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Top Reasons to Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist in Alpharetta

How do you feel about your smile? Do you like showing your teeth off or do you think you could benefit from some improvement? If you are unhappy with your smile, it might be reason enough to visit your cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta. Discover if our cosmetic dentistry treatments at Old Milton Dental sound appealing to you and your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is an option for all of our patients. Find out if it’s right for you.

You are Unhappy with Your Smile

The first reason you should visit your cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta is if you are unhappy with your smile. This means that you hide your teeth behind your hands or do everything possible not to show your teeth in pictures. If you feel at all embarrassed of your current smile, cosmetic dentistry might be a good idea. We want our patients to feel good about their smile and if this can be helped with one of our treatments, we are happy to help! Don’t go through life living with a smile you hate. We have plenty of cosmetic dentistry options available to help you achieve your smile goals.

Your Smile is Healthy

Another reason you should visit your cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta is that your smile is healthy. Having a healthy smile is a requirement for any cosmetic dentistry work you want to have done. Therefore, if your smile is already healthy, you have met the minimum requirement. We can examine your current smile and suggest the best cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you achieve your goals and resolve your problems. If your smile is not healthy, don’t worry. We can start by treating all of your dental problems before starting on the cosmetic treatments. Don’t let any dental problems you have to get in the way of pursuing a better-looking smile. We have all of the treatment options available to you.

Your Teeth are Yellowed or Stained

Another reason you should visit your cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta is that you have yellow or stained teeth. Staining and yellowing are a normal part of aging and unfortunately can only be resolved with teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments. You can use whitening toothpaste at home to help remove some of the surface stains but if the stains are deep, only a dentist can help. If you want a whiter smile, we can provide you with a professional teeth whitening treatment. This treatment can brighten your smile up to 8 shades with a simple treatment that can be completed in our office or in the comfort of your home.

If you don’t want to return to our office all the time for a teeth whitening treatment, porcelain veneers might be a better option for you. Veneers do not stain so you can have a white smile for up to ten years before you need to replace the veneers. Whichever option you prefer, our dentist can provide you with a whiter smile.

Your Teeth are Gapped

If you’re looking for another reason to visit our cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta, you might have gapped teeth. Gapped teeth can actually be resolved with a number of different treatments. The most obvious treatment is orthodontic treatment. We offer Invisalign clear braces at our dental office which consists of wearing clear aligners for anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to straighten your smile and close up any gaps you have. If you would prefer a quicker turnaround, we can fill in the gaps using dental bonding or porcelain veneers. These options don’t correct the problem, they merely mask it. You will also need to replace bonding every few years and veneers every 10 years.

Your Teeth are Misaligned

On the subject of orthodontics, we can also help perfect your teeth if they are misaligned. Depending on how misaligned they are, we can make your teeth look straight by using an Invisalign treatment or by taking the veneers or bonding route. This is entirely up to you. We only recommend veneers or bonding if your teeth are not suffering from the lack of proper alignment that orthodontics can bring you. For long-term results, opt for the Invisalign treatment.

Your Teeth are Chipped or Cracked

Chips and cracks can happen to your teeth at any moment, fixing them is actually a quick process. You should visit our cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta if you are tired of looking at your chips or cracks in your teeth every day. We can resolve these problems by using either dental bonding, veneers, or dental crowns. Bonding must be replaced every few years while veneers can last for up to 10 years. A dental crown, on the other hand, will last you for the rest of your life. This decision will depend on how much you want to spend and how strong you want your restoration to be.

Your Teeth Aren’t Symmetrical

If your teeth are not symmetrical, don’t worry, our cosmetic dentist can fix this. Using dental bonding, veneers or simply by filing down some of your teeth, we can make your smile look symmetrical and perfect. Our dentist will recommend the best solution for your smile during a consultation.

You Have Metal Fillings

The last reason you should visit our cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta is that you have metal fillings. Metal fillings can be unsightly and not the best solution for your teeth. We can replace your metal restorations with beautiful tooth-colored fillings that match your surrounding teeth. Tooth colored restorations look great and are stronger than metal fillings. You also don’t have to worry about mercury poisoning. Visit our dentist today to learn more.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Cosmetic Dentist in Alpharetta

If you’re ready to have a smile to be proud of, visit our cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta to learn which cosmetic dentistry treatments can benefit your smile. Schedule a consultation with our dentist by giving us a call or filling out our online form. We look forward to giving you a smile you love.

How to Care for Your Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Care for Your Cosmetic Dental Procedures

You might already know that cosmetic dentistry is not just about the looks of your teeth and gums, but also about the full function of the mouth. After all, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry can go hand in hand. Consider something like dental veneers. While they are a common form of cosmetic dentistry, they can also help with the long-term stability of a badly damaged tooth. A tooth that has been cracked by an injury, as an example, can be fixed using a veneer. Not only does that hide the damage, but it also stabilizes and strengthens the tooth. Of course, you also need to know how to care for your cosmetic dental procedures to ensure they provide long-term function.

Dentists in our Alpharetta, GA office at Old Milton Dental provide our patients with a long list of restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options. They also take the time to be sure that you understand the proper care for your cosmetic dental procedures too.

Essentially, the initial goal of cosmetic dentistry is to give you the brightest, whitest and straightest smile possible. That is why restorative dentistry can play a role in it too. To properly care for your cosmetic dental procedures means you need to consider those factors – whiteness, brightness and alignment. This makes the keys to optimal care for your cosmetic dental procedures the following steps:

  • Reduce the consumption (or even eliminate) soda, tea, coffee and wine. If you do drink these beverages daily, use a straw to reduce contact with the cosmetic dentistry treatment and natural teeth.
  • Consider any wear and tear that might have lead to the need for restorative dentistry. Did you grind teeth, chew ice or hard and chewy foods, or eat a lot of sugar that lead to decay? If so, consider wearing a night guard to reduce wear, eliminating sugar to stop any threat of major decay, and consider the damages from things like nail biting, ice chewing and more.
  • Get regular checkups. One of the best ways to care for cosmetic dental procedures is to get regular care. Cleanings, checkups and exams of cosmetic fixtures will help reduce any problems in the future.

Contact Us

If you need to learn more about the best care for your cosmetic dental procedures, give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Misconceptions About Cosmetic Dentistry

In this day and age of reality shows and elective surgery, the word “cosmetic” has started to earn an unfair reputation. Consider cosmetic dentistry. While it is an array of treatments that will improve the appearance of the smile, there is so much more to it than that. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA we offer cosmetic dentistry treatments that improve the function of the teeth and the bite, that boosts self-confidence and overcome social anxiety and that can even boost the health of the mouth.

We encourage patients to learn about the five most dominant myths and misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry in order to empower their choice to pursue some treatments in this area.

  1. It has nothing to do with oral health and is more about vanity and appearances. This is probably the most frustrating of the myths and misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry as it is entirely untrue. We provide treatments such as bridges and crowns to repair teeth and restore their function. We make implants available and they ensure the long-term health and wellness of the patient. We offer bonding to stabilize and restore. Though all fall into cosmetic dentistry, they are also functional and restorative remedies too.
  2. It is far too expensive for my budget. Again, this is one of the frustrating myths about this area of dentistry. The advances in technology have made most cosmetic treatments far more affordable and many of them are cost effective over the long-term, offering restorative or functional benefits that eliminate the need for further treatments.
  3. They take a very long time. Though cosmetic treatments like alignment through the use of trays or braces can take more than a year, most treatments are very easily accomplished in just two or three visits.
  4. It is obvious and unnatural in appearance. This is a big myth about cosmetic dentistry. Most of the treatments we provide to our patients will look entirely natural and fit their face, mouth and jaw perfectly.
  5. Cosmetic treatments reduce the need for general dentistry. This is one of the worst misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. Though you may have veneers, implants, bridges or crowns as part of your treatment, they need the same daily care and regular cleanings and checkups as your natural teeth.

If you have questions about these misconceptions or myths of cosmetic dentistry, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Misconceptions About Teeth Whitening

Perhaps you have been considering the use of teeth whitening to give you healthy smile the radiant glow it deserves. There are many people who rely on teeth whitening treatments to put the finishing touch on their smile makeover, straightening or as part of their regular general dentistry. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, we provide our patients with different options for teeth whitening and also help them overcome the biggest misconceptions and myths about this fast, safe, and effective treatment.

  1. It is painful. This is one of the worst misconceptions about teeth whitening. While it may sound like it word hurt to put chemicals on the teeth or near the gums, the truth is that the process is not in the least bit painful. For patients who have sensitive teeth, or who worry about developing sensitivity after having the treatment, there are desensitizing agents that can be part of the process.
  2. It is permanent. Another of the myths associated with teeth whitening is that it is a permanent treatment. The simple fact of the matter is that dietary habits like drinking tea, coffee or wine can cause your whitening to fade. Smoking will always yellow the teeth and simple aging makes our teeth yellow as well. Teeth whitening can be very long lasting, but it is not permanent.
  3. It harms the teeth. One of the worst misconceptions about whitening is that it will damage the enamel and harm the teeth. This is not the case at all, and in some instances, the contents of the whitening product may help to reinforce the health of the teeth. Fluoride ingredients, as an example are helpful, not harmful.
  4. It is instant. While this is arguable, the reality is that teeth whitening is done in many ways. It can be done in-office and work in a single visit or it can take a few weeks. It is never just brushed on and you are done, and even an in-office treatment can take 30 minutes or more.
  5. It is a good treatment for all teeth. Unfortunately, there are some patients with deeply stained or discolored teeth who cannot benefit from whitening. There are options available though, such as veneers and bonding or crowns and inlays or onlays.

If you have questions about the myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

It can be quite frustrating to be one of the world’s dedicated brushers and flossers, to get regular cleanings and checkups and yet not have the picture perfect smile that you deserve. As healthy as your teeth and gums might be, there could still be some cosmetic issues that are thwarting all of your hard work and dedication. Fortunately, our patients at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA have an array of cosmetic dentistry solutions available and we have five very strong reasons that you should consider cosmetic dentistry as a workable solution.

  1. It is functional. Not only can some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions we offer improve the looks of your teeth, but they can also work wonders for the function. As an example, if you have a tooth that is chipped or pitted, we can use bonding or porcelain veneers to restore the good looks of the tooth. At the same time though, that solution also strengthens and restores the function of the tooth.
  2. It improves oral hygiene and health. Some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions that we offer can even improve the overall health of the teeth. For example, people who straighten their teeth make it easier for us to clean them fully and prevent decay. Those who whiten their teeth will use compounds that can improve the strength or health of the teeth. It is a good reason to consider cosmetic dentistry.
  3. It makes you feel better. If your hand goes to your mouth when you smile or you keep your lips closed, you are reducing your quality of life. Cosmetic dentistry may be able to help you cut that habit by assuring you that your smile is flawless, bright and attractive.
  4. It combats the signs of aging. Yellow and dingy teeth age you whether they are healthy or not. Additionally, teeth that have been broken or chipped, and that are uneven and out of alignment will make you look much older than your years. Cosmetic treatments can address all of these things usually with just a few easy treatments.
  5. Improves your appearance. Of course, the most obvious reason to consider cosmetic dentistry is that it is cosmetic. In other words, it is done by a dentist who understands how changing some things about your teeth can and will improve your overall appearance. Your teeth may appear entirely different than they did before the cosmetic dentistry, but it is a guarantee that you will look better.

If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reason You Should Consider Dental Implants

Did you know that your gum tissue and jaw bone actually know when you have lost a tooth? They work as an interconnected system and when a tooth is gone the gum and bone stop receiving “messages.” This causes the tissue to recede and you eventually even lose some of the jawbone. Losing one tooth can also allow the other teeth to shift, which can misalign the bite, wear or break the teeth, and cause pain in the head, jaw or neck. All of these things are why Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA recommends dental implants.

There are actually five good reasons you should consider dental implants:

  1. The jawbone – As we just learned, when you have a dental implant, it is inserted into the jawbone. This keeps those signals going and prevents that atrophy and recession from occurring. This maintains the strength and integrity of the bone as well and promises optimal health over the long term. The preservation of the bone also allows your fact to keep its natural appearance too. You will speak the same and look the same when you consider dental implants over the alternatives.
  2. The teeth – Again, we learned that the loss of that on tooth can cause the others to shift into unnatural locations. This can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, cause you to begin grinding or biting improperly and then experience a whole host of other problems.
  3. They last – You should consider dental implants over the alternatives, like dentures or bridges, because they will last so much longer. When you use dentures or bridges, the jawbone beneath is empty. That means the tissue changes shape and you will require new appliances at least once, but probably more, over time.
  4. They look good – Though this sounds like a cosmetic issue, just consider this for one moment. Is it nicer and easier to smile naturally or to smile self-consciously? Most of us feel better when we just let our biggest smiles out. When you have dentures or other replacements, you may worry when you smile. You may feel self-conscious. Dental implants are so much like natural teeth that they let you smile without a second thought. They are not prone to breaking or staining either, and allow you to eat whatever you want too.
  5. They are easy – While the dental implant process is complex, the care and upkeep for them is not. You need only have regular cleanings and checkups, and any worries about cavities are over!

These are but five reasons to consider dental implants. If you have further questions about them, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Cosmetic dentistry covers a rather wide range of procedures and services including Invisalign, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns and tooth- colored fillings. If you are unhappy about more than one aspect of your smile, at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we may recommend a smile makeover, in which we develop a full plan to improve your smile. These Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs should help you better understand how a cosmetic dentist can help you.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored or Stained?

Some “lifestyle staining” is caused by habits like drinking black coffee or red wine, smoking or neglecting to brush your teeth often enough. In general, as we age our teeth start to look more yellow and dull as their enamel starts to become thin and the yellow dentin on the inside begins to show through. Sometimes medications can cause teeth to appear yellow or stained as well.

Fortunately, teeth whitening addresses all of these issues, and if your teeth are too badly stained for whitening to have an effect, you can always choose to have porcelain veneers placed over your teeth for a whiter, more even smile.

Why Should I Consider a Smile Makeover?

If your teeth are otherwise perfect except for one or two things, you may not need to develop a plan to improve your smile. However, if you have more imperfections that you want to take care of, it is a good idea to consult with one of the cosmetic dentists at Old Milton Dental to create the most effective, affordable and fastest plan to get your smile in great shape.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help My Dental Health?

Absolutely. Crooked and uneven teeth can be difficult to brush and floss and sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself to take care of your teeth and gums if they already look unattractive. Cosmetic dentistry can also repair damaged or chipped teeth and keep them from becoming decayed as well.

For more answers to your questions about cosmetic dentistry, please don’t hesitate to call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA at 678-624-0370 today, or you can book an appointment online with our contact form.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You?

The main purpose of the field of cosmetic dentistry is to correct aesthetic issues with the patient’s smile. You might ask yourself, is cosmetic dentistry right for me? People opt for cosmetic dental procedures – including teeth whitening, Invisalign, porcelain veneers and other services – to give themselves more confidence in their smiles. They also choose to see a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Mazer here at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA to help improve their dental and oral health and hygiene as well. Often, it is much easier to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy once they have been aligned, professionally cleaned and/or whitened.

So, if you have otherwise healthy teeth and gums, but you are unhappy with some aspect of your smile, you may be an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Most patients who are not in need of major restorative dental work are great candidates for cosmetic dentistry, but each patient is different and there are a number of options and services available to attain your goals for your smile.

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

The pros of cosmetic dentistry go on and on. Patients who get cosmetic dental procedures performed experience greater success in their careers thanks to their boosted confidence levels. They also enjoy an easier time cleaning their teeth and keeping their gums healthy and they like what they see in the mirror much more too.

The only cons of cosmetic dentistry really are that some insurance companies don’t cover all of the procedures and services that your cosmetic dentist offers. If you have a lower-end insurance policy, you might find yourself paying out of pocket for some services. However, when you think of the amazing value you will get from a dazzling smile, the cost really does not seem all that high in comparison with years of enjoying your smile and all of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

Want to learn more about what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or you can fill out our online contact form and someone will respond to your message promptly. We are looking forward to helping you get the smile you have been dreaming of!

Dental Implants FAQs

You have no doubt heard about dental implants and how they can replace missing teeth with completely natural looking dental crowns. While this sounds amazing (and it is), you will likely have a few questions for your implant dentist before you commit to this procedure. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand all of their options for treatment, which is why we have created this list of FAQs to answer all of your questions.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is actually a titanium screw or stud that is placed in the jawbone where it will become fused to the bone as your jaw and gums heal. On the other end of the implant is an abutment that actually protrudes from the gum tissue. This is where your permanent crown will be installed so that it may act as a prosthetic tooth. The whole process can take as little as two months or as much as a year, all depending on how much time your gums and jaw take to heal.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you maintain good oral hygiene and you visit us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta on a regular basis, your dental implants could last you for the rest of your life.

Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

No. In many cases, we can perform the entire procedure using only local anesthetic. Afterward, we may prescribe pain relief medication, but must patients find that over-the-counter nSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) like Aleve or ibuprofen take care of any residual discomfort during healing.

Are Dental Implants as Strong as Natural Teeth?

Yes. In fact, in many instances, dental implants may actually be stronger than your natural teeth. And, though your porcelain crowns will be very strong, if they are damaged or chipped over the years we can repair or replace them with ease.

For more information on dental implants and how an implant dentist can restore your smile, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or use our convenient online contact form to book an appointment.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you think about the phrase “cosmetic dentistry”, you’ll probably conclude that it’s a type of dentistry that focuses on improving a patient’s appearance. Of course, you’re right – cosmetic dentistry’s primary goal is, indeed, to improve the patient’s appearance, but it’s not necessarily the only outcome. In fact, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry can also include enhancements to the function of your teeth – in other words, you may be able to speak more clearly and eat with greater comfort. So, if you want to look better and you don’t mind the bonus of greater functionality in some cases, you may want to consider seeing a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments can include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, teeth straightening, crowns, dentures, and more. The benefits of cosmetic dentistry are varied, with the main one being an improvement in your self-confidence. After all, you know that your appearance is going to be the first thing about you that gets noticed when you make a new acquaintance. That’s not necessarily right or fair, but it’s the way it is, and if you have discolored or damaged teeth, you probably don’t feel all that confident about smiling when you meet people. Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that will make you feel confident.

We touched on restored function previously as a sort of beneficial side effect to the cosmetic procedures that your dentist can offer. Crowns, veneers and dental implants are among the treatments that can help to restore functionality to your mouth as well as improving your appearance. If your teeth are broken or severely compromised by decay, you may have difficulty speaking and eating normally. Damaged teeth can be repaired or replaced so you’ll look better and also have improved functionality in your mouth.

Cosmetic restorations won’t decay. However, having said that, it’s still important to brush, floss, and get regular checkups. Even though crowns, veneers, etc. aren’t vulnerable, your gums still are, and if bacteria are allowed to take hold, periodontal disease and other infections can be a very real possibility. The last thing you want is to neglect your oral hygiene, and have problems with the supporting tissue compromising your restorations and undoing your cosmetic dentist’s work.

If you feel that cosmetic dentistry would be a great benefit to you, call Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta at 678-624-0370 and schedule a consultation today!