What could a smile makeover do for your confidence?
Gwaltney Dental provides a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services to help our patients achieve the smiles of their dreams. You can brighten, straighten, and improve the overall appearance of your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Our doctors have over 30 years of combined experience providing compassionate and thorough dental services to patients in the Suffolk, VA, community.
We take a personal approach to your aesthetic goals and will offer you a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. Depending on your overall needs and goals, we can often provide single-appointment dental services that can leave you feeling more confident about your smile after one visit to our Suffolk dentist office. Additionally, we are happy to give you a smile makeover using a combination of our services.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney are experienced cosmetic dentists in Suffolk, VA. They have helped many patients achieve their dream smiles with our expansive cosmetic dentistry services. While cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on your smile aesthetics, our doctors know that when you feel more confident about your smile, you are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene habits for many years.
We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your oral health so that your cosmetic dental treatments also support the long-term stability of your smile.
For a complete smile makeover, our doctors will often use a combination of dental services to ensure you get the end result that you have been looking for. During your cosmetic consultation, your doctor will ask about any cosmetic concerns with your smile.
We will offer guidance on properly treating your concerns considering your overall dental health and budgetary goals. In addition to the treatments below, a smile makeover may include the placement of a dental crown, dental implant, or other dental restoration to address more complex problems affecting the appearance of your natural smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Instead of requiring metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, our doctors can provide Invisalign. Invisalign utilizes clear aligners to be worn over your teeth throughout the day. As you advance through the system of aligners, they will begin to apply small amounts of pressure to your dental structures and encourage them to shift into a straighter position.
Invisalign can be used for both teens and adults looking to address their crooked, misaligned teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that cover the front-facing portion of problematic teeth. You can get one veneer or a full mouth of veneers, depending on your needs and goals. This gives you, and your doctor complete control of your smile aesthetics, allowing you to cover teeth with concerns like bleach-resistant stains, misshapen teeth, or gaps.
The application of veneers is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require extensive enamel removal. This means you can comfortably achieve a brand-new smile without requiring extensive, invasive restorative care.
Teeth Bonding
Teeth bonding is a minimally invasive, cost-effective solution to addressing minor cosmetic concerns. Cosmetic concerns like small chips, stains, or gaps can be concealed using teeth bonding. A tooth-colored resin will be applied over any blemishes on your affected tooth during the teeth bonding procedure. The bonding material will then be hardened to your dental structures and shaped to ensure it blends seamlessly with your smile.
Children and adults can benefit from this procedure. This service works best for patients with minor cosmetic issues but no underlying oral health concerns.
Teeth Whitening
Our office provides Zoom! Teeth Whitening in-office solutions to help you achieve a whiter and brighter smile. Dental discoloration is a very common concern. It occurs because common foods and beverages leave behind staining agents on our smiles and cause dental discoloration as we age.
Within one appointment, we apply our Zoom! Whitening Gel evenly to your dental structures. Usually completed within one appointment, the gel will lift stains and years of discoloration from your dental structures and leave behind a whiter and brighter version of your natural smile.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry does more than make your smile look better—it can improve your life in many real and lasting ways. While the treatments used in cosmetic dentistry are important, the real benefits come from how these changes affect your confidence, health, and everyday experiences.
One of the biggest benefits of cosmetic dentistry is a boost in self-confidence. You’re more likely to show your smile when you’re proud. This can make you feel better in social situations, at school, at work, or even in casual conversations. People who feel confident in their smile tend to smile more often, making them seem friendlier and more approachable. A confident smile can also help during job interviews or public speaking, where first impressions matter.
Cosmetic dentistry also supports your mental and emotional well-being. Many feel embarrassed about their teeth due to chips, stains, or gaps. This embarrassment can cause stress or anxiety, especially when meeting new people or being in photos. By improving your smile, cosmetic dentistry can reduce those negative feelings. You’ll likely feel more relaxed and comfortable being yourself.
Another important benefit is better oral function. Cosmetic changes often make it easier to chew, bite, and speak. If you’ve had damaged or missing teeth replaced, you may find eating a wider variety of foods easier. This can improve your nutrition and overall health. Even small changes, like fixing uneven teeth, can make your bite more balanced and reduce strain on your jaw muscles.
Cosmetic dentistry can also help improve long-term oral health. When your teeth are straight, clean, and shaped correctly, they are easier to brush and floss. Over time, this reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. In some cases, correcting cosmetic problems can even prevent future dental issues, which saves you money and time at the dentist.
A well-aligned smile can also lead to better speech. Teeth play a key role in how we pronounce words. When they are missing, crooked, or uneven, it can affect your speech patterns. Many people notice clearer speech and improved communication after having cosmetic dental work.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry offerings by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign is a more recent technology than dental braces. For many patients, Invisalign is a better option than braces because it is less visible and more comfortable. Invisalign is an excellent option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of braces. However, Invisalign may not be the best option for severe cases of teeth misalignment. Your dentist will determine which option is the best for you.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of dental veneers depends on whether you have porcelain or composite veneers and how well you care for them. Porcelain laminate veneers can last from 10 to 13 years. Composite resin veneers will last anywhere from 10 to 12 years.
How long does dental bonding last?
The longevity of dental bonding depends on the type of material used and how well you care for them. Tooth bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. They can also last longer depending on how often you eat and drink acidic foods and drinks.
Do at-home teeth whitening products work?
At-home teeth whitening products do work, but they vary in their effectiveness. At-home teeth whitening products can also damage your teeth if you purchase the wrong treatment. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth at home, you should visit a dentist for a professional whitening treatment.
What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a dental procedure that improves the appearance of your smile. It is a custom treatment plan that combines a variety of cosmetic dental procedures. A smile makeover can involve a variety of treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and orthodontics.
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
No. Today, most cosmetic dentistry procedures are not typically painful. Many patients report that their procedures were quite comfortable. However, some procedures may cause some discomfort, such as teeth whitening. Everyone’s experience is different. Talk to your dentist about your specific concerns and expectations.
Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation in Suffolk, VA
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry but are unsure where to start, schedule a cosmetic consultation with one of our dentists. During the consultation, they will evaluate your smile and provide a treatment plan that best meets your needs. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile.