4 cosmetic concerns and how we treat them

Drs. Anna Abel and Chuong Phan prioritize the technical, clinical, and artistic aspects of dentistry. As a cosmetic dentist practice, Abel, Phan & Associates knows that prioritizing all of these areas is the best way to ensure patients are satisfied with their treatment. Both a natural look and enduring strength are non-negotiables at our office in Sterling, Virginia. Below, our team is pleased to highlight four examples of cosmetic concerns and how we treat them. 

1. Problem: Severely discolored, misshapen, and worn teeth 

Solution: Porcelain crowns

Our highly aesthetic and durable porcelain crowns are designed to fit over the entire visible white part of the tooth above the gumline. Due to the coverage and support that is provided by crowns, these dental restorations are reserved for “big” cosmetic cases. For instance, they may be recommended for patients with deep, internal tooth staining that is not responsive to professional whitening or bleaching. These stains may be better masked with porcelain crowns instead of thinner veneers. By covering up the entire natural crown, our porcelain crowns can completely reshape or resize a tooth with significant irregularities, such as a very undersized tooth or an overly pointed or peg-shaped tooth. Drs. Abel and Phan consider the nature and extent of size- or shape-related discrepancies when exploring crowns or more conservative alternatives (like veneers).

2. Problem: Old, worn, or silver-colored fillings; noticeable “wear and tear”

Solution: Porcelain inlays 

While modern dental restorations are very strong and can last a long time with good care, we put our teeth through a lot. Eventually, wear and tear can show up on our fillings as stains, a matte or flat appearance, jagged edges, and visible gaps or dark lines at the space where the teeth and gums meet. Some of our patients may also have old silver-colored amalgam fillings. Due to their color, these fillings do not blend in with the surrounding tooth structure or the rest of the natural teeth. Additionally, metal fillings tend to oxidize and become even darker over time. In these and other cases (such as chips and small cracks), porcelain dental inlays are a conservative alternative to full dental crowns, providing more coverage and support than simple white fillings or veneers. 

3. Problem: Gaps, undersized or poorly-shaped teeth, stubborn discoloration, and other imperfections 

Solution: Porcelain veneers

The veneers that we place are made from stain-resistant, strong porcelain that mimics the properties of natural enamel. Veneers are placed on the front surfaces of the most visible teeth in your smile, usually between eight and ten teeth. Since porcelain is applied to the fronts of these teeth, think of veneers as “facings” that cover up a variety of different imperfections. When imperfections like those mentioned above are severe or when you need to strengthen a tooth as well, inlays or crowns are generally advised. This treatment is an appealing option for the right candidates because it requires minimal alteration of natural tooth enamel. So, it preserves a maximum amount of tooth structure.

4. Problem: Yellow or stained teeth 

Solution: Professional teeth whitening 

In-office or home whitening at Abel, Phan & Associates is among the fastest and easiest ways to enhance the appearance of your smile. Our whitening options are appropriate for deeper stains or discoloration that does not budge during routine professional cleanings. While such cleanings prevent surface-level discoloration from seeping into the tooth’s tiny pores, you need a stronger treatment when the stains are “set in” to the deeper dentin layer. Professional teeth whitening is also a welcome treatment for many of our patients in the Sterling, Virginia area who have tried all sorts of toothpastes, kits, and strips – to no avail. The gels that we use are stronger and more concentrated than anything you can buy at the drugstore or online. 

Regardless of whether your concern is yellow teeth or a very misshapen tooth, our dentists also welcome the opportunity to chat with you and to make those concerns disappear. Call (571) 450-9848 to schedule your consultation today. 

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