A leader in cosmetic dentistry located in the Missouri City/Sugar Land area across from Sienna Plantation.

Dr. Carlos Alonso is a leader in cosmetic dentistry and is located in the Missouri City/Sugar Land area across from Sienna Plantation. As a member of the teaching faculty at the Center for Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Alonso has not only been trained by some of the best cosmetic dentists in the world, but he also instructs other dentists on the latest techniques and procedures in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. There are many cosmetic dental clinics and offices, but what sets Dr. Alonso apart is his continued desire to improve and perfect his techniques by taking the best continuing education available, using the best materials and laboratories available, and always communicating with his patients so they have a full understanding of what their options are and what their expectations should be. Dr. Alonso’s goal is to always meet or exceed a patient’s expectations and the most satisfying part of his career is when his patients go home with a big smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Some basic information

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic Dentistry is a branch of dentistry that involves enhancing a person’s smile. This can be accomplished through a number of different procedures including simple tooth recontouring, tooth-colored bondings, porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, gum recontouring, and porcelain crowns.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry for me?
One of the first things that people see when you meet them is your smile. Whether it is personally or professionally, a beautiful smile can help you get further in life. When a person improves their smile it can help them look younger. Overall, a nice smile can boost self-confidence and improve a person’s overall appearance.

Who is a good candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Virtually all adult patients that are interested in improving their smile are candidates for cosmetic dentistry. With so many advancements in dentistry, there are good options to improve everybody’s smile. It is important to have a thorough initial exam. This allows us to evaluate what options are best for you. Every patient is different, so thorough records and an evaluation is vital. Everybody’s teeth and mouths are different so what may be good for one person is not necessarily good for another. Furthermore, it is important to understand a patient’s needs and expectations. The dentist and patient must be on the same page in order to achieve a beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Dental Services
Procedures that are classified as cosmetic dentistry include: porcelain veneers, tooth-colored bondings, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, tooth recontouring, gum recontouring and implants. The type of procedure chosen depends on the condition of the teeth, a person’s visible smile line, a person’s needs, a person’s gum condition, and overall expectations of the patient.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

• Porcelain Veneers:
  Porcelain veneers are a form of cosmetic dental treatment where a thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the teeth thus giving them a new and improved natural shape and shade. In doing veneers, conserving tooth structure is important, therefore, minimal tooth structure is removed.
• Tooth-colored bondings:
  With some small fractures, a tooth-colored filling material can be bonded to the teeth in order to correct small chips and minor stains on front teeth.
• Porcelain Crown:
  A porcelain crown is similar to a porcelain veneer. The difference is that a crown wraps all the way around a tooth whereas a veneer typically only covers the front of the teeth.
• Porcelain Bridge:
  When a tooth is missing, this creates a space in your smile. In order to replace this space, a porcelain bridge is an option. A porcelain bridge is a dental procedure where the teeth on either side of the space are crowned. Between these crowned teeth, a tooth is added to create one solid piece that involves three teeth. This piece is then cemented and creates a beautiful replacement for a missing tooth
• Dental Implants:
  Another option to replace a space in a person’s smile is a dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium screw in the form of a tooth root that is placed in the bone of the jaw. A porcelain crown is then placed over the top of the implant. This is an excellent way to conserve tooth structure because you restore the space without drilling on adjacent teeth.
• Tooth recontouring:
  Tooth recontouring is a very conservative dental treatment for small chips and fractures in your teeth. If these chips are small enough, the teeth can be polished in as little as a couple of minutes without anesthesia.
• Gum recontouring:
  Gum recontouring is a form of cosmetic dental treatment that can greatly improve your smile. In patients with high smile lines that show the gums, uneven gum contours can give a person’s smile an asymmetric appearance. Simple gum recontouring can help improve a patient’s smile
• Teeth whitening:
  Teeth whitening is a safe way to improve the shade of your teeth that involves wearing trays at home or, for quicker results, we offer in-office whitening solutions.
• What is cosmetic dentistry?
  Cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure that is done to enhance a person’s teeth and smile.
• How important is your smile?
  Your smile is one of the first things people see. Cosmetic dentistry can improve a person’s overall appearance and self-confidence. A smile can help you both personally and professionally and can give you a more youthful appearance.
• Who is a good candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
  Anybody who wants to improve their smile is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. While there can be limitations within each type of procedure, communicating with your dentist about what type of cosmetic dentistry is best for you is important. It is crucial to know what all of your options are when looking to improve your smile.
• Is cosmetic dentistry worth the time and the cost?
  Absolutely! I’ve had many patients that have come in that are afraid to smile because they are embarrassed of their teeth. Nobody should ever be afraid to smile. The most gratifying part of cosmetic dentistry is seeing people that are afraid to smile leave the office with a huge smile. It really can be a life-altering occurrence. A beautiful smile can brighten your day and it very simple.
  The cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary. Because there are so many procedures within cosmetic dentistry, it is hard to give a cost without evaluating each case individually. Typically, cosmetic dentistry can be done without a large investment in time. Tooth recontouring can sometimes be done in a couple of minutes while full-mouth veneers or crowns can sometime only take 2-4 appointments.
• How long will my new smile last?
  With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, your smile can last the rest of your life. One thing to consider is if you grind your teeth. If so, your smile can still last a long time with a bite guard
• How quickly will I be able to complete my cosmetic dentistry treatment?
  An initial comprehensive exam should be completed first to understand all aspects of your bite and smile as well as dental health. It is important to not overlook things such as gum disease and cavities when evaluating a smile. It is also vital to have good photographs of your initial smile. A thorough consultation is also necessary. Maybe the most important aspect of a successful cosmetic case is communication. Having the dentist and patient on the same page and with the same expectations is a must. After these steps are completed, you are ready to get started. A comprehensive exam can usually last 1½-2 hours and a consultation can be done as soon as the next day.
  The amount of time required to complete a cosmetic case can be as quick as a couple of minutes to sometimes multiple appointments. Things like tooth recontouring can take as little as a couple of minutes. Whitening your teeth can sometimes be done at home or in about an hour in the office. Veneers and crowns usually take a couple appointments.
• What are some examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures?
  Veneers, whitening, crowns, bridges, tooth recontouring, gum recontouring, and implants.