Cosmetic Dentistry with Dr. Nisham Halim
Dr. Nishan Halim helps patients improve their smiles’ oral health, and aesthetics with cosmetic dentistry. Although they may seem simply like a cosmetic problem, crooked or damaged teeth are more prone to bacteria entering the root canal or building up between teeth.
Straightening misaligned teeth or protecting tooth damage with veneers or dental bonding are great preventative treatments. Patients who receive teeth whitening treatments often feel motivated to maintain their smiles because of their good results.
We’re proud to have an award-winning dentist helm our office. If you need quality cosmetic dentistry in the DMV area, Dr. Halim is ready to treat you. You can take comfort in knowing you’re in experienced, capable hands for your dental treatment.
Why Should I Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?
Aesthetics: Cosmetic dentistry can help improve your smile’s appearance. We can perform many different cosmetic procedures to enhance your teeth and gums. These include whitening, bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, and implants. However, Dr. Nishan Halim does not sacrifice function over beauty. He will make sure we address all functional issues before recommending cosmetic procedures.
Health: Dental problems can cause serious health issues. If you have gum disease, you may experience tooth loss. Gum disease can lead to other conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Cosmetic dental procedures can prevent these diseases from occurring by creating another line of protection.
Self-Esteem: If you feel self-conscious about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can change that. You can get a beautiful smile without worrying about how others perceive you. You can address many cosmetic issues with your smile below the cost of restorative treatments.
Dr. Nishan Halim is an award-winning dentist in Washington, DC, providing cosmetic dentistry for all ages in his modern dental practice. Learn more about how cosmetic dentistry solutions benefit our patients and enhance the dental experience.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Invisalign
Clear Invisalign aligners can gradually straighten misaligned and crooked teeth comfortably. Modern Invisalign treatment is a quick and comfortable alternative to metal braces. Traditional metal braces can irritate the gum tissue and often have an average treatment time that spans several years.
Many patients can complete Invisalign treatment within twelve months. Patients who use Invisalign can also take clear aligners out to eat and brush their teeth, so there are no dietary restrictions. Invisalign aligners are also clear and less noticeable than metal braces.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers can close gaps between teeth, cover damage and discoloration, and change the alignment and shape of teeth. A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that the dentist will apply to the front and sides of the tooth enamel. Dr. Halim uses high-quality porcelain ceramic so that the end result looks and feels like natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers can also improve the appearance of crooked teeth and repair chipped and broken teeth for a more balanced smile. Veneers are a more permanent cosmetic solution, so if you want to whiten your teeth, you may want to consider our GLO whitening system. However, porcelain veneers are a great option if you have more stubborn stains.
Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding treatment is a more economical alternative to porcelain veneers that can also be used to cover damaged or stained tooth enamel. Dental bonding may also benefit patients with slight tooth misalignment, cracked or chipped teeth, and gaps between teeth.
This option is popular among patients who do not want a permanent restoration like dental veneers. Dental bonding material can last up to 10 years with proper dental care, although your dentist will recommend touch-up treatments.
Tooth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening treatment brightens stained, yellowed, and discolored teeth. Dr. Halim provides in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatment using the GLO teeth whitening system. This system uses a mouthguard filled with whitening gel that is cured with light.
Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatment improves tooth health, brightens teeth, reverses the effects of aging on teeth, and can help patients improve their confidence.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry improves both your oral health and the look of your smile. Learn more about aesthetic dentistry by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What’s the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist?
A general dentist focuses on preventative care and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry focuses the most on the aesthetics and look of your smile. However, many cosmetic dental issues are caused by underlying oral health problems. We focus on finding the root of the problem and treating that to approve both look and function.
Will my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
No, most insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures. Their reasoning is that cosmetic care is just for looks and not necessary to maintain the health of your smile. Some insurance companies may cover certain procedures that can be considered aesthetic, such as Invisalign.
Is cosmetic dentistry permanent?
Not usually. Most dental restorations aren’t permanent. The duration depends on the cosmetic procedure you get and how well you take care of your oral health. Tooth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years. Bonding lasts as long as ten years, and porcelain veneers can last upwards of 15. Each person is different.
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
No, no cosmetic procedure is painful. The most likely thing you’ll feel with cosmetic procedures is sensitivity. Teeth whitening brings this out a lot, and preparing teeth for porcelain veneers can also cause sensitivity. At most, you should only experience a little discomfort.
How long does cosmetic dentistry take?
Each procedure is different. Things like teeth whitening and dental bonding can be completed in a single visit to our dentist office. Other treatment options, like porcelain veneers, take at least two office visits. We’ll give you a personalized treatment plan so that you know what you can expect from your cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Can cosmetic dentistry have a psychological impact?
Yes, it definitely can. You can lose confidence in yourself and your appearance when you have a smile that you’d rather hide than show off. Lower self-esteem and feeling the need for perfectionism in other aspects of your life are both side effects of not being confident in your smile.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation
Request an appointment with Dr. Halim to brighten, straighten, or reinforce your smile with comfortable and durable dental solutions. You can also call Dr. Halim’s state-of-the-art Washington, DC dental office to schedule a consultation today at 202.318.4113. During your first consultation with Dr. Halim, he will help you determine which general and cosmetic dentistry treatments can get the best results for a more balanced, healthier, and brighter smile.