At Des Moines River Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. From teeth whitening and veneers to bonding and orthodontic treatment, we tailor each treatment plan to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Whether you want to fix minor imperfections or transform your entire smile, we’re here to help you feel more confident and comfortable with your appearance.
Invisalign Orthodontics
Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results that you’ll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into a straighter position, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.
Veneers
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the tooth’s outside (visible area). Veneers are usually only used on the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers are made at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment, the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks, the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very aesthetic.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed. Veneers are not recommended for teeth that have large fillings or have little tooth structure remaining.
Whitening
Whitening is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. We use several methods:
- In-office, professional-strength whitening with 38% hydrogen peroxide for “instant” results
- Prescription-strength, passive tray whitening at home
- Over the counter-strength whitening strips at home
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, have become increasingly popular in modern dentistry due to their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. These fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, creating a material that can be closely matched to the natural color of a patient’s teeth. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which are silver in appearance, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure, making them virtually invisible when smiling or speaking.
Clear Aligner Therapy (Clear Braces)
Clear braces are an increasingly popular orthodontic option that offers a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets made from ceramic or composite materials, along with tooth-colored wires, to blend in with the natural color of teeth. This makes them far less noticeable than conventional metal braces, making them an attractive choice for adults and image-conscious teens who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The primary goal of orthodontics is to achieve proper alignment of teeth and jaws, which not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of a person’s smile but also improves oral function and overall dental health. Orthodontists use a variety of tools and techniques to address issues such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, offering a relatively quick and non-invasive way to enhance one’s smile. This process involves removing stains and discoloration from teeth to restore their natural color or, in some cases, make them even whiter than their original shade. Teeth can become discolored over time due to various factors, including consumption of staining foods and beverages (like coffee, tea, and red wine), smoking, certain medications, and the natural aging process.