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People notice your smile - and they also notice when you don’t smile. Your smile leaves a lasting impression, so it should be a good one. Let people see that smile, no matter what! If you’re unsure or self-conscious about your smile, you can transform it using veneers in Tyler, TX, to achieve a smile you are proud of. 

Veneers are popular for exactly this reason. This cosmetic dental option provides long-lasting improvements to your smile, helping to resolve dental imperfections that might leave you holding back on that beautiful smile. Learn more about what veneers are and their benefits below! 

What Are Veneers? 

Veneers are a customized fitting that works almost like a shell. They are custom-made to your teeth and fit right over the teeth that are existent. Veneers cover the front surface and are bonded to your natural teeth with the intention of improving shape, size, color, etc. The addition to your teeth can correct a wide variety of dental needs, making them pretty versatile. 

Think about your smile goals. Maybe you have stains that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Or perhaps your teeth just aren’t the perfect shape. While this doesn’t ruin your smile, these are the imperfections that make people self-conscious. On the same note, these are things veneers can fix. 

These are common reasons people choose veneers: 

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Uneven or misshapen teeth

Top Benefits of Veneers

There are some wonderful benefits to choosing veneers to help correct smile imperfections.

• Natural Appearance: veneers are designed to mimic the translucence and shine of natural teeth so they look natural when applied
• Stain Resistant: our natural teeth can stain easily, but veneers are made with materials that are resistant to stains. They won’t absorb food and beverage pigments, so they stay white and bright so much longer
• Durability: when properly cared for, veneers are durable and can last 5-10 years, or perhaps even longer. They withstand daily life and hold up well over time
• Minimally Invasive Application: some cosmetic approaches require extensive work or even surgery. Veneers are minimally invasive in comparison and just require some enamel removal to apply them. There should be little to no discomfort during the application process. 
• Smile Transformation: the improvement of minor imperfections often provides a person with confidence and a desire to smile more

The Veneer Process

The process of getting veneers may differ from office to office, but it’s going to be relatively the same across the board. Work with a qualified dentist who can ensure you get great results and can confirm this is the best choice for you. 

The process typically works like this: 

1. Schedule a consultation so the dentist can assess your smile and determine the best plan to meet your goals. They also typically take impressions or scans during this initial assessment. 
2. The dentist will take steps to start preparing your teeth for the veneer application. 
3. An impression is taken after the teeth are fully prepared so that the veneers can be fitted exactly as they need to be. The creation process takes 1-2 weeks in most cases. 
4. When the veneers are ready, they will be bonded to your existing teeth by the dentist, ensuring they are a perfect fit, and cured using a special light. 
5. Your provider will discuss follow-up procedures as well as proper care for your veneers and your transformed smile. 

It is very important to follow the instructions from your provider to keep your veneers looking great for many years. While this process may seem slow, it generally takes less than 30 days from start to finish. The total time it takes may depend on your situation as well as the availability of your dental office. 

Deciding Whether Veneers are Right For You

Veneers may not be the answer for every smile transformation. It is important to consider all of the details and whether they can fit your smile goals or needs. You should consult with your dental provider as well. This will help make sure you’re a good fit. In some cases, other solutions may be a better choice. 

This solution is a fantastic choice for many people, but not for everyone. In situations where there is gum disease, significant decay, or very weak teeth, your dentist may recommend better alternatives to veneers. Keep in mind that this cosmetic solution is designed solely for cosmetic or visual purposes. That means it isn’t going to address underlying dental health issues. 

Work with Smith Dental Care for Tyler, TX, Veneers Today! 

Veneers can be highly effective for enhancing smiles and covering up minor imperfections. When you feel like your smile needs to be improved, consider chatting with us about veneers or other potential solutions. This is a great tool to enhance your smile and boost your confidence, providing a transformation that will have you showing your pearly whites to the world! 

Ready to boost your smile? Contact us today to get started. 

If you face anxiety or fear at the thought of going to the dentist, you should know that there are East Texas sedation options available to help. There are dentist’s offices that provide sedation solutions focused on providing their patients with a calming, relaxing, and stress-free experience. When you’re able to get the necessary support to relax, it’s so much easier to receive the dental treatment that you need. Learn more about these options in East Texas below. 

Common Types of Sedation in East Texas

You will find that every office offering sedation will have their own niche or offering. It’s good to have a variety of choices, rather than only leaning on a single solution for every patient who needs sedation support. 

At Smith Dental Care, we offer three types of sedation:

• Oral Sedation
• Nitrous Oxide
• Intravenous (IV)

Learn more about each of these methods below. 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a common choice for someone who needs to be able to relax before they can bring themselves to even come to the office. This is a prescribed pill medication that can be taken 30-60 minutes before coming to the dentist. Your provider will give you specific instructions on when and how to take it. 

There are different forms of medicine that can be used for this. The meds help provide a deep level of relaxation that may also make the person feel groggy or sleepy. The patient remains conscious and probably won’t remember much about going to the dentist. 

You will need to arrange for a ride if you use this method because of the groggy side effects. 

Nitrous Oxide Intravenous

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation that a person will inhale through a small mask over their nose. The gas helps to relax patients and reduce anxiety throughout the procedure. The person will feel some euphoria and calmness until the mask is removed. When removed, the effects fade quickly. 

This is most common for short procedures, because it works quickly and has limited side effects. 

Intravenous

IV sedation uses medicine placed directly into your bloodstream through controlled means. This is used when a deeper level of sedation is needed. The person will remain conscious, but typically drifts off to sleep. It is controlled in-office by a board certified anesthesiologist. 

This method is typically reserved for someone who faces severe anxiety or when a longer and more involved procedure is happening. 

General anesthesia is another available form of sedation. We do not provide this in our office, as it must be monitored closely by a skilled anesthetist in a hospital setting. General anesthesia is typically only required for complex procedures or dental surgeries, and the patient will be unconscious until such time as they are woken up. 

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation provides benefits for the patient and the provider. These options help settle anxiety and invoke calmness that is needed to get through a procedure.

These are some of the benefits: 

• Reduce Anxiety: reduces and eliminates anxiety for dental visits and procedures, allowing a patient to feel more comfortable and at ease
• Minimize Discomfort: sedation will help provide calm and anxiety but also contributes to minimizing physical discomfort. It can be especially beneficial for patients with pain, sensitivity, or a low pain tolerance
• No Bad Memories: with sedation, the patient will feel as though things happened quickly and smoothly. Even with oral sedation, the patients typically do not remember the treatment, or won’t remember most of it
• Fewer Appointments: with sedation, a provider can typically get through everything they need to in one appointment, because you are calm and easier to work with. This helps minimize the need for multiple appointments for one issue

Choosing Sedation Solutions

Before you choose a sedation method, work with your provider to determine what they offer and what they would recommend. You will need to work closely with them throughout the planning and procedure. 

These are some things to be considered:

• Anxiety levels and needs
• Type or length of procedure
• Medical history

East Texas Sedation

At Smith Dental Care, we take great pride in offering quality East Texas sedation solutions to meet each patient’s needs. We want our patients to feel at ease and relaxed when they come to our office. We offer multiple sedation solutions, but we also strive to create a relaxing and calm atmosphere when you come in the door. 
If you struggle with dental anxiety or phobia, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s get your dental needs taken care of.

When you don’t have a straight smile, it can easily impact your self-confidence. So many people dream of straighter smiles, but they simply don’t want to hassle with normal braces. That’s where Invisalign can be a valuable tool to help you get the smile you want. 

Smith Dental Care is a Tyler, TX, Invisalign professional that can help you consider the process and determine if it’s a good choice for your needs. Consider a clear, discreet method to transform your smile. We can help! 

Why Choose Invisalign? 

Invisalign has a lot of great benefits. It has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional braces because it is discreet and often has much shorter treatment timelines. Invisalign and other common brands use custom-made, clear aligners that fit to your teeth. The aligners help to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. 

Invisalign provides patients with the benefits of an aligned smile without the drawbacks that metal braces might have for some people. While they may not cover complex teeth movement, they can serve a variety of needs. 

These are some of the most common reasons people choose Invisalign solutions: 

• Virtually Invisible: these clear aligners are barely visible. Most people will not realize you are wearing them, making Invisalign a great option for when you want to improve your smile but don’t want to attract extra attention to your mouth while doing so. 
• Comfortable Fit: aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth. Metal braces often cause irritation or discomfort. You may experience some mild adjustment to each aligner tray, but overall, they fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth. 
• Removable Convenience: Invisalign is removable at your convenience. They simply slide off and on your teeth to be removed when necessary. You can remove them to eat, drink, brush, and more. You will need to be sure to wear them for the recommended time, but you can also take short breaks from them. 
• Fewer Visits: typically, you can enjoy fewer visits to the dentist throughout the treatment with Invisalign. New sets of aligners will be provided for you as your adjustment occurs, and you can usually enjoy a flexible treatment plan. 

How It Works

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligning trays that are removable. Each tray is custom-designed to fit your teeth where they are at that stage in the transformation. Your provider will begin with a consultation where they do a full assessment, talk about your goals, and take digital impressions to start creating your treatment plan. 

The 3D model and digital impressions taken will help to map the anticipated movement of your teeth over the treatment period. You will swap to a new aligner as your dentist advises. This will continue until your teeth have moved as planned and you’ve completed the treatment process. 

Our process works like this: 

1. Schedule an initial consultation to meet with us and discuss
2. Wait for aligners to be designed and created for a unique treatment plan
3. Wear your aligners as the dentist recommends, swapping them at appropriate intervals
4. Enjoy the transformation every step of the way

We will work closely with you throughout treatment to ensure everything is progressing as it should. It is your responsibility to wear the aligners as recommended and take proper care of the aligners and your oral health. 

The Benefits of Using Invisalign

Invisalign is typically used for teens and adults who want to use a discreet method to shift their teeth. They may not work for every orthodontic need, which is why it is so important to work with a qualified provider. 

These are the things that Invisalign can typically treat effectively: 

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Crooked or misaligned teeth

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

What is the difference in this method compared to traditional braces? The most obvious difference is the physical appearance. Traditional braces use metal brackets that are placed on each tooth and then the work is done by a metal wire laid over the brackets and connected with rubber bands that can be clear or colorful. Invisalign is clear and practically invisible. 

There are some differences in diet as well. There are some very strict restrictions for traditional braces to avoid hurting your teeth or dislodging a bracket. Invisalign aligners are removed while eating, eliminating many of these restrictions. The same goes for cleaning: Invisalign is removed to be cleaned, while you have to carefully clean around brackets of traditional braces. 

Invisalign in Tyler, TX

Ready to transform your smile with Invisalign in Tyler, TX? This solution provides a simple solution for discreet and reliable transformation. 

At Smith Dental Care, we are proud to offer a variety of solutions tailored to meet your needs. Let us help you make an informed decision. Schedule your consultation today! 

Taking care of your family’s health is one of the most important things you will ever do - and that includes their oral health. Finding the right East Texas dentist isn’t as easy as it might sound. In fact, it can be challenging to find a dentist and an office that you really like. 

How do you make a decision without having to test out every single dentist in the area? Check out these tips to help you make an informed decision and find the right fit. 

Assess Expertise and Experience

We often assume that because it is a dentist office they have expertise, but the truth is they don’t all have the same expertise. We’re not referring to brand-new offices here. Every dental provider has to start somewhere. However, we are referring to making sure they truly are licensed and certified to do the dental work you need. 

In addition, even a brand-new dental provider should have spent time learning or interning under an experienced provider. Consider the experience and expertise that they bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to try out a new office, but do your due diligence about their experience, training, specializations, etc. 

Look for Family-Friendly Environments

Every office is going to have its own aesthetics and setup. If you’re taking the whole family to the dentist, you want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. If you walk into a silent office that makes you feel awkward bringing in the kids, this likely isn’t the right fit for you. 

The whole family should be comfortable, so take the time to find a welcoming, warm, family-friendly atmosphere to put everyone at ease. Take a look at the aesthetics. Are things clean, comfortable, relaxing, and inviting? Is there anything for the children while they wait? How do the staff engage and interact with your family? All of these details matter. 

You Can Learn a Lot from Online Reviews and Testimonials

There are some things you simply can’t learn from a website. A few of these things will only be clear when you actually visit the office. However, you can often get a feel for real-life experiences and feedback by reading online reviews and testimonials. 

Remember that not everyone will be pleased every single time. Instead, look for overall positive feedback and testimonials or reviews that speak to things you are concerned about or looking for. Look for discussion about customer service, wait times, atmosphere, and pain management. 

Consider Services Offered and Services Needed

We don’t all need the exact same things when it comes to dental care. In fact, we all have very unique needs, and even within your household the needs could vary significantly. Look for an office that provides a wide range of services and will be able to handle the diverse needs of your family. 

Here are some basics to cover:

• Preventative Care: regular cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, x-rays
• Restorative Care: crowns, root canals, fillings, dentures, etc. 
• Orthodontics: braces, Invisalign, and orthodontic specialties

You might also consider cosmetic care, sedation dentistry, and other needs that suit your family. 

Technology and Techniques Do Matter

A dentist’s office that is willing to invest in technology to have the best possible solutions and techniques is absolutely crucial. Modern practices use state-of-the-art technology to ensure their patients get the best care and comfort, no matter their needs. You can ask questions about their equipment and techniques, or just look around to see if things feel outdated or up-to-date. 

Some common modern technologies and techniques include the following: 

• Sedation solutions
• Digital Impressions
• Digital x-rays

These are just a few examples. If the office is using the best technology, you’re going to be able to tell. 

Financial Details

Quality dental care isn’t cheap, so it’s important to understand the financial details before you commit. Check to find out if your insurance plan is accepted by the office you are considering. You will want to be aware of the coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses so you can plan accordingly. 

Some dental offices provide payment plan options to give you some flexibility to work with your budget. These are more common for extensive procedures like a crown, root canal, or braces. You might even be able to find discount programs for family packages, but this will vary from office to office. 

Trust Smith Dental Care as Your East Texas Dentist! 

At Smith Dental Care, we believe in providing quality service for every smile. Whether you need basic services or something more detailed like sedation dentistry, we can help. Our providers and staff care deeply about our customers and strive to offer excellent service in an inviting and caring atmosphere. 

Schedule your appointment with us today!