Aesthetic Dentistry

When you look for "evenness" in your teeth, you probably look at whether or not the incised edges of your teeth appear to be lined up correctly. When we look at your teeth, we also consider where your teeth meet your gums. Gum contouring (aka gum shaping) allows us to give patients a beautiful, well-balanced smile that is symmetrical and properly proportioned. This procedure can function as a standalone cosmetic procedure, a way of addressing gaps or hollows between a tooth and the gums that may allow bacteria to accumulate, or an essential part of a more complete oral resoration such as receiving implants or dentures. During a gum contouring procedure, the dentist will numb the area being treated and use a soft tissue laser to carefully sculpt the gums.

In addition to straightening your smile and providing a confidence boost, orthodontic care makes it easier to properly clean and care for your teeth. Invisaline invisible braces are a series of clear aligners that fit snugly to your teeth and gradually adjust the position of your teeth over time.

Invisaline braces are a simple and discreet method of adjusting crooked teeth, and they are a good option for addressing:

• Overbite/ underbite

• Crossbite

• Open bite

• Crowding

• Gaps

Initially, developing your custom Invasaline plan involves a few appointments. The first appointment is a consultation, during which your dentist will use an advanced dental scanning system to get a precise 3D impression of your teeth. Based on this scan, your dentist will share your projected Invisaline results.

The second appointment involves more detailed planning. Your dentist will map out the exact adjustments that will be made to your teeth during your treatment. The goal of Invisaline is to adjust your teeth gradually, applying precisely the right force at the right time, which makes this step the key to achieving Invisaline success.

Once your plan is established and your aligners are made, you're ready to begin treatment. Each aligner is a clear plastic form that fits snugly to your teeth. Depending on your personal Invisaline plan, you will switch to new aligners every 5-7 days. Treatment typically lasts 6-12 months, but the exact duration of your treatment will depend on your unique needs. You should plan on progress check ups every 6 weeks or so.

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that uses thin, tooth-colored pieces of material to correct minor issues like small cracks, chips, uneven edges, stains, and gaps in the front teeth. Patients with "gummy" smiles or rotated front teeth may also be good candidates for porcelain veneers.

Darkened or yellowing teeth are extremely common and can be caused by a variety of factors. Teeth seem hard and solid, but they are actually very porous. That means it's easy for them to be stained when exposed to certain foods and beverages-- like coffee or tea-- as well as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. However, tooth discoloration can also come from internal sources like trauma or disease. In order to effectively address dark or yellowing teeth, your dentist first needs to understand what is causing the discoloration. Elizabeth Wakim offers a number of solutions, including whitening treatments and veneers.

As the #1 Dentist in Washington, PA, Elizabeth Wakim DDS is experienced in providing a wide range of aesthetic and cosmetic dental solutions. Schedule an appointment today to develop a personalized plan for achieving the smile of your dreams and take advantage of cutting-edge aesthetic dental procedures, such as:

• Teeth whitening

• Invisaline braces

• Gum countouring

• Porcelain veneers

• Porcelain crowns and bridges

• Porcelain and composite fillings