Transforming the beauty of your smile
Cosmetic Dentistry
The best way to make a great first impression is with a good looking smile. Our extensive knowledge from years in dentistry is unsurpassable. You can trust us to transform your smile and give you the confidence you need to take on whatever life may have in store.
COMPLETE SMILE TRANSFORMATION
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR A GORGEOUS SMILE
Though cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of your smile, it may improve your overall oral health as well. Even if you are not aware of it, an askew tooth or overbite may be throwing off your balance and be putting extra stress on your teeth or jaw muscles. Cosmetic dentistry may alleviate some pain and discomfort you have been experiencing due to improper alignment.
There are many other benefits to improving the appearance of your smile.
Some of the positive outcomes of cosmetic dentistry include:
INCREASED LONGEVITY
With the help of our cosmetic dentistry team, you can start feeling more confident and proud of your smile. The more you show off your great smile the longer you might live. A study conducted by a professor at Wayne State University discovered that the intensity of smiles in pictures correlated to life spans. Those with stronger smiles tended to live longer than those with weaker smiles or no smiles at all. With the help of cosmetic dentistry you may be able to smile on and strong into your twilight years.
SUCCESS
A great smile can help you focus and succeed in life. Professors at the University of California, Berkeley conducted an experiment in which they analyzed pictures of women and checked in with them at various stages of their lives. It turns out that the women who had expressions that seemed to reflect more positive emotions also ended up feeling more capable, focused, organized, goal-oriented, and less prone to negativity. Your beaming smile can help you lead the life you always wanted.
IMPROVED MOOD
When you love your smile you are likely to show it off more often. Studies have shown that the simple act of smiling can put you, and others around you, in a better mood. Scientific American published an article that goes over how smiling can improve your mood, the mood of others, and even decrease feelings of pain. The more you smile the better you and everyone else will feel!
FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Per Psychology Today, smiles are contagious and make people feel better. When you’re proud of your teeth you’re likely to smile more and in turn influence others around you to smile more as well. Their smiles will make them feel happier and create a welcoming and friendly environment.
BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
Cosmetic dental procedures tend to rejuvenate patients and leave them smiling prouder and bigger than ever before. The journal Motivation and Emotion published an article that found people who had bigger smiles were more stable in their marriages and interpersonal skills. Your new welcoming smile may even help you forge stronger relationships with new and old friends that can last a lifetime.
HEALTHIER OVERALL
A good looking smile is usually a good working smile. By balancing your bite and evening out the tension in your mouth you allow it to function better. It’s important to your overall health for your mouth to function properly. If you are not properly chewing your food long enough because your teeth, gums, or jaw are in pain, you might not be absorbing all the nutrients your food has to offer. When food is chewed longer it is broken down into smaller particles that are absorbed quicker by the body. Also, the longer you chew the longer it will take you to finish eating.
Research has shown that eating slowly can help you eat less and in turn increase weight loss or reduce weight gain. In a study conducted by a professor at the University of Rhode Island people actually ate around ten percent less calories when they ate slower. Obesity is a huge health problem that affects everyone across the world and can have irreversible repercussions. With a proper functioning mouth you can help yourself live a healthier, and potentially longer, life.
APPEALING APPEARANCE
Cosmetic dentistry aims to give you a beautiful looking smile. You no longer have to hide behind a closed mouth smirk or post pouty pics. With our help, you can have a beautiful smile that will make you feel proud and confident to face the world!
Lifetime Dental Care is here to help you stop suffering and start being more confident. Whether you have gone your whole life with a missing tooth or you recently chipped it, you deserve to have a smile you are proud of. We use a variety of techniques to get you the smile you have always wanted. To schedule a consultation call our Richland office at (509) 628-1144. We are conveniently located in Richland, WA. Come see us to learn more about the techniques we use to give you the best smile ever! Don’t be shy. Ask our Lifetime Dental Care staff about the great results we’ve achieved with our cosmetic dentistry patients. Start your path to a beautiful new smile today!
Ready to restore your smile? Lifetime Dental Care is easy to get to in Richland, WA. Give us a call today at (509) 628-1144 to start restoring your smile to its utmost highest level of functionality!
Cosmetic Dental Services
SMILE MAKEOVER
The cosmetic dental team at Lifetime Dental Care is highly trained in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. You can be confident that we can give you the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Please call to schedule a consultation to discuss the design of your new smile. At Lifetime Dental Care we are highly artistic and can sense what is needed to provide you with a great looking and natural smile. Many different factors need to be taken into consideration such as your age, facial features and the image you want to project. You and your dentist can select the smile that will look best on you. A number of different options will be presented to you including
- Veneers
- Implants
- Invisalign ( or other braces systems)
- Teeth whitening
- Other possible procedures as needed
Once you’re fully informed of exactly what to expect we will use all the latest technology in cosmetic dentistry to create your gorgeous new smile. In the end you will have a smile you can be proud of that will give you the confidence and self-esteem you deserve.
TEETH WHITENING
Tooth enamel comes in different shades and may change over time. While there are a variety of methods available that can help whiten teeth, they might not all be right for you.
If you’d like to whiten your teeth, the dental professionals at Lifetime Dental Care are more than happy to review all of your options with you. We’ve been helping patients in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding areas for years get the white smiles they’ve always wanted.
There are a few different reasons why your teeth are not as white as you’d like. Some causes may be associated with:
- Age
- Injury
- Genetics
- Sickness
- Medicine
- Tobacco use
- Contact with certain foods or drinks
- Excess fluoride during tooth development
Despite the reasons for the state of your teeth, with today’s technology, there are many different options to brighten your smile.
Depending on your desired results, you may opt for a process you can do from the comfort of your own home, or one that is administered in a dental office.
Self-Applications
There are a range of at-home processes you may use to whiten your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays are some of the more common options.
Toothpaste
This is the gentlest kind of whitening technique. You can use whitening toothpaste at home without the supervision of a dental professional. This technique usually doesn’t have side effects because it whitens using a polishing action instead of chemicals. Whitening toothpaste can lighten your teeth, but it will not get your teeth as white as other products containing harsh chemicals. When used correctly, it should whiten your teeth slowly over a few days or weeks. While most whitening toothpastes can easily be bought over the counter, they have not all earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. In regards to oral hygiene, it is best to use products that have been reviewed by the ADA and carry their Seal of Acceptance.
Strips
Many brands offer over-the-counter whitening strips. While they can produce the results you desire, they should only be used as directed. If you have any concerns, contact a dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for at-home whitening strips.
Trays
Dental professionals can custom fit a tray for your teeth that you take home and use with whitening gel to brighten your teeth. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have regarding this procedure.
Office Treatments
For tougher stains, quicker change, and a bigger difference, an in-office whitening treatment might be right for you. Dental professionals are specially trained to administer a higher dosage of peroxide to get your teeth whiter than you can at home. A laser or light may also be used along with the peroxide. To protect your gums, the dental professionals may use a gel or thin sheet of rubber. While in-office treatments cannot be done at home, the process is very quick and the most effective.
If you are utilizing a toothpaste or strips, carefully follow the instructions included in the packaging. When being fitted for a dental tray or treated for other in-office whitening procedures, the dental professionals will instruct you on how to take care of your teeth after your treatment. In some cases, your teeth and gums may be sensitive or susceptible after a whitening session. To promote white teeth, avoid stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco.
Lifetime Dental Care loves seeing the joy a whiter smile can bring to patients from Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (509) 628-1144 to schedule an appointment to go over the ways we can bring that joy into your life!
Dental Bonding
If you have a chipped tooth, slight gap, or stain you’d like to cover up, bonding might be a good option for you.
Lifetime Dental Care can provide tooth bonding in a single visit to patients from Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and nearby communities.
Bonding is when materials that are tooth colored are bonded to the surface of your tooth. Different colored resins are mixed to match the color of your tooth. This resin is put on your tooth and carefully shaped. A special chemical or light process is used to harden the resin in place.
When you have a little cavity or your tooth is chipped, we can use bonding to fill your tooth. It can also be used to cover stains on your teeth that brushing or whitening treatments cannot remove.
For over years Lifetime Dental Care has been bonding teeth to give patients beautiful smiles and protect them from further damages. Cracked or chipped teeth that go untreated are especially in danger of decaying because it is very difficult to thoroughly clean their jagged edges.
To ensure that your newly bonded tooth looks great and works optimally you should continue with good oral care and treat the bonded tooth with a little extra care.
Regular Checkups
Though the bonding material is strong and firmly in place on your tooth, you should continue to have regular checkups so the dentist can make sure it is not showing any signs of premature wear and tear and that all your teeth are still healthy and strong. Weak teeth can compromise the overall health of your entire mouth.
Oral Hygiene
To avoid cavities around the bonded area it is important to maintain proper personal oral hygiene. Products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are a great option since they meet the ADA’s standards for effectiveness and safety.
Diet
Avoid foods that may cause discoloration to your bonded tooth, the bonding material, or surrounding teeth to ensure your smile looks great. It is also important for your oral health to have a healthy diet.
If you think bonding is right for you come by our office in Richland, WA or give us a call at (509) 628-1144. We are ready at Lifetime Dental Care to schedule an appointment for you and answer any questions you might have over the phone.
Bonding might be just what you were looking for to get the smile you always wanted!
Dental Bridges
When you have several teeth that need to be replaced you may want to consider having a dental bridge installed.
Lifetime Dental Care works with leading dental bridge specialists around Richland, WA to ensure your smile is restored to a healthy and great looking state.
A dental bridge consists of one or more synthetic teeth used to fill a gap in your smile. Different types of materials may be used to create a dental bridge including metal alloys and ceramics.
After an impression is taken of your mouth, a lab makes your dental bridge to match your surrounding teeth. The dental bridge consists of synthetic teeth called pontics and usually has dental crowns on each end. The dental crowns are placed over your existing teeth to hold the dental bridge in place.
When extra support is needed because your existing teeth are not able to hold the dental bridge alone or there are several missing teeth, implants may be used with or without placing dental crowns on surrounding teeth.
If you have one or more missing teeth your mouth might not be functioning properly and your bite may be affected.
Missing teeth can allow other teeth to move into the vacant space. This may cause pain by placing more stress on your jaw joints and teeth. These teeth that have moved are now more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay since it is more difficult to properly clean them.
Bone shrinkage may occur where there once was a tooth and now it is gone. The way the cheeks and lips are supported by the jawbone may change as the bone shrinks. Your face may look different over time as a result.
Consulting a dentist is the best way to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. During your exam the dentist will review your specific situation and explain your options.
At Lifetime Dental Care we take the time to go over all your possible options and answer any questions you have. After years of fitting patients in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding areas with dental bridges, you can be confident that we will work hard to deliver you the best solution possible.
Though your dental bridge should be treated with a bit more care than your natural teeth to reduce discoloration and detachment, you must take good care of your natural teeth as well, especially if they are holding the dental bridge in place. If those teeth become compromised, the stability of the dental bridge and how well your mouth looks and functions may be threatened.
REGULAR CHECKUPS
Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to help ensure that your dental bridge is functioning properly. Even if the dental bridge is not supported by your natural teeth, they can lead to health issues in your mouth like gum disease and bone loss that can jeopardize the look and functionality of your dental bridge.
ORAL HYGIENE
Proper personal oral hygiene is important to get rid of plaque and bacteria to keep your dental bridge looking good and working well. Using products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance is your best option since they meet the ADA’s standards for effectiveness and safety.
DIET
It is important to maintain a healthy diet to ensure your oral health does not suffer. You should also avoid foods that may stain your teeth or dental bridge and cause irregular discoloration or distortion.
When you are ready for a consultation to go over your options give us a call at (509) 628-1144. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Lifetime Dental Care is ready to help with any questions or appointment requests you may have. We are conveniently located in Richland, WA and is easily accessible from West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding areas.
VENEERS
Veneers can be a great way to improve the look of your smile. Your veneers are custom crafted to look like your existing teeth and fit seamlessly.
From all over Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, patients have been coming to Lifetime Dental Care for years to get the right veneers that fit their own personal needs and lifestyles.
A veneer is a thin covering for the front of your tooth made of porcelain or composite resin. They can be used to cover:
- chipped, cracked, or disfigured teeth
- gaps between teeth
- permanently stained teeth
Porcelain Veneers
Since a porcelain veneer is specially made by a dental lab, the entire process may take longer than that of a composite resin veneer. They are, however, very strong and not easily stained.
To place your porcelain veneer, the dentist usually treats the front and sides of your tooth to remove a little enamel so there is room for your veneer to fit and look natural. Once any necessary adjustments have been made by the dentist, your custom veneer is then bonded to your tooth. If need be, the dentist can make some alterations during future appointments.
Composite Resin Veneers
Like porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are thin coverings for your teeth, but the materials, process, and durability are different.
Since the dentist uses composite resin materials to sculpt and bond your veneer in the office, the whole process may be done in as little as one visit.
To prepare your tooth, usually less enamel is needed to be removed than when placing a porcelain veneer. It is hardened and bonded using a special light and then polished to resemble your surrounding teeth.
Though they generally are not as strong as porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers can be quickly repaired if damaged.
With your new veneers in place, you’ll want to take good care of them and your own teeth to ensure your smile keeps on looking great for years to come.
Diet
Avoid foods that can permanently stain or damage your smile. Just chewing on hard foods or items – like ice, pens, and pencils – can greatly harm your veneers and teeth. Once they are damaged, stained, or unintentionally altered in any other way, your veneers might stand out and not look as natural.
Oral Hygiene
To keep your teeth healthy and clean, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. And flossing should be done daily to remove bacteria and plaque that can cause your teeth to decay. Dirty and decaying teeth can stand out from your teeth with veneers and may cause unwanted attention.
Dental Visits
It is important to see the dentist to make sure your veneer is placed right and withstanding your normal life. Adjustments that only the dentist can do may need to be made to your veneer.
If you are unhappy with the look of your smile or worried that a crack in a tooth may get worse, veneers may be a good option for you. Since veneers are not right for all patients, you should make an appointment with a dentist to review your oral health and dental options. Be sure to mention your specific expectations and desired results.
Lifetime Dental Care is nearby in Richland, WA and ready to find a time that works for you to come in for an appointment. Call us at (509) 628-1144.
Let’s work together to find the solution that is best for you!
Invisalign
For people who want to straighten their teeth, but don’t want to deal with metal braces, Invisalign can be a great option. Since this technique of using clear aligners is different than that of metal braces, an Invisalign-trained provider is needed to move your smile in the right direct.
Picking the right provider might seem overwhelming. Luckily, you can visit us at Lifetime Dental Care in Richland, WA to see how we work hand in hand with dental technicians to create perfectly fit clear aligners for you.
Invisalign gently and gradually moves your teeth with a series of aligners made just for you. There are a few reasons Invisalign might be a better option for you than traditional metal braces.
DISCRETE
Now you can change your smile gradually without making a loud statement to the world. Invisalign is practically invisible so it won’t get in the way of your look and style.
COMFORT
Unlike metal braces that have wires and brackets that can poke and irritate your tongue and the inside of your mouth, Invisalign smoothly moves your teeth gradually towards the look you want.
CONVENIENT
With Invisalign you are not forced to brush and floss around brackets and wires or only eat certain types of food. Having clear aligners doesn’t disrupt your normal life the way metal braces tend to affect daily habits.
If you are dissatisfied with the look of your smile, Invisalign is the discrete and minimally invasive way to make a change. You may have seen our patients in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding areas wearing Invisalign aligners and not even known it. Now it’s easier than ever to get the smile you always wanted without drastically changing your life.
Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, it is simple and easy to clean them and maintain good oral hygiene. The Invisalign cleaning kit has all you need to help keep your aligners clean, clear, and free of odor. You can also brush them and rinse in lukewarm water.
You should of course also keep up good oral hygiene habits to maintain a mouth healthy and strong gums. A clean and healthy mouth will also keep your aligners working and looking better.
If you need to change the alignment of your smile for cosmetic or medical reasons, Invisalign might be right for you. For years patients from Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding areas have been coming to Lifetime Dental Care for expert Invisalign consultations. Give us a call at (509) 628-1144 to schedule a consultation to determine if Invisalign is right for you!
“I enjoy excellent care given by all the staff. Before I started going to Lifetime Dental I had to have nitrous oxide because I got so nervous in the dental office. I dont need it here because they are so gentle. I highly recommend Lifetime Dental!”
– Jan Goulet