Are you feeling self-conscious about your smile? Do you hide your teeth when you talk, laugh, or smile? If so, it’s time to consider cosmetic dentistry. At Houlik Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services in Wichita, Kansas, to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
Cosmetic Dentistry at Houlik Family Dentistry
Whether you need teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or dental implants, our friendly and experienced dentists are here to help. Today we’ll explore the cosmetic dentistry options available at Houlik Family Dentistry, the steps involved, and how the treatment can benefit you.
Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry service that can brighten your smile by several shades. At Houlik Family Dentistry, we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options.
Our in-office highly-effective Opalescence whitening treatment can be completed in just one visit and provide immediate results. Just one office visit can transform your teeth from dull and stained to brilliantly white. The process involves several steps, beginning with a consultation with Dr. Joseph Houlik to determine your candidacy for the treatment.
Once approved, we will prepare your teeth for the whitening solution by ensuring they are clean and free of plaque or debris. We will then apply the Opalescence gel to your teeth and activate them with a unique light source for some time. After the treatment, you’ll leave our office with a brighter, more confident smile. Say goodbye to over-the-counter products that promise the world, and hello to a professional treatment for results that last.
Our at-home Opalescence teeth whitening treatment involves custom-made trays that fit your teeth perfectly and a whitening gel you can use at your convenience.
The first step is to have custom trays made to fit your unique smile. Then, apply a small amount of the Opalescence whitening gel to each tray and wear them for the recommended time. The result? A dazzling smile that you’ll love showing off. Trust the experts at Houlik Family Dentistry to guide you through every step of the process and help you achieve the brightest, healthiest smile possible.
Bonding: Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure in which we apply a tooth-colored resin material to a tooth and then harden it with a special light. We can use bonding to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. Bonding is a quick, easy, and painless procedure we can often complete in just one visit.
The process involves several steps, beginning with preparing the tooth’s surface. Your dentist will then apply a bonding agent, followed by the placement of the bonding material. Once the material is in place, we shape and polish it to match the surrounding teeth. The result is a seamless, natural-looking restoration lasting several years. At Houlik Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring that our patients leave our office with a smile they are proud of.
Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells covering the teeth’ front surface. Veneers improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or have gaps between them. Veneers are a more permanent solution than bonding and can last many years with proper care.
Placing veneers typically involves a few key steps, including an initial consultation to discuss goals and expectations, preparing your natural teeth to accommodate the veneer, and bonding the veneer to your teeth using a strong adhesive. At Houlik Family Dentistry, our skilled team will work with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience. Don’t let dental imperfections hold you back – trust in Houlik Family Dentistry to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. After the implant fuses with the bone, a crown or bridge is attached, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth.
The first step in getting dental implants is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants, which involves examining the quality and quantity of your jawbone. They may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth and gums to assess the condition of your mouth. You’ll also be able to discuss any concerns or questions about the procedure.
Once you decide to proceed with dental implant placement, surgery is the next step. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and may administer sedation if needed. Then, they’ll make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the jawbone and insert the titanium implant into the bone. After the implant is in place, we will reposition and stitch the gum tissue back into place. Over the next several months, the jawbone will heal and fuse with the implant, creating a strong and stable foundation.
After the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, your dentist will attach an abutment, a small connector piece, to the top of the implant. The abutment will serve as a base for your replacement tooth or teeth.
Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom crown, bridge, or denture to fit over the abutment. The restoration will be fabricated to match the color and shape of your existing teeth for a seamless result that looks and feels natural.
After your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to attend several follow-up visits with your dentist to ensure that everything is healing correctly and that your restoration fits comfortably. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending routine check-ups is essential to prolong the life of your dental implants and keep your gums and supporting teeth healthy.
Invisalign: Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening option that uses clear, removable aligners instead of traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are custom-made and gradually straighten your teeth without the discomfort or visibility of metal braces. At Houlik Family Dentistry, we offer Invisalign treatment for teens and adults.
The first step in getting Invisalign involves a consultation with your dentist. During this meeting, they will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals for treatment. We may take X-rays, photographs, and teeth impressions to create a 3D digital model of your mouth. Your dentist will use this model to develop a customized treatment plan. They will also show you a virtual simulation of how your teeth will look after treatment.
After we finalize your treatment plan, your dentist will send the data to Invisalign, where a series of custom-made trays will be designed. Each tray is worn for a specific time, gradually moving your teeth into their desired position. Once the trays are ready, they will be sent to your dentist, and you will be fitted for your first tray. During this appointment, your dentist will show you how to wear and care for the trays.
Wearing your Invisalign trays is relatively easy. You will need to wear them for 22 hours a day, but you can remove them to eat and drink anything other than water. Every two weeks or so, you will switch to a new tray as your teeth move into their desired position. You will have regular appointments with your dentist to check your progress and receive further trays.
As you progress through the treatment plan, your dentist will monitor your teeth’ movement to ensure they remain on track and that your treatment progresses as planned. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments and provide additional trays to achieve the desired results.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Wichita, KS
At Houlik Family Dentistry, everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile. Our cosmetic dentistry services can help you achieve just that. Whether you want brighter, whiter teeth or need to replace missing teeth, our friendly and experienced dentists can provide you the care you need.
If you’re ready to enhance your smile, schedule a consultation with Houlik Family Dentistry today.
