, it is important to consider how you will keep that color over long periods.

Causes for discoloration of the teeth

There are several reasons that cause the discoloration of tooth enamel. The widespread causes of teeth discoloration include drinking wine, coffee, tea or even carbonated drinks. Certainly, smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes will discolor the enamel over time. Other factors have an effect on the color of an individual's teeth, such as genetics. Disease can also discolor teeth, as well as vitamin deficiencies. If you suspect a secondary medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to discuss this with your cosmetic dentist at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry.

Finding the right dentist in Charlotte

Nothing can replace years of experience, so when choosing a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening service, ask how many procedures they have performed. Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. For a number of reasons, some teeth can be darker than others can. Ask your Charlotte, NC dentist what he thinks will be your optimum whiteness, and what is the best and most natural shade for your teeth. The general health of your teeth, and the specific procedure implemented, will affect the outcome. These are questions easily answered by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Teeth whitening in the Charlotte area

Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways for people to improve their appearance. Whiter teeth are associated with good looks and a healthier and youthful outlook on life. When people have a whiter smile, they tend to be less self-conscious, and even more confident. If you want the best smile you can get, you should visit a cosmetic dentist. A premier cosmetic dentist in the Charlotte area is Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. They have performed over 6,000 teeth whitening procedures. Give them a call, or visit their website for specific information regarding teeth whitening. 

Everyone has some association with dentures. Whether it is the memory of a grandparent, aunt, or uncle placing them in a glass at night, watching them struggle with certain foods, or simply laughing at chattering teeth portrayed in cartoons. It is a matter of historical record that George Washington, our first president wore them. It seems as if dentures have always been a prominent part of American culture and lifestyle. In fact, dentures have been our traditional remedy for missing teeth. With the technology of today, dentures are lighter and stronger than ever. However, there are still the issues of improper fitting, irritation of the gums and palate, odors and cumbersome cleaning issues.

Cosmetic dentistry has been on the forefront of dealing with missing teeth, and has provided a solution that is as close to natural teeth and dental implants is the best option. Because of their design dental implants perform and function like real teeth. A person with dental implants can speak with confidence and eat virtually all kinds of foods with confidence.

The importance of replacing missing teeth

Most dental patients are unaware of the health implications behind tooth loss. When you lose a tooth, the part of the jawbone that supported the tooth and its roots will over a period of time, will begin to deteriorate. Dentures don’t prevent this deterioration, but dental implants will prevent this because the implant serves as a replacement for the root structure of the missing tooth.

Why not dentures?

Dentures have come a long way in their construction, but they still don’t look as natural as your regular teeth. A good cosmetic dentist, like Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, will make dental implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants stand alone, just as the natural tooth does, therefore it is not necessary to alter the adjacent teeth as is the case for bridges. Dental implants carry an extremely high success rate, and never need to be re-fitted, as dentures eventually require.

The ideal candidate for dental implant

Dentures may have been working just fine, but let’s suppose you have decided to make the transition to dental implants; are you a good candidate? The best candidates in Charlotte, NC for dental implants are in good general health. They should have adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant, and the gums should be free of periodontal disease. However, if there is insufficient bone in the jaw, a bone graft is possible. Of course, your cosmetic dentist at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry will carefully evaluate your overall condition and recommend the bet course of action for you.

Dentures not necessary in Charlotte, NC

Dentures may work fine for some people, but if you are looking for an alternative, dental implants are the answer. There are many great cosmetic dentists in the Charlotte area, and the Ballantyne Center for Dentistry is far above the best. The staff is compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable. The cosmetic dentists are empathetic and competent. They find a way to work within your budget, and the satisfaction of their patients is always a priority. If you are in the Charlotte area, visit their website or give them a call for a free consultation on dental implants. Dentures don’t have to be the only alternative for your tooth loss with dental implants on the scene.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to someone with porcelain veneers is to hear the dentist say the words porcelain veneer remakes.  Many times it takes the patient a long time to be willing to trust a dentist. There are patients who are deathly afraid of dentists and the only way that they were able to have porcelain veneers put in place the first time around was through the help of sedation dentistry.  Failed porcelain veneers for these patients, and the reality of porcelain veneer remakes, might be disconcerting.

Put aside fears and frustration of failed porcelain veneers with Charlotte cosmetic dentists

The cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Dentistry in Charlotte, NC understand the fears and frustrations.  That is why they do their best to make every patient as comfortable as they can. Sometimes this includes the use of sedation dentistry, when the patient is given a mild sedative to help them relax and lose their anxiety about treatment. Occasionally, a patient will be so relaxed he falls asleep for the entire procedure.  After the dentist is done you are awakened and sent home to rest.  There is no pain or fear involved, just beautiful results from your porcelain veneer remakes.

The dentists at Ballantyne Dentistry pride themselves in their professional techniques and in the extreme care that they take to see that the proper procedures are followed in preparing your teeth for the new veneers. This will help ensure they stay put. After your teeth have been properly prepared for your new veneers by the cosmetic dentist you will be ready for him to take the porcelain veneer remakes and adhere them to your existing teeth.

CEREC technology makes porcelain veneer remakes speedy

The dentists at Ballantyne Dentistry use a simulator on their computer that allows you to see how your teeth veneers are going to look before they actually do them.  They can be adjusted to give you the perfect look.  They also use another program on the computer called CEREC that allows them to mill your porcelain veneers right in their Charlotte, NC offices. There is a huge benefit with this procedure because you don’t have to wait a week or more for the porcelain veneers to be constructed by an outside lab. While you relax in the comfort of their spa like atmosphere, the cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry construct your porcelain veneers and then place them on your teeth in one visit. No downtime in between!

Porcelain veneer remakes need not cause you discomfort or frustration when you see the professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. Get your porcelain veneer remakes done in a professional manner by the dentists who really care about their patients are known for their quality of work and comfortable chair side manner in Charlotte, NC.

Failed porcelain veneers are frustrating, and uncomfortable, but there is an easy fix at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in In Charlotte, NC. Cosmetic dentistry is probably not going to last you a lifetime, but it should last more than a few years, including porcelain veneers. There are many problems that could require porcelain veneer remakes.

Bonding of veneers to teeth done improperly

Your original teeth must be prepared following specialized techniques in order for perfect bonding to prevent failed porcelain veneers.If these techniques are not followed the tooth will not be prepared sufficiently to offer the firm bonding that is absolutely necessary to prevent the veneers from failing. When failure occurs the veneers may chip off or they may come off in chunks.Occasionally they will even come off in one large piece.Besides the danger of choking on your porcelain veneer, your teeth are left exposed.

Another form of improper bonding is when there is a gap between the porcelain dental veneers and the gum line.This is a cause for concern because a portion of the tooth is left exposed and it is a prime location for bacteria and plaque to build up and cause decay.

Poor construction of the dental veneers

The dentists at Ballantyne Dentistry in Charlotte, NC have found that veneers that fail were made improperly.Either the material is too thick, and that makes the teeth look oversized and unnatural, or they may not have been polished correctly so the color or shine does not blend with the other teeth.One of the biggest problems with failed porcelain veneers tend is they stain and become discolored. Sometimes, they even crack.

While discoloration or poor sheen does not necessarily mean that the veneer has failed, it does not give your smile the perfection you were hoping for when you bought the porcelain veneers. While it is not hard to redo dental veneers, it is frustrating and time consuming.

Patients in Charlotte, NC do not have to worry about whether their dental veneers will be prepped and installed correctly. The professionals at Ballantyne Dentistry pride themselves in giving their patients pain free sedation dentistry. This is an added bonus if the reason that you have put off getting cosmetic dentistry is because you are not a big fan of the dentist. They also offer professional care which includes correctly preparing the existing teeth before carefully bonding the dental veneers.

Whether you are looking forward for cosmetic dentistry or trying to deal with the frustration of failed porcelain veneers, you will be happy with the prompt and professional care that you get from the dentists at Ballantyne Dentistry in Charlotte, NC. These well-respected cosmetic dentists are experienced in repairing or replacing teeth veneers, and the spa atmosphere of their offices make the trip relaxing and enjoyable. Call these trusted cosmetic dentists today and take care of those failed porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dental procedures aren’t just for the rich and famous. If you want dazzling pearly whites, learn about cosmetic options that are available and affordable. Before heading to the Internet to research your options, learn the basics from the Charlotte, NC cosmetic dentist specialists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry.

Cosmetic dentist focus on health and appearance

Rather than focusing on the overall health of your teeth, mouth and gums, cosmetic dentists also focus on the appearance of a patient’s smile. Engineering and art merge in cosmetic dental procedures– good cosmetic dentists simply won’t quit until you are satisfied with your smile. Lasers, oral imaging equipment, cavity detection equipment and CAD/CAM restoration are among the advanced tools and techniques that your Charlotte cosmetic dentists rely on for success.

Before you decide on which Charlotte dental clinic you will have a cosmetic dental procedure, check the place out first. Ask to take a tour and get informed about the equipment and the dentists’ credentials and training. Reputable dentists are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or another similar organization. It’s not a bad idea to ask to see before and after photos of other patients who have had procedures similar to what you are considering.

Here are some examples of popular cosmetic dental procedures and services:

Teeth whitening

There are two options available for teeth whitening in the Charlotte area.

A popular and painless method is L.E.D. cosmetic teeth whitening. The process is good for touchups or a first-timer. The process takes about 30 minutes and serves to remove minor discoloration. The second option is Advanced Professional Teeth Whitening. It is generally used for patients with significantly stained or yellow teeth. You will see dramatic results following the 45-minute cosmetic dental procedure.

Dental veneers

If you have gaps in your teeth, crooked teeth, or if your teeth are worn down, veneers may be a good cosmetic dental option for you. Porcelain veneers match the patient’s tooth color, which makes them unnoticeable.

Composite bonding

In some cases, bonding is a better option than veneers if you have chipped or broken teeth. Bonding can also help fill in gaps in teeth. In bonding, highly durable tooth-colored resins are bonded to your teeth, then shaped and polished. Bonding is usually completed in one office visit. The only downside is that bonding resins can stain, and they can wear away over time.

Short Term Orthodontics

Many cosmetic dentists now have the ability to straighten crooked teeth or close gaps in a very conservative way.  Short-term orthodontics can also help a dentist align your teeth before doing other cosmetic procedures, which means overall you get the most conservative approach.  There are several ways to do this, and one way is with Six Month Smiles, which we have found to provide predictable and very satisfactory results.

Your dream smile is an affordable reality, thanks to the financing options offered by your Charlotte area cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. When you make an appointment to discuss your cosmetic dentistry goals, also talk about the estimated costs of potential procedures and look into financing options available through the clinic. Call today to schedule an appointment that will lead you down the path to a beautiful smile with the help of your cosmetic dentist.

Dental crowns are a great way to help return your mouth to a beautiful condition.  Often through poor dental hygiene, environment, or just plain genetics our teeth our not as healthy or pretty as we would like. When you have a toothache you really are not too concerned about how the tooth looks, you just want it fixed so the pain will go away. However, after the pain is gone reality must be faced.  What is that tooth going to look like? How stable is it going to be? How much is this entire procedure going to cost and can you afford it?

The Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, in Charlotte, NC explains that dental crowns can help to stabilize teeth that have been broken through trauma or damaged due to decay. Trauma and decay often leave the teeth weak and with an uneven chewing surface.  A dental crown covers the tooth and thus protects it from damage in the future.  A crown will also provide a normal chewing surface again.

Dental crown materials are not equal

Dental crowns used to be made from a metal shell that was covered with porcelain.  These were considered to be a long-term fix.  They lasted very well, but they were not very pretty.  They left a dark ring at the gum line that was unattractive. As time has passed and methods have improved it is now possible to get all porcelain dental crowns. In Charlotte, NC patients are now getting all porcelain crowns that not only have the benefit of cosmetic dentistry, they offer a strong, long term solution to poor conditions of existing teeth.

 Cosmetic dentists at the Ballantyne Center for Dentistry often remove the old metal lined crown and replace it a porcelain crown.  Not only does this have the effect of beautiful cosmetic dentistry, the cost is similar and the porcelain will provide the patient with many years of protection and beauty.

Afraid of the dentist?

If you are like me and scared silly about going to the dentist, let alone going when you are pain free, there is no need to worry when you see a sedation dentist.  The patients in Charlotte, NC can rest assured that with the help of sedation at the Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, they can have their work done in one appointment and thus avoid the for stressful waits and repeat visits.

Dental crowns for a great smile

So when you gather the courage to get your dental crowns, remember to ask the professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry about porcelain crowns. The treatment will be easier than you can imagine and is affordable. Then, you will not only have dental crowns that that give you a million dollar smile, but you will be able to smile because you did not have to spend a million dollars in Charlotte, NC, for that movie star look!

If you have been considering dental implants as an alternative to dentures or if you need new dentures and want to see what other options are available, you should contact the trusted cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in your Charlotte, NC area. Dental implants offer some benefits over the traditional dentur es that most people are familiar with. However, only your implant dentist can tell you if you are able to choose this option. In some cases people may have suffered too much bone loss for dental implants to be a viable option for their dental needs.

Implant dentistry ideal for cosmetic dentists

Many cosmetic dentists specialize in dental implants and they are a good source of information if you are considering dental implants as an option. Dental implants can be used to replace one or many missing teeth. They also offer a good solution for anchoring dentures so that you do not have the worry of them slipping or needing messy bonding agents to keep them in place. Dental implants are anchored directly into the bone of your jaw. When done correctly, no one, including you, will be able to tell they aren’t your real teeth.

One of the benefits of considering dental implants is that Charlotte residents can retain their beautiful smiles. With implant dentistry, there is no jaw shrinkage associated with tooth loss and dentures. Dental implants also ensure you will still be able to eat all of your favorite foods. Dentures tend to slip or make chewing and biting painful, if not impossible when it comes to certain foods. For instance, raw apples, corn on the cob, and even thick sandwiches can be difficult to eat with dentures. If you have reached the point in your life where dentures seem to be the only solution to your dental problems, consider dental implants.

Considering dental implants makes sense if you want to avoid discomfort

While they are not the perfect solution for everyone, a lot of Charlotte, NC residents are extremely happy they were considering dental implants as an option. If you think about the benefits of dental implants this is really not so surprising! Why settle for dentures that may not fit correctly or can cause pain by rubbing on your gums? Dental implants look and feel just like your real teeth! If you do need dentures wouldn’t it be better to have them anchored firmly in place by dental implants? This would prevent the dentures from shifting and rubbing on your gums. Shifting and rubbing often cause blisters or sores on your gums.

Considering dental implants may be one of the wisest choices you make when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Residents in the Charlotte, NC area can contact Ballantyne Center for Dentistry with any questions they may have about dental implants and dentures. If you are young or young at heart, considering dental implants makes perfect sense.

In most cases people are afraid to go to the dentist because they fear the pain that is associated with dental procedures. In the past this was sometimes true. Most dental procedures produced at least some pain. Historically, you had only two choices: laughing gas (which didn’t really numb the pain it just fooled you into thinking you were not feeling it) or Novocain shots to numb the gums. Sedation dentistry is now available in Charlotte, NC as well as in other areas of the country, and it can help you be less afraid to go the dentist.

Afraid to go to the dentist? Try sedation dentistry!

If you have had a painful experience in the past that has made you afraid to go to the dentist, then sedation dentistry may be the solution you have been looking for. Sedation dentistry offers a pain free dentist visit. You may be wondering exactly what sedation dentistry is. With sedation dentistry you will be given a small pill to swallow before your appointment. This means that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment; however, it also means that you will feel no pain, anxiety, or stress about the dental procedure that you need to have done.

Do not let unpleasant experiences from your past make you afraid to go to the dentist. Pain free dentist visits are now available to Charlotte, NC residents at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. Sedation dentistry may not be the perfect answer for everyone; however, if you fear the sight of needles, need many procedures done, or suffer from acute or chronic jaw soreness it may be the best possible solution for you. The pill you are given will not knock you out. It will completely relax you, and patients often say that they remember very little of the procedures performed.

Sedation dentistry means no more repeat visits for lengthy or multiple procedures

Just think how nice it would be to actually look forward to a dentist visit instead of being afraid to go to the dentist. The pain free dentist visits that are made possible with sedation dentistry give you the option of having many procedures done at one time. This means that you do not have to return week after week in order to have a procedure completed. You not only cut down on the number of visits needed, you can walk in with problems and walk out with a beautiful, white smile that you can be proud of.

Afraid to go to the dentist? In Charlotte, NC, residents can contact their local cosmetic dentist at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry for more information about sedation dentistry. Never again will you be afraid to go to the dentist office! You may even find that you are looking forward to the relaxing visits, and can answer no way when asked, afraid to go to the dentist?

One visit dental crowns were at one time no more than a dream for cosmetic dentists and their patients.  Now, with CEREC technology, this dream is a reality.  Indeed, patients in Charlotte NC are getting dental caps and teeth crowns in just one visit every day with CEREC technology provided by the cosmetic dentistry professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry.

One visit dental crowns are a miracle of modern cosmetic dentistry

In the past, it was common knowledge that it took more than one visit to the dentist for procedures involving dental caps to be fully completed.  During the first visit, X-rays would be taken as well as impressions of your existing teeth.  Then the natural tooth would be prepared to accept the crown.  Finally, patients would receive a temporary crown to protect the exposed tooth while they waited for the permanent crown to be made.  However, CEREC technology is changing this process.  In fact, is not some kind of a future dream, but it is available to patients now at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry.

What do one visit dental crowns do for my teeth?

Crowns protect teeth that have been cracked or weakened by large cavities.  They also help to fortify teeth that have been drilled out and filled.  Crowns are also used in root canal procedures.  A root canal can weaken a tooth and cause discoloration, problems that can be resolved in just one visit with CEREC.  Indeed, dental caps are the best solution to a variety of dental problems and with CEREC technology they are now one of the fastest cosmetic dentistry solutions available.

More about CEREC dental caps

CEREC technology employs 3D imaging and computer assisted drawing techniques. Your CEREC dentist will take a 3D scan of your teeth and utilize the most advanced porcelain materials to create a permanent dental cap right there in the office while you wait.  There is no need to deal with a temporary crown because your permanent crown can be created in minutes. 

CEREC crowns are just as beautiful as any crown you would receive that was made in a lab.  Furthermore, the porcelain materials from which they are made mimic the qualities of your natural teeth, expanding and contracting in response to hot and cold in a way that mirrors the natural tooth material the crown is bonded to.  For that reason, CEREC crowns are not just beautiful, but they actually make your teeth stronger and more durable. 

Where can I get my CEREC teeth crowns?

Anyone who lives in Charlotte NC can take advantage of the best that modern cosmetic dentistry has to offer, including one visit dental crowns with CEREC technology, by visiting the expert dental professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. 

Tooth bonding is a procedure where your local Charlotte NC cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry apply composite resin material on teeth either to restore the structure and strength or to improve the cosmetic quality of the teeth. This is a relatively simple dental procedure where patients wanting to have their beautiful smile restored can be satisfied in one dental appointment.

Why would I want dental bonding?

Patients may need dental bonding if they have decayed, cracked, stained, discolored or broken teeth. Sometimes, patients may want to have their teeth look longer than their usual length. Tooth bonding  is one way to achieve this effect.

Other reasons for using cosmetic tooth bonding may be an unpleasant teeth shape and contour, or closing gatps between the teeth.  Dental bonding is also a viable solution in repairing teeth instead of silver mercury fillings.

Laying out the pros and cons of tooth bonding

Charlotte NC cosmetic dentists, here at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, can complete tooth bonding in just one appointment, and the process takes about 30 minutes or less. Dental bonding is one of the easiest restorative procedures for an experience cosmetic dentist.

In terms of cost, tooth bonding is friendly with every patient’s pocket.  It’s always important to check with your dental insurance, so that you understand what is covered in your insurance.  This particular dental procedure does not require second visits or sending information to dental labs.

Sedation is not usually necessary for the tooth bonding procedure, and is a relatively easy procedure for most patients.  Only a small portion of the tooth is drilled and prepared. However, some patients may still experience sensitivity. Some patients may have dental fear or anxiety.  To save the patient from anxiety, sedation dentistry may be offered with tooth bonding.

Bonding to the tooth does not last forever.  Over time, this restorative material may stain as it absorbs fluid from the oral cavity. Tea, coffee and cigarettes highly induce staining on composite resin materials. Patients may be prone to have these restorations replaced when this happens. As a precaution, your cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry recommend brushing as soon as possible after drinking coffee or other liquids and food that can stain.

Just like any restoration and appliances in the mouth, patients need to take care of their teeth and follow their Charlotte cosmetic dentist’s instructions.  Too much biting pressure should be avoided as it may cause untimely fracturing of the restoration. Abrasive toothpastes are also not welcome as maintenance pastes for tooth bonding. Abrasives may take out the luster and shine in the tooth bonding. This may make the restoration susceptible to stains afterwards.

Tooth bonding sound like something you would like to know more about? Visit your local Charlotte cosmetic dentist at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, and see if tooth bonding will be an option for you to help you get the smile you deserve.