Dentist in Greensboro, NC tells how to keep cosmetic dentistry dazzling

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in YOU – your appearance, self-esteem, viability in the job market, and acceptance in social settings. Once you’ve got your smile looking terrific, it makes great sense to protect and preserve it. The team at Triad Dentistry share these tips to help patients from Greensboro, NC to Burlington, High Point, Kernersville, Salem, Winston, and beyond, make the most of their investment in smile enhancement.

Smile boosters

In the care of an ethical dentist, the majority of treatments, including prevention and restoration, have an element of aesthetics. Yet some services are intended primarily to improve the appearance of your smile:

• Teeth whitening – Fast in-office whitening erases years of stains in about an hour, for a noticeably brilliant smile.
• Dental bonding – This is an economical solution to mask blemishes such as chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, wear, stubborn discoloration, and minor misalignment. Bonding takes about an hour per tooth, and usually no numbing is needed.
• Tooth-colored fillings – Composite resin bonding is also a strong and durable material for fillings. Some patients opt to have old silver-colored amalgams replaced with fillings that blend seamlessly.
• Porcelain veneers – These thin layers of luminous dental ceramic cover many types of imperfections. Veneers are the secret to the near-perfect color, shape, alignment, and symmetry you see in many smiles on television and movie screens.
• Gum recontouring – This soft tissue procedure balances the proportion of gum tissue to teeth.
• Restorations – Your individualized plan for cosmetic smile enhancement may also include replacing missing teeth with dental bridges or implants. Or, you may have old, dark dental work such as crowns, inlays, and onlays replaced with new, natural-looking porcelain restorations.

Tips for cosmetic dentistry patients in Greensboro, NC

Your smile makeover could be a single treatment, or a comprehensive combination of services phased in over time. Regardless, these tips will extend the lifespan of your dental work and keep your smile glowing.

A consistent routine of home oral care is the most important step you can take to maintain cosmetic and restorative dental work. Brush after eating. Use a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste and soft toothbrush – either manual or electric. Give extra attention to the margin where veneers and crowns meet the gum line. An aggressive brushing style contributes to gum recession, so please use a light hand.

Floss gently, as well. You really cannot floss too often, and it is especially critical before your last brushing of the night. Slide the floss toward gums. Then pull it into a V-shape and glide it up and down to clean sides of teeth. Instead of tugging it past contacts (which can dislodge dental work), pull one end of floss out from the gum line. If you have a dental bridge, we will demonstrate how to use a floss threader to keep soft tissues under the bridge clean and healthy.

Maintain regular checkup appointments. These visits give our team the opportunity to inspect cosmetic dental work so that minor issues, if any, can be corrected before they become bigger problems. Of course, these visits are essential to the overall health of your teeth and mouth, too.

While porcelain dental restorations, and composites to a lesser degree, resists stains, your natural teeth do not. Tooth enamel has microscopic pits, grooves, and channels that trap pigments. So, when dental work stays bright, but enamel becomes dingy, the disparity can be noticeable. Try to keep staining beverages away from teeth. It is simple – just sip cola, red wine, tea, and coffee from a straw. Keep a washable, reusable metal or heavy plastic drinking straw in your pocket, handbag, desk drawer, and automobile.

Protect your teeth from trauma. Don’t bite directly into hard foods – break or cut them into small pieces that you can grind with back molars. It is best to avoid chewy candy, but if that is your weakness, try sucking on it instead of chewing. Keep hard objects such as pens and fingernails out of your mouth. Wear a custom fit mouthguard when playing sports. If you clench or grind, we can provide a night guard to cushion teeth (as an added benefit, you may find relief from jaw pain and headaches).

Triad Dentistry team care about your smile! Call (336) 383-1482 in Greensboro, NC to learn more about smile transformation with cosmetic dentistry.

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Dr. Steven Hatcher

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Dr. Chad Merrell

Dr. Sona Isharani

Dr. Bailey Walker

Dr. Steven L. Hatcher is a skilled dentist with extensive expertise in oral health and patient care. A University of North Carolina alumnus with a background in biology and cancer research, Dr. Hatcher's military service at prestigious locations, including Fort Meade and the Pentagon, underscores his commitment to excellence. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of several professional associations. Recognized for his dedication through numerous awards, including Army Commendation Medals, Dr. Hatcher continually advances his knowledge through ongoing education. His patient-centered approach ensures personalized, long-term oral wellness.

Dr. Chad T. Merrell, a dedicated dentist with 16 years of experience, combines his deep expertise and advanced training to provide exceptional care. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus and Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Merrell is skilled in advanced dental techniques. His commitment to patient care, treating each as family, underscores his trustworthiness. His background includes a B.S. in Zoology from N.C. State University and an Eagle Scout honor, highlighting his long-standing dedication to excellence. You can trust Dr. Merrell for compassionate, cutting-edge dental care.

Dr. Sona J. Isharani is a board-certified pediatric dentist renowned for her compassionate care and expertise. With a background that combines hands-on parenting experience and specialized training, Dr. Isharani excels in creating a comforting, home-like environment for children and their families. Affectionately known as "Dr. Sona," she emphasizes education and preventive care to ensure lifelong dental health. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry, she provides exceptional dental care and maintains continuity of care as children transition to adulthood, reflecting her commitment to building trust and fostering long-term relationships with her patients.

Dr. Bailey Walker is a dedicated general dentist known for her compassionate care and patient-centered approach. With a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biology from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Southern Illinois University, she combines extensive academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Dr. Walker is pursuing a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. Her community engagement includes dental mission trips and volunteering for underserved populations. Dr. Walker’s emphasis on patient education and her caring nature foster a trusted, positive dental experience.