Why Are Straight Teeth Important?

Many of us dream of having a perfectly straight movie star smile. You may think that it’s only a cosmetic concern, but actually, having straight teeth can benefit your overall health for many reasons.

Brush & Floss More Easily

First and foremost, straight teeth are easier to clean. Crooked teeth sometimes create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate that are hard to reach with a normal toothbrush. It can also be tricky to thread floss between overlapping teeth. We all know that poor oral hygiene can result in cavities, gum disease, decay, and many other issues. Straightening your teeth will help you keep your smile healthy and sparkling.

Prevent Wear & Tear

Your upper and lower teeth are meant to align in a certain way when you bite down. When your teeth don't line up properly, they can rub against each other in unusual ways, leading to uneven wear on the tooth surfaces. This makes chipping or cracking more likely to happen. Wear and tear also erode the protective layer of enamel on the outside of your teeth, leaving you more susceptible to problems like cavities, decay, and tooth sensitivity.

Minimize Jaw Pain

A misaligned bite can also put undue stress on your jaw muscles, resulting in stiffness or pain. When you have crooked teeth, your jaw may have to work a little harder to chew or talk properly. When those muscles get fatigued, it can lead to headaches or TMJ. Straightening your teeth can help alleviate tension around the jaw and reduce discomfort.

Invisalign in North Richland Hills, Texas

If you think it might be time to straighten your teeth, contact our team at North Richland Hills Dentistry for an orthodontic consultation. We offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy, so you don’t have to deal with unsightly metal braces. For more information, schedule an appointment today!

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Marketing Dental Products

In our consumer-driven society, you’ll find marketing everywhere. There are billboards you pass while driving to work, ads that pop up when you’re surfing the web and flyers that are stuffed in your mailbox. Sometimes, it can be hard to separate what’s real and what’s fancy marketing. In the dental world, teeth whitening products are heavily marketed. Often consumers are promised results that are dramatic, fast, and cheap.

Whitening Strips

One of these products are whitening strips that you can purchase at the drugstore or grocery store. While some teeth whitening strips can help lift stains, they’re not as effective as the kind of treatment you’ll get at a dental office. Your dentist will use a more powerful bleaching agent. So the treatment won't cost much, but the results won't be fast or dramatic. On top of that, these whitening strips come with a risk of uneven results, tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Whitening Toothpaste

Another product marketed to whiten teeth is whitening toothpaste. It’s a similar story here. Some whitening toothpastes may brighten your smile a bit, but they can only help slightly to fix surface-level stains. If your stains reach deeper than that, the toothpaste won't be effective. You haven't really wasted your money though. You need to use toothpaste to brush your teeth and whitening toothpaste isn't much more than the basic variety. However, again, the results will not be dramatic and whitening toothpaste takes even longer to show noticeable results than whitening strips.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you want to effectively whiten your teeth, North Richland Hills Dentistry offers in-office teeth whitening. In only an hour, you'll see a dramatic improvement in the whiteness of your teeth. This is not a marketing ploy. It's a fact that comes from using a high-quality, concentrated bleaching gel that will be professionally applied by our experienced team to reach every part of your teeth. It isn't as cheap as whitening strips or toothpaste, but the results are beautiful and long-lasting.

Cosmetic Dentist in North Richland Hills<?h2>

Dr. Desai can help you determine which of our cosmetic services will best enhance your smile. In addition to whitening, we offer Invisalign® clear aligners and porcelain veneers. On top of the comprehensive dental services that we provide, our team can also advise on what’s fact and fiction when it comes to your oral health. We can answer your questions about dental products or techniques you’ve seen marketed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

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Are Smile Flaws Holding You Back in Your Career?

Stuck in a rut when it comes to your career? Your lack of confidence could be to blame. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost that self-esteem, start with your smile. If you think your smile flaws could be holding you back, here's some things to think about.

Are Smile Flaws Holding You Back in Your Career?

What is the first thing someone notices when they meet someone new? Survey says, their smile! Whether you're meeting a client or interviewing for a new position, the working world is all about making connections. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, you may be hesitant to smile when you’re in those scenarios. This could come across as unfriendly, cold, or unenthusiastic, even though that’s probably not the case. First impressions are very important, so if your smile is stopping you from making the best one possible, it’s time to change that.

Cosmetic Solutions in North Richland Hills, TX

Now for the fun part! Whatever problem spots you have with your smile, we’ll fix them! That’s right, we have the skills and services to fix pretty much whatever is bothering you. Discoloration getting you down? Professional teeth whitening can brighten up your smile drastically. Crooked or misaligned smile? Invisalign® clear aligner therapy will fix it. And we also have the ultimate smile transformation that will improve just about anything. Porcelain veneers can correct cracks, discoloration, gaps, misshapen teeth, and more!

Tooth Restoration Options

If your smile needs more than a cosmetic boost, we have solutions for that too. There are many ways to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Restoring a damaged smile does more than improve your confidence. It also improves your oral health. Don't let financial worries stop you from getting the dental care you need. We offer many different payment options and our in-house dental savings plan makes it easy for busy professionals to maintain a beautiful smile.

Enhance Your Smile with North Richland Hills Dentistry

So now that you know the key to improve your self confidence, what are you waiting for? A consultation for a smile makeover is just a call or a click away. Call our North Richland Hills office about achieving a smile that reflects your great potential.

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Pros & Cons to Dental Veneers

Are you unhappy with certain parts of your smile? You don’t have to settle for a smile that you don’t absolutely love. Porcelain veneers are a transformative cosmetic dental treatment that can completely change the look of your teeth and enhance your overall appearance. Want to learn more about veneers? Here we'll discuss some of the pros and the cons of veneers!

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are durable porcelain shells designed to look just like real teeth. They are permanently cemented to the front side of existing teeth to create a more uniform smile. Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment to correct a variety of aesthetic tooth imperfections.

Pros of Veneers

Veneers offer a wide variety of benefits for patients.

Cons of Veneers

With dental veneers, there are some factors to consider when determining whether or not you should get them.

Are Veneers Right For Me?

Wondering if porcelain veneers are the right choice for your smile? The best way to see if veneers are a good fit for you is to schedule a consultation with a trained cosmetic dentist! At North Richland Hills Dentistry, we have years of experience performing cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers! Our team works one-on-one with patients to help make each patient’s dream smile a reality. Please contact our office to book your veneer consultation. We’d love to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile with cosmetic dentistry!

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The Differences Between Braces & Invisalign

In our modern world, we have more choices than ever. Just walk into any grocery store and you’ll be confronted by a seemingly endless number of variations of the same product. Things have changed in the dental industry as well as new advancements give rise to more treatment possibilities. When it comes to orthodontics, this is no exception. If you decide to straighten your teeth, you’ll have to decide whether you want to get braces or Invisalign. So what’s the difference and how do you decide? Here’s the scoop on the two main differences:

The Appearance

One of the most notable differences between braces and Invisalign is also the most noticeable. Traditional braces have a much more prominent look due to their use of brackets and wires. Some practices now offer the option of clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to disguise the appearance of braces, but the fact remains that there is an appliance fashioned to the outside of your teeth.

Invisalign, on the other hand, is chosen by many patients specifically because it has a very subtle look. Instead of metal hardware, this treatment uses fitted plastic aligners made from clear plastic material. This means that they blend into your teeth much more seamlessly.

The Convenience

Like briefly mentioned previously, braces are fixed onto the outside of your teeth, which means there’s no taking them off once they’re on. Invisalign aligners, however, can be popped on and off. Because of this, you can continue to brush and floss your teeth like normal when undergoing Invisalign treatment. You can also eat without any food restrictions since there’s no concern of food getting stuck and messing up the orthodontic hardware.

On the flip side, this also means that brace's patients don’t have to remember when to put their orthodontics back on. Invisalign patients must be diligent about keeping their aligners on for the right amount of time—and also not misplacing them when they take them off!

Come In & Consult with Us!

If you still have some questions about how these two orthodontic treatments differ, we invite you to come into North Richland Hills Dentistry for a consultation. Our team will be happy to help you figure out what’s best for your smile! To schedule a consultation, contact us today!

Will Teeth Whitening Work for Me?

Few accessories can have an immediate impact on appearance and confidence the way a whiter smile can. If you’ve been hiding your smile for years because you’re embarrassed about unsightly stains on teeth or other discoloration, you’re a great candidate for the in-office whitening treatment we offer at North Richland Hills Dentistry.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Our professional in-office teeth whitening services can whiten your teeth several shades in just a few hours. We use professional grade bleaching gel and closely monitor our patients during the procedures to ensure that you get the results you want. Whether you’re looking to cover up years of coffee stains or you’ve recently quit smoking and are looking to restore the appearance of your smile, our whitening treatment is versatile enough to fit your goals. During your consultation for teeth whitening, we will work with you to create a custom whitening plan that helps you meet your goals.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

While teeth whitening can gradually fade over time, your results can last for years with proper care. You can preserve your white smile through good oral hygiene and avoiding foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Due to the strength of the bleaching agents used during the tooth whitening process, patients can occasionally experience some tooth sensitivity after whitening teeth. However, this sensitivity typically goes away after just a few hours. If you are worried about tooth sensitivity, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help ease symptoms.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of our professional in-office whitening treatment depends on your goals for your smile. During your initial consultation, our team will work with you to come up with a whitening plan that fits your goals and your budget. To learn more about our professional teeth whitening services or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!

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Are Invisalign or Braces Better?

For patients interested in a straighter smile, the decision between Invisalign and traditional metal braces can be a difficult one. The two treatments have many differences and it can be tough to determine which one is the best fit for you. If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment, a consultation with Dr. Desai can recommend the better option depending on the type of treatment you need, your personal goals, and your budget.

What Kind of Orthodontic Treatment Do You Need?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that uses a new aligner every two weeks to gradually straighten your teeth. Invisalign can treat issues like misalignment, gaps, and overcrowding. However, more severe issues may require traditional metal braces for effective treatment. Our team can tell you which treatment is the best fit for you depending on the scope of the work you need.

What Are Your Goals?

If your goal is for your orthodontic treatment to be as subtle and convenient as possible, you may opt for Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces with their brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are invisible. You can also remove Invisalign while you eat, allowing you to continue to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment.

What Is Your Budget?

Once we determine the scope of your orthodontic treatment, our team will have a better estimate of the cost. Typically, traditional metal braces are the more affordable option. We offer multiple payment and financing options to help you fit orthodontic treatment into your budget.

During your consultation for orthodontic treatment, our team will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your goals, fits your budget, and delivers you the smile of your dreams. To ask us any questions about orthodontic treatment or to schedule your consultation, contact our office today!

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Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re not happy with your smile for whatever reason, don’t worry! There’s a cosmetic dental procedure out there for you. At North Richland Hills Dentistry, we offer an array of services including whitening, Invisalign®, fillings, and veneers. Here is an overview of the services we provide.

In-Office Whitening

Dreaming of a brighter smile? We can design a custom whitening plan for you so you can have your confidence back. Our treatments are done in-office. No need to worry about messy trays and strips at home. Best of all, you’ll see noticeable results right away!

Invisalign®

These clear and removable braces can straighten your smile quickly and easily. Every two weeks, you will receive a new set of clear aligners that straighten your teeth right before your eyes, all without the look of metal braces. You can even remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth for ultimate comfort and ease.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

We can create natural-looking fillings that have a better, subtler appearance than silver fillings, so you don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile. These fillings are shaped and polished to perfectly match your tooth, making them completely unnoticeable.

Veneers

No need to worry about having chips, discoloration, or gaps between your teeth any longer! Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit right over and in between teeth. They create a natural, beautiful smile that will last for years. The procedure is painless and the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final procedure, lasts a mere few weeks.

Get the smile you’ve always wanted with one of our many cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whether you’re unhappy about discoloration, crooked teeth, fillings, or chips, our staff is here to help you find the perfect solution for a perfect smile. We’re happy to walk you through our many insurance and financing options. Payment should never be an issue or a burden on you. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!

Is Teeth Bleaching Safe for Teeth?

Have you noticed your pearly whites are no longer quite as pearly white? Many of us panic a little when we realize our teeth have yellowed not because of the morning coffee we just drank, but the morning coffee we drank day after day after day over the last several years! And now that discoloration is not just washing away with some water. So what can you do, and is it safe for your teeth?

How to Whiten Your Teeth

First, see a professional! You can use at-home bleaching kits like popular name-brand whitening strips, but these often won’t get you the results you’re seeking. For the safest teeth bleaching, a dentist is your best bet. When you come see us North Richland Hills Dentistry, we take every necessary measure to keep you both safe and comfortable during your bleaching procedure.

First, we’ll apply a gel to your teeth and let it sit for one hour. We use a rubber dam to ensure the whitener doesn’t damage your gum line. We leave the whitening gel on for about an hour. You'll leave with a smile that's up to eight shades whiter than before!

When Not to Bleach

Generally, we recommend waiting until after a pregnancy and breastfeeding is over to whiten your teeth. There is just not enough data to tell us if bleaching your teeth is safe during pregnancy or when breastfeeding, so to err on the side of caution, we’d recommend that you don’t bleach your teeth during those times.

It’s also important to know that if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or weak enamel, we may not recommend teeth bleaching for you.

If you have any other questions or concerns about bleaching your teeth, call our office today. Our professional in-office teeth whitening will give you the benefit of having a cleaner-looking and brighter smile. We love the reaction our patients have when they see the results of their new dazzling smile! Schedule your appointment online or call us today.