Moving through life with a smile that makes you feel embarrassed can be almost crippling. Feeling the need to cover your smile with your hand or holding back when you laugh has long-lasting social repercussions. After all, your non-verbal cues such as facial expression, smiling, and laughter play an important role in your communication with others. Feelings of self-consciousness can prevent you from fully experiencing some of the most important moments of your life.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano cosmetic denitst, is pleased to offer the services that can unlock the smile that you’ve kept hidden. Cosmetic dental procedures are safe and effective for virtually every patient. The range of treatments vary from minimal (teeth whitening) to reconstructive (dental implants, smile makeover). Your most important task is to determine which aspects of your smile you’d like to address.

Stained or discolored teeth can be rejuvenated with advanced technology such as Zoom! Teeth Whitening. As a same-day procedure, you can enjoy an instantly brighter and whiter smile in minutes. Power whitening procedures such as Zoom! can eliminate stubborn discolorations from foods, beverages, and even medications.

When the main concerns include the shade as well as the shape or position of the teeth, porcelain veneers are the preferred solution. Veneers are a conservative way to improve the appearance of the front teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can design your veneers to look beautiful and natural, while enhancing your smile and increasing your self-confidence.

Sometimes, simply replacing a missing tooth can transform both your smile and your self-esteem. A gap or hole in your smile can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dental implants are the closest substitute for your natural teeth. Without compromising the neighboring teeth, dental implants can endure normal eating and biting with ease. Once in place, your dental implant blends with your own teeth, filling the void and completing your smile.

With all of the available services offered by your cosmetic dentist, there is no need to suffer through life without smiling. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and arrange your professional consultation today to learn more.

When you are faced with the need for restorative dental care, you can really appreciate the wide range of available treatment options. Your smile is unique and your dental restorations should reflect that quality at all times.

Rather than recommend “cookie cutter” restorations, or “one size fits all” treatment, your cosmetic dentist in Plano will explore the available options to recommend the treatment that is most ideal for you.

When a small cavity or area of tooth decay has been diagnosed, a simple filling may be a sufficient treatment option. Silver (or amalgam) fillings, though very strong do not provide the best esthetic result. Resin or tooth-colored filling material may be selected to restore your tooth as well as provide a more attractive final result.

When larger portions of the tooth need to be restored, or when strength is a concern, a porcelain inlay may be the best choice. A porcelain inlay is a single, homogenous restoration that is designed to fit into a prepared space in a given tooth. The restoration is permanently bonded into place and blends naturally with the shade of your enamel.

Your cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain onlay when a larger surface of the tooth must be restored. An onlay provides a stronger level of protection for your tooth and is more conservative than a full crown. Esthetically, the onlay is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth. Similar to an inlay, the onlay is permanently cemented into place for lasting durability.

By choosing a porcelain restoration, your cosmetic dentist shows that both your functional needs and your cosmetic needs are high priorities. The porcelain that is used for dental restorations is strong enough to endure conditions in the oral environment such as moisture, temperature changes, and biting forces. With porcelain, there is almost no risk of allergy, and tooth sensitivity is dramatically reduced. At the same time, porcelain can be customized in terms of shading and anatomic details for a naturally appealing result.

Which cosmetic restorative option is best for you? Consult with our experienced cosmetic dentistry team at Plano Smile Studio for more information.

The teeth tend to be the focal point of the smile and rightfully so. Straight, white teeth are at the center of spectacular smiles, and patients often have this result in mind when they work with a cosmetic dentist.

The teeth are not the smile’s sole component, however. Other elements, such as the alignment of the jaw and the shape of the lips, factor in, as well. Soft tissues are important, too. Indeed, the gums play an essential role in the smile’s appearance, serving as the frame that emphasizes the main part of the picture.

A gumline that is uneven or too high or too low can have a negative impact on the smile, even when the teeth are in the proper alignment.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Dallas cosmetic dentist, can help the gums enhance the smile through a procedure known as tissue resculpting. The procedure can be performed right in the office using a local anesthetic.

In performing a tissue resculpting, Dr. Hucklebridge can alter the shape of the gumline, making it even and bringing it into the proper proportions. This goal is achieved by either removing excess gum tissue or by performing a gum graft, taking tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and placing it along the gumline as a supplement for areas with a shortage of gum tissue.

Tissue resculpting can be used to address inconsistencies that arose from congenital or genetic roots, or it may be used to give a boost to gums that have receded due to periodontal disease.

In many cases, tissue resculpting alone is sufficient to improve the smile’s aesthetics. However, in certain patients, an overgrowth of bone can be a complicating factor, causing an unwanted regrowth of gum tissue following the treatment. These patients may also need to have a crown lengthening, in which some of the excess bone is removed along with the gum tissue in order to achieve permanent results.

Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972.398.2550 to see if your uneven or prominent gums can be improved through tissue resculpting.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano TX cosmetic dentist, can use a variety of tools and techniques to enhance your smile. One of the most basic, yet effective, of those is dental bonding.

Dental bonding is one of the simplest and most economical restorations available. The process begins with a small amount of composite resin, which is made of plastic materials. That resin is then hardened or “bonded” to the tooth using a special light.

Chips and cracks in the teeth can be concealed through bonding. A cosmetic dentist may also rely on bonding to fill in gaps or alter the shape of an unusual tooth. Bonding can even be used to repair tooth decay or protect dental roots exposed by receding gums.

To prepare the teeth for dental bonding, the cosmetic dentist will first roughen the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid that helps the resin stick to the tooth. Then, the dentist selects a shade of resin that blends in with the patient’s smile and massages it into the desired shape.

This procedure can be completed quickly. In most cases, bonding is finished within an hour or so. Bonding doesn’t require an outside laboratory to craft the restorations, so it can be done in a single office visit.

The resin is not as strong as enamel, so bonding may not be appropriate for tooth surfaces that are exposed to significant chewing forces.  It’s important to talk with your cosmetic dentist to determine which options will meet your particular needs.

Nonetheless, if you properly care for your teeth, your dental bonding can last for up to a decade before it needs to be replaced. If you avoid bad habits like biting your fingernails or chewing hard objects, you’ll help to extend the life of your dental bonding.

Dental bonding is particularly appealing to patients who hope to preserve as much of their natural tooth material as possible. Other tooth restorations, such as veneers and crowns, often require the patient to sacrifice healthy enamel, but that step is unnecessary with bonding.

To learn more about dental bonding and to schedule your consultation, please contact Plano Smile Studio at 972.398.2550.

Understanding the source of your stained or discolored teeth can be the key to achieving the brighter, whiter smile that you deserve. Some types of staining can occur on the surface of the enamel (referred to as extrinsic stain) and can be polished away during your routine dental visit. Stain that has penetrated the enamel or stain that occurs from the inside of the tooth (known as intrinsic) can be more difficult to remove without the assistance of your cosmetic dentist in Plano TX.

The most common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline during tooth development. Children who were exposed to the antibiotic tetracycline while the permanent teeth were developing can typically be identified by the appearance of bluish-gray tinted enamel.

Another common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is trauma or injury. When the nerve of the tooth is damaged as a result of an injury, the shade of the tooth can often become dark gray or brown. This type of injury may not result in tooth loss, but the resulting shade of the tooth is generally a source of concern for most patients.

Fortunately, there are a variety of options for improving the appearance of intrinsically stained teeth. your cosmetic dentist may recommend teeth whitening as a conservative solution. Using a concentrated, professional-strength whitening solution, enamel can be lightened to a more natural shade. Professional whitening allows your cosmetic dentist to focus the whitening efforts on the affected teeth to achieve the most natural results. Teeth whitening is safe and effective, bleaching away the impurities that cause discoloration, while preserving the integrity of the enamel.

To address tooth discoloration that is difficult or impossible to remove, your cosmetic dentist may suggest porcelain veneers. Veneers are a beautiful solution for concealing stain that could not otherwise be removed. Following a minimal amount of preparation, the veneers are permanently bonded to the front surfaces of the front teeth, and shaded to blend naturally with the adjacent teeth. Since veneers are customized for each patient, they present the opportunity to change other esthetic details such as the shape, size, and position of the affected teeth.

To learn more about how cosmetic dental solutions can be used to improve the appearance of your smile, call Plano Smile Studio for your appointment today.

Symmetry is essential to a smile’s attractiveness. Even a single tooth that results in asymmetry can have a negative effect on the appearance.

Do you have one oddly shaped or undersized tooth that detracts from the rest of your smile? Regardless of whether you have a tooth that was damaged by trauma or one with an unusual shape due to genetics, veneers can help improve the appearance of the tooth and, by extension, your entire smile.

Veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the top of the natural teeth. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic Plano dentist, can place a veneer to extend or reshape a tooth so that it blends better with the rest of the teeth.

In many cases, a single misshapen or undersized tooth is the main problem, but in other cases, several teeth may have unusual shapes. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can use veneers on as many teeth as necessary.

Veneers are placed in a two-step process. At the first appointment, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the tooth to accommodate the veneer. The cosmetic dentist will also take impressions of the tooth that will be sent to the dental laboratory tasked with constructing the veneer.

Approximately 1-2 weeks after the initial appointment, the veneers will be ready for placement. The cosmetic dentist makes any additional necessary adjustments to the veneer’s shade and shape and then bonds the veneer to the tooth.

Adult patients whose teeth have been recently altered in shape should have a dentist look into the cause. Patients who grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, will need additional interventions to protect their veneers as well as their natural teeth. These patients will need to wear a custom-crafted mouthguard at night to reduce the damage brought on by bruxism.

Cosmetic dentists may also use other techniques, such as crowns, bonding or onlays to correct a misshapen tooth. If a misshapen tooth has been a drag on your smile and your self-confidence, contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to see what solutions may be available and appropriate in your case.

What do you see when you look at your smile? When we glance at pictures and video of ourselves, there are certain aspects of our smiles that seem to jump out right away. Often, the factors that we notice in our smiles are the very factors that can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and decreased self-esteem.

It’s nice to know, however, that cosmetic dentistry is an effective way to correct even the most minor imperfections. After all, if you are not satisfied with your smile, you tend to smile less often.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic dentist serving Plano, can be a terrific resource and partner as you explore the options for improving your smile. For instance, if spaces between the teeth are a concern, you may want to consider porcelain veneers.

Spaces between the teeth, known as diastemas, can result in undesirable consequences, both cosmetic and functional. You may notice gaps or spaces between the teeth tend to appear as black triangles in pictures or from a distance. Spaces between the teeth can also create food traps between the teeth, magnets for stringy foods and leafy vegetables.

Porcelain veneers are an effective solution for many cosmetic concerns regarding the front teeth. Due to their versatility and ease of application, many patients find that they can correct multiple issues at one time using veneers. Veneers can be used to close spaces between the teeth, reshape the teeth to promote symmetry, conceal discolorations, and reduce the appearance of crowding.

By minimally preparing the enamel on the front surfaces of the front teeth, your cosmetic dentist begins the initial phase of the veneer procedure. The veneers are custom-designed according to your dentist’s specifications, and permanently bonded to your teeth. These impressively strong porcelain shells are designed to look natural and feel comfortable. They can be shaded to match your existing enamel or lightened to produce a fresher, whiter smile.

If the spaces between your teeth are creating a distraction or preventing you from smiling with confidence, talk to Dr. Hucklebridge about veneers. Call 972-398-2550 for your appointment today.

A beautiful smile is more than a set of shiny, white teeth. The components of a beautiful smile include teeth that are shaped proportionately to your face and to each other. When the teeth look as if they are too small, or the amount of visible gum tissue seems to outweigh the teeth, the smile can appear “gummy”.

Often, patients are unaware that there are cosmetic options when it comes to the gummy smile. Sometimes, the gums can cover the portion of the tooth meant to be visible in the mouth. The gums can grow excessively in response to certain medications, allergic reactions, or orthodontic treatment. This excess gum tissue can have a dramatic impact on the overall smile.

Ideally, the gum tissue should be firmly attached to the roots of the teeth, but not covering the enamel. Just at the neck, or cervix of the tooth, the gum line begins and the tooth or clinical crown is visible. The junction where the roots of the teeth end and the clinical crown begins can be identified by the presence of enamel. When the smile appears gummy, often the gum tissue has concealed a portion of the clinical crown, or the enamel.

The goal of the cosmetic dentist is to address not only the teeth, but the structures around the teeth to create the most symmetrical and balanced smile possible. Tissue re-sculpting is an accepted method of achieving a harmonious smile. The dentist will determine the amount of tooth structure that should be visible, and then reshape the gum tissue to reveal the hidden surface area.

Tissue re-sculpting can be utilized to treat single teeth or multiple teeth. The procedure is useful in treating a variety of concerns:

• Excessive, or gummy smiles (too much gum tissue, not enough tooth structure)
• Uneven gum tissue (neighboring teeth appear asymmetrical)
• Short, or square teeth (by revealing more enamel, teeth appear proportionately longer)

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic dentist in Plano, is specially trained to evaluate your entire smile, not just the teeth. Tissue re-sculpting can instantly add symmetry and harmony to your smile. If you have noticed that your smile seems exceptionally “gummy”, schedule an appointment to discuss your cosmetic options today.

Your smile contributes to a major part of your personality. When you feel that your smile is not ideal, it can really hold you back from enjoying life. You will find that laughing and smiling are not pleasurable, and your self-esteem eventually suffers.

There are many roadblocks that can prevent you from seeking the cosmetic treatment that you desire. Financial concerns and busy lifestyles may lead you to place your cosmetic needs on the back burner. In addition to these obstacles, fear and anxiety may very well be the most common roadblocks on the path to obtaining the smile of your dreams.

Dental anxiety, or dental phobia, is a reality for many patients. A heightened physical and emotional response to various factors associated with dental offices and staff can deter patients who would otherwise seek care. The fear of possible discomfort, fear of dentists in “white coats”, an aversion to the sounds and smells of dentistry, or memories of previous traumatic experiences are all contributing factors.

Fortunately, you no longer have to accept defeat in the battle against your anxiety. Times and technology have changed dramatically, pushing our skills to great heights. When you have made the decision to pursue cosmetic dentistry, we can apply those same skills and techniques to help conquer your anxiety.

With the use of sedation, your cosmetic dentist can create a customized, beautiful smile as you enjoy a peaceful state of relaxation. For us, your comfort and peace of mind are just as important as the smile that we create. Within minutes of administration, your stress can be transformed into a feeling of soothing relaxation. Sedation dentistry is a safe and highly effective method of patient relaxation that has helped millions of people overcome their anxieties about dental treatment.

You should feel confident and excited about treating yourself to cosmetic dental procedures. Allowing yourself to feel relaxed and safe during your treatment can only enhance your overall experience and lead to a beautiful, natural result. Don’t hesitate to discuss the possibility of sedation with your cosmetic dentist in Plano today.

How confident are you about your smile? Have you ever wondered if your teeth are white enough? Would you like a whiter smile…today? Your smile says a lot about you, and it’s the first thing many people see when they meet you. A beautiful, white smile gives you confidence and even makes you look and feel younger.

Teeth whitening has always been a safe and effective cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, the whitening process has advanced dramatically in recent years. Today, you can expect to achieve your whitest, brightest smile with one simple visit to Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic dentist in Dallas. The Zoom! whitening system produces a high—quality, white smile and many other benefits to make it the best choice for your whitening needs.

• Performed by a trained dental professional (receive a thorough evaluation prior to whitening to address periodontal disease and cavities that could affect your treatment outcome)
• Safe and relaxing treatment (gums, lips, and face are protected from the whitening solution)
• Less shade rebound (although no whitening method is permanent, you should expect to maintain your new, whiter shade longer than some other methods)
• Low sensitivity (Zoom! Whitening solutions have been formulated to produce whiter, less sensitive teeth)
• Whiter smile…today! (Display a smile suitable for pictures in as little as 45 minutes)

You deserve a smile that you’re proud of. Make an appointment for Zoom! Whitening, and have a brighter, whiter smile today. No need to deal with one-size fits all drugstore strips, and no fussing with removable bleach trays and solutions for two weeks. Zoom! provides the highest standard in whitening when it comes to better and faster results. Isn’t that enough to make you smile?