Enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry!

We offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services at Highland Dental Clinic in the heart of South Lakeland, FL, including porcelain veneers. These cosmetic restorations are designed to look like your natural teeth, concealing the front part of your teeth to enhance the overall aesthetics of your natural smile. By addressing common dental imperfections on the front teeth, you can transform your appearance in just two appointments. Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team educate patients on how these restorations enhance smiles.

So, what exactly are dental veneers?

Fernandez describes dental veneers as slim, tooth-colored porcelain shells custom-made to bond with your teeth tightly. Veneers seamlessly blend with natural teeth, correcting issues like shortening, reshaping, and changing the color of discolored teeth.

For those located in Bartow, Winter Haven, Plant City, and South Lakeland, Florida, and desiring a more attractive smile, Dr. Fernandez and her dedicated, experienced team provide a range of cosmetic dentistry services. Cosmetic dentistry is a specific focus in a dental practice that helps to make aesthetic improvements to the smile. Imperfections such as misaligned, chipped, or stained teeth can be easily corrected with certain cosmetic dental treatments. Let’s take a closer look at cosmetic dentistry and find out what situations may warrant the assistance of a skilled aesthetic dental team.

What cosmetic procedures does your office provide?

Our dedicated dental team provides a wide range of aesthetic dental treatments to the South Lakeland, Florida community, ensuring access to solutions for an enhanced smile. Here’s a list of some of our currently available services:

  • Porcelain veneers. These enamel-like shells cover your smile’s flaws, focusing on the teeth visible when you smile. We offer traditional and reversible minimal-prep veneers, depending on a patient’s needs.
  • Full mouth restoration. If you have experienced significant tooth damage or loss, Dr. Fernandez and her team comprehensively renovate the smile with full mouth restoration. This smile makeover treatment includes a combination of procedures over time. The treatment plan is customized to the patient and their specific aesthetic goals.
  • Crown lengthening/gum recontouring. Those with “gummy” smiles can undergo a process to remove excess gum tissue, leading to a more aesthetically balanced smile that improves appearance and confidence.
  • Smile whitening. The easiest and most consistent method for brightening teeth and improving the appearance of your smile is through professional teeth whitening. We also offer single-visit, in-office treatments and recommendations for take-home professional-strength solutions!
  • Composite bonding. Dr. Fernandez and her team use dental bonding techniques to conceal imperfections in a single visit, such as chipped, cracked, or permanently discolored teeth. This procedure is more affordable than porcelain veneers but may need to be replaced sooner as they are susceptible to staining. Most patients can expect their bonding to last a few years before replacement is required.
  • Inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to address tooth decay and the damage caused by it without needing to remove as much natural tooth structure as with regular fillings. Dental bonding is made from composite material or porcelain and enhances appearance.

Visit our team at Highland Dental Clinic of South Lakeland, Florida, today to explore your cosmetic dentistry options!

To discuss cosmetic dental treatments and how they can improve your smile, contact Dr. Fernandez and her team at (863) 457-1954. Schedule an upcoming appointment at our South Lakeland, Florida, office to discuss your oral health and wellness with a professional dedicated to improving your smile!

FAQs

Will cosmetic dentistry affect my bite or overall oral function?

Cosmetic dentistry typically focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile, but it also needs to maintain functionality. Treatments such as veneers, crowns, and bonding are designed to match and work with your natural bite rather than against it. However, certain cosmetic procedures may alter your bite slightly. Your dentist will ensure minimal changes to your teeth’s alignment and help your smile look great without compromising your bite, comfort, or chewing ability.

How will cosmetic treatments age over time?

Different cosmetic treatments have varied lifespans and wear differently with age. Porcelain veneers, for example, can last between 10 to 15 years, though they may eventually need replacement or touch-ups due to gradual wear or discoloration. Teeth whitening treatments may need to be repeated every few months or years, depending on lifestyle factors such as diet and oral care habits. By asking about longevity, you can plan for any necessary future care to maintain your smile’s appearance.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives to achieve similar cosmetic results?

Many patients may not realize that non-surgical cosmetic options are available to achieve aesthetic improvements. For instance, dental bonding can offer similar results to veneers for minor chips or imperfections but with less alteration to the original tooth. Teeth whitening, orthodontic options like Invisalign, and even reshaping minor flaws can offer improvements without the invasiveness of crowns or veneers. Discussing these alternatives helps ensure you are fully aware of options that suit your comfort level.

Can cosmetic dentistry help improve facial symmetry?

Cosmetic dentistry can enhance facial balance and symmetry. Correcting issues such as uneven teeth, excessive gum display, or tooth size irregularities with treatments like gum contouring or veneers can create a more harmonious smile, which can result in improved facial symmetry and proportion. Patients interested in overall aesthetic enhancement might find these treatments beneficial for smile and facial harmony.

What are the daily care requirements for cosmetic dental work?

Cosmetic treatments require a commitment to regular oral hygiene to keep them looking their best. For example, porcelain veneers and bonding can stain or wear down if not properly cared for. Regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding highly staining foods can help maintain the treatment’s appearance. Additionally, professional cleanings are essential to keep your cosmetic work in good shape. Knowing this enables you to plan an oral care routine to extend the lifespan of your cosmetic investments.

Will lifestyle habits, like coffee drinking or smoking, affect the results?

Yes, lifestyle choices can significantly impact the results of cosmetic treatments. Drinking coffee, tea, and red wine and smoking can discolor even the most durable veneers over time. While porcelain is resistant to stains, frequent exposure to such elements may dull its appearance. Knowing this in advance allows patients to consider lifestyle adjustments that could help preserve their bright, new smile.

How might cosmetic dentistry affect my speech?

Some cosmetic dental treatments may temporarily affect speech, especially when they alter the shape or placement of your teeth. Patients with new veneers, crowns, or aligners may experience slight changes in speech as their mouth adjusts. These effects are usually short-lived, but asking about them beforehand helps set realistic expectations.

Blanca Fernandez, DMD
Blanca Fernandez, DMD

Dr. Blanca Fernandez is a skilled dentist in Lakeland, FL. She studied general dentistry at the Colombian Dental College and studied prosthodontics and received a Master of Science at the Dentistry Foundation of San Martin in Bogota, Colombia. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery, Dr. Fernandez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, and Polk County Dental Association.