An experienced cosmetic dentist in Mount Pleasant, MI, Dr. Raymond Ribitch offers complete cosmetic dentistry services to his patients. He has received training from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and has experience working with complex cases. Dr. Ribitch and his dental care team create an environment for patients where they feel comfortable and relaxed.
Whether you are looking for a quick smile makeover with teeth whitening or want to completely change the overall appearance of your smile with Invisalign, Dr. Ribitch and his team will work with you to create the treatment plan that best suits your oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget. Cosmetic treatment not only improves the appearance of teeth and gums but also benefits the patient’s oral health. Repairing crooked teeth or whitening teeth makes it easier to fight tooth decay.
What is a Smile Makeover?
If you have multiple cosmetic dental problems, Dr. Ribitch can create a comprehensive treatment plan to makeover your smile. In fact, the first phase of a smile makeover is treatment planning. Dr. Ribitch thoroughly examines his patient’s smiles to make note of tooth injuries, discoloration, and stress in the jaw or facial muscles. He does this to determine whether or not patients require restorative care before addressing cosmetic concerns.
For cosmetic treatments like Invisalign, tooth bonding, or dental veneers, Dr. Ribitch will take dental impressions of the smile. Patients who want professional teeth whitening treatment can request a consultation with Dr. Ribitch, who will plan an in-office treatment. Please schedule an appointment at Mid Michigan Smiles if you want to address injured, stained, and worn teeth. Dr. Ribitch will be happy to help you begin your smile makeover journey.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, MI
Learn more about the different cosmetic treatments that Dr. Ribitch offers his patients below.
Invisalign: Using a series of clear aligners, you can get straighter teeth in 3 to 9 months. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and can be easily removed and cleaned. Because aligners are made of ultra-thin plastic, they won’t damage teeth or gums. Treatment with Invisalign can also be used in conjunction with other restorative treatments. If you have misaligned teeth or an uneven bite, our professionals are able to fix these complex dental problems in our Mount Pleasant, MI office.
Porcelain Veneers: Do you have crooked teeth? Maybe you want to repair a chipped tooth or multiple teeth. Porcelain veneers are a great cosmetic option that improves and balances the smile. Porcelain veneers resist staining, although it is still good to stay away from food and beverages that typically stain teeth, like sodas, teas, coffee, and red wine. You should brush and floss normally with veneers to maintain your new, brilliant smile.
Tooth Bonding: Tooth bonding is a quick and easy solution to cosmetic problems that many patients may face. Like porcelain veneers, tooth bonding is able to repair chipped or cracked teeth. Dr. Ribitch can complete your tooth bonding procedure in just one visit to his office. Before treatment, Dr. Ribitch will go over your oral health history, budget, and goals to ensure that tooth bonding is right for you.
Tooth Whitening: If you have discolored, yellowed, or stained teeth, choose Zoom! teeth whitening. Zoom! is an in-office procedure that can give you whiter teeth in less than two hours. This procedure consists of three sessions wherein a bleaching gel is applied to teeth. The whitening formula is activated by a special light that penetrates tooth enamel. Zoom! is also able to whiten teeth by up to 8 shades in just one office visit.
Why Get Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many people think that cosmetic dentistry is only helpful for looks. That is what cosmetic means, but cosmetic dentistry does just more than just improve the appearance of your smile. Many cosmetic dental problems have underlying oral health issues that are the cause of the cosmetic flaws. We don’t just treat the appearance when you come to us for cosmetic dentistry. We work on finding and treating the root cause, treating both the oral health concerns and the looks.
One of the best examples of this is crooked teeth. When people have a problem with their crooked teeth, it’s usually because of how it looks. Teeth overlap and may stick or jut out of your lips. You may want to hide your smile instead of showing it off. We want you to be confident and happy with your smile. But crooked teeth also increase your chances of a variety of oral health problems.
Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean compared to straight teeth. Your teeth overlap and are often cramped and jumbled. Even if you take diligent care of your teeth, there are likely areas that your toothbrush and dental floss can’t reach. If you’re coming to the dentist for regular cleanings and exams, even our specialized dental tools may not be able to clean these areas. Plaque and tartar accumulate here, increasing the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Crooked teeth also give you an uneven bite. When your upper and lower jaws come together, the pressure of your bite is distributed evenly across all of your teeth. Crooked teeth don’t allow this pressure to be spread out evenly. Some of them take on more pressure than others, making them more likely to wear down faster and crack or chip under the pressure.
An uneven bite is one of the main contributors to TMJ disorders. Your jaw doesn’t track properly, causing the jaw joint to wear down and the facial muscles to strain. You experience pain throughout your jaw, face, and head, and you may hear clicking and popping sounds when you use your job. It can lead to problems with the function of your jaw joint, causing it to get stuck in positions.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry improves the aesthetics of your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What’s the most popular cosmetic dental treatment?
Professional teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment. It’s a non-invasive procedure that can produce dramatic results for your smile. Everyone suffers from tooth discoloration, so whitening treatment is requested often.
Does my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
No, dental insurance often doesn’t cover cosmetic treatment. They categorize it as elected procedures and not something necessary for your oral health. However, solutions like dental bonding might sometimes be partially or fully covered by insurance if it’s for restorative purposes.
Is cosmetic treatment permanent?
No, no cosmetic treatment is permanent. Solutions like porcelain veneers last the longest — for 10-15 years or more. The better you take care of your smile after cosmetic treatment, the longer the results will last — regardless of the treatment you choose.
Is cosmetic dentistry safe?
Yes, all of our cosmetic treatments are safe. The most common side effect you’ll see with cosmetic dentistry is sensitivity. With teeth whitening, the chemicals used can cause sensitivity if you use them too often. Porcelain veneers require us to remove some of the natural tooth structure to make room for the restoration. You may also experience sensitivity for a bit after we perform this process.
Is cosmetic dentistry a need or a want?
Many people would qualify it as just a want. But cosmetic dentistry comes with an array of benefits that can improve your quality of life. Often, cosmetic procedures correct underlying oral health problems, assisting in the function of your smile. They also provide a mood boost and other mental health benefits because you have a smile that you’re proud of.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients are eligible for cosmetic dentistry. The main stipulation is ensuring any oral health problems are treated before we proceed with cosmetics. You need to have a healthy foundation for the cosmetic services, so that they’re worth the money and time.
Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation
Do you want straighter and brighter teeth? Are you ready to treat and repair your damaged teeth? Call Dr. Ribitch and his professional team in their Mount Pleasant, MI office at 989.268.7966 today. They will collaborate with you to find the treatment option that is right for you, utilizing the latest in dental technology.