COSMETIC DENTISTRY

 

Your smile is an important part of making a first impression, and you undoubtedly want to put your best face forward in that department. However, many people aren’t satisfied with their smile’s appearance. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry treatments are available to correct any defects in your smile, from dingy yellow teeth to chips and cracks or teeth that are misaligned. A dentist can draw on a wide variety of cosmetic treatments to help patients achieve their smile goals, and those treatments can be provided in combination as part of a comprehensive smile makeover or individually to address more minor aesthetic issues.

 

The process of improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry begins with your initial consultation. At this appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums and you’ll have an opportunity to discuss your smile goals. All of this information will help the dentist to formulate your treatment plan. Then, you’ll schedule the follow-up appointment or appointments at which the interventions will be administered. Depending on the combination of treatments you and your dentist choose, the timing of the various procedures may need to occur in a certain sequence. For example, you may need to undergo teeth whitening before having veneers placed.

 

Patients have a great deal of input into the cosmetic dentistry process, so don’t hesitate to ask for exactly what you want. We will do everything possible to help you achieve the desired results, and your satisfaction is our priority. Cosmetic dentistry is one part science and one part art, and Dr. Ku’s unique background that includes formal training in fine arts and painting makes him particularly well-qualified to provide these treatments for patients.

 

Protecting and supporting our patient’s long-term dental health is our business. We are committed to serving your dental needs with care and professional expertise. Your comfort is our continuous focus when helping you achieve and maintain your best smile possible. We pride ourselves in customer service excellence, superior dental health support, timely comprehensive services and exceptional cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ’s

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of repairing aesthetic flaws in the teeth to help patients smile with confidence and boost their self-esteem. Patients may turn to cosmetic dentistry to address issues such as staining or discoloration, damaged teeth, missing teeth or a crooked smile. Cosmetic dentistry techniques and interventions designed to enhance the smile’s appearance may include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental crowns, dental bridges and dental implants. A dentist will look at the smile’s overall appearance and may recommend multiple cosmetic interventions or just one or two, depending on the patient’s treatment goals.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can be used to restore the appearance of a tooth that has been extensively damaged by decay that is too large to repair more conservatively. Dental crowns may be created using a variety of different materials, including porcelain, a porcelain-metal combo, ceramics or metal alone, depending on the patient’s needs. The appearance of non-metal crowns can be tailored to blend in with the patient’s biological teeth to avoid a noticeably artificial look. Dental crowns can be bonded to a tooth after a thin layer of enamel has been removed from the tooth to make room for a crown. The process of getting a dental crown typically takes place over two or three appointments.

What is a dental veneer?

Dental veneers are tooth-shaped shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of patient’s biological teeth to conceal a number of flaws ranging from deep stains to chips and cracks. Veneers are so versatile that they may also be used to make a slightly crooked stretch of teeth appear straighter or help an undersized tooth look more proportional to its neighbors. Veneers can be made of porcelain or ceramics, and they are custom-designed according to a patient’s unique specifications. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, the patient may need to have the teeth prepped by removing a thin layer of enamel before the veneer can be bonded to the tooth. Dental veneers are quite strong after they are bonded to the teeth and can stay in place for a decade or more with proper care.

I have sensitive teeth, can I still whiten my teeth?

Some patients do report increased tooth sensitivity as a side effect of teeth whitening, especially if they have received repeated treatments. However, that doesn’t mean that existing tooth sensitivity needs to keep you from a brighter, whiter smile if that’s on your wish list. Bring this to your dentist’s attention during the treatment planning process, and the dentist can make recommendations, such as brushing with a specially formulated toothpaste, to help reduce the severity of this symptom.

MEET THE DOCTOR

Dr. James Ku DDS | Albuquerque NM Dentist

The Doctor James Ku, D.D.S.

James Ku, D.D.S., a University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry graduate, worked at the first New York hospital to receive patients on the morning of 9-11 where he treated patients in emergency and cosmetic facial repair. Dr. Ku was nominated Resident of the Year at his New York City hospital based dentistry program. He was a USC Clinical Faculty Instructor and a staff member of California based Hoag Hospital. Dr. Ku was one of the first USC Clinical Faculty Instructors to teach both Restorative Dentistry and Oral Surgery. The only USC dentist to graduate with formal training in fine arts and painting, Dr. Ku offers patients the benefit of esthetic artistic talent. Dr. Ku’s patients say they appreciate his caring nature, active sense of humor, and exceptional expertise.

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