Cosmetic dentistry services at Richard D. Weigand, DDS in Spokane, WA can transform your smile. Would you like a subtle change or a modification to the shape or size of a few teeth? Maybe you want to dramatically brighten the shade? Or improve the spacing and alignment of all your teeth? Dr. Weigand can help with personalized smile-enhancing solutions that truly bring your smile to life.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are used to restore decayed teeth. The material is precisely matched to the color of your natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly. Dr. Weigand will remove the decay and fill the void with composite material to return your tooth to its natural strength and beauty.
We may recommend a composite filling for the following reasons:
- To repair a chipped or cracked tooth
- To restore decayed teeth
- To replace older amalgam (metal) fillings
While in the past, it was common for fillings to be made of dental amalgam, composite materials are becoming increasingly more popular due to their natural look and ability to withstand everyday wear and tear. Most importantly, composite is mercury-free—so you don’t have to worry about any negative health effects that are associated with amalgam fillings.
If you have any amalgam fillings you would like to replace, contact our office today! Dr. Weigand will be happy to talk with you about mercury-free dentistry during a personal consultation and provide you with a beautiful, composite filling.
Porcelain Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin porcelain restoration, meticulously designed to seat over the front of a tooth. The veneer is fabricated by a ceramist in a professional dental laboratory. Usually, upper front teeth (four, six, or eight) that show when you smile are veneered. However, teeth in the lower arch can also be treated, as well as a single tooth.
Veneers are cemented in place for long-term enhancement, correcting the appearance of conditions such as:
- Chips, fractures, or natural imperfections in the enamel
- Spaces between teeth
- Teeth that look too short, too long, or have an unusual shape
- In some cases, teeth that are worn down (although Dr. Weigand may recommend a nightguard to protect veneers from further bruxism damage)
- Stubborn discoloration that resists bleaching
- Minor misalignment that does not warrant clear aligners
Dental Crowns
A crown is sometimes called a tooth cap because it covers the tooth structure. While crowns can be made of gold, other metals, or a thin shell of porcelain over a metal core, Dr. Weigand finds his patients are most satisfied with lustrous all-porcelain crowns. The natural appearance is especially important for a front tooth crown, but modern dental ceramics are strong enough for molar restorations, too.
Dr. Weigand may recommend a tooth crown in these situations:
- Severe tooth decay, leaving a cavity too large to support a composite filling
- Damaged teeth, such as a piece broken off or a significant fracture
- Teeth worn down or damaged from bruxism (clenching and grinding)
- Protect a tooth that has had root canal therapy
- As the finishing restoration of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
- As anchors for a dental bridge
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
A smile makeover is much more than tooth restoration. It is a life-altering decision that can transform your smile and rebuild your confidence with a combination of cosmetic and restorative dentistry techniques.
Missing teeth, discoloration and stains, chipped or fractured teeth, and tooth decay affects the appearance and function of the smile. Dr. Weigand designs a treatment plan to meet your smile rehabilitation objectives. With more than 30 years in practice, he has seen countless situations that prove a one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry is not effective. Each patient has a different set of circumstances, unique needs, and varying goals. Dr. Weigand is dedicated to getting to know you and your specific needs. You get a treatment plan that results in a smile you feel comfortable in—physically and emotionally.
Services that can be incorporated in full mouth rehabilitation include:
- Bridges to replace missing teeth
- Bridges to replace a full arch of teeth with amazing stability
- Teeth whitening for dramatic results in about an hour
- Porcelain veneers for beautiful smile symmetry
- Composite fillings that do not advertise past tooth decay like silver-colored mercury restorations
- Orthodontics and clear aligners for a straighter smile
First impressions are often the longest-lasting, and our smile is the first thing most people notice. Dr. Weigand was trained at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for advanced dental studies, Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (PAC-Live), and The SPEAR Center for dental education to learn the most up-to-date techniques in smile transformation. He strives to provide treatment that lays the foundation for your success in social and professional interactions. Call today to schedule your cosmetic consultation!
FAQs
What is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures worldwide. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can significantly brighten your smile in just one session. Many patients at Dr. Richard Weigand’s South Hill practice in Spokane seek teeth whitening to enhance their appearance quickly, thanks to its immediate and noticeable results. Whether you have stains from coffee, tea, or aging, Dr. Weigand offers advanced whitening options that provide a bright, natural-looking smile.
What is a cosmetic dentist?
A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Procedures offered by a cosmetic dentist include veneers, teeth whitening, dental bonding, and smile makeovers. Dr. Weigand’s cosmetic dentistry practice in South Hill, Spokane, aims to blend aesthetics with function, helping patients achieve smiles that not only look great but also work properly.
Which problems can cosmetic dentistry solve?
Cosmetic dentistry can address a wide range of dental issues, including stained, chipped, misaligned, or missing teeth. It can also correct gaps between teeth or improve the overall shape of teeth. At Dr. Weigand’s Spokane practice, patients come in with a variety of concerns and leave with smiles that are brighter, straighter, and more symmetrical. His team tailors each treatment plan to solve both aesthetic and functional issues.
Is cosmetic dentistry healthy?
Yes, cosmetic dentistry is not only about improving appearance but also about enhancing oral health. Procedures like veneers, all porcelain crowns, and bonding can protect teeth from further damage, and teeth whitening under professional supervision is safe for your enamel. Dr. Weigand’s office in South Hill ensures that all cosmetic procedures are conducted with the utmost care, maintaining the health and functionality of your teeth while improving aesthetics.
What are veneers in dentistry?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. At Dr. Weigand’s practice in Spokane, porcelain veneers are especially popular because of their natural look and durability. Veneers are ideal for fixing discolored, worn, chipped, or uneven teeth.
Can you eat with veneers?
Yes, once your veneers are properly bonded to your teeth, you can eat as you normally would. However, it’s advisable to avoid very hard foods like ice or hard candy to prevent damage. Dr. Weigand’s practice in Spokane ensures that your veneers are strong enough to handle daily activities while providing guidance on how to care for them effectively.
Do veneers damage teeth?
Veneers do not damage your teeth when applied correctly. A small amount of enamel is removed to ensure a snug fit, but this procedure is minimally invasive. Dr. Weigand’s expertise in cosmetic dentistry ensures that the application of veneers in his South Hill practice protects your natural teeth while enhancing your smile.
What is the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a regular dentist?
A regular dentist focuses primarily on maintaining oral health through routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments like fillings and root canals. A cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Weigand, specializes in improving the appearance of your smile through procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers. At his Spokane office, you’ll receive both general dental care and advanced cosmetic treatments to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
Most cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding, are minimally invasive and generally pain-free and local anesthetic (novocaine) is used to minimize discomfort. Dr. Weigand’s office in South Hill, Spokane, uses advanced technology to make procedures as comfortable as possible.
