Tag Archives: smile makeover

Smile Freedom Offered by Your SureSmile San Antonio Dentist

Crooked teeth not only impact the aesthetics of a smile but can also have implications for both physical health and self-confidence. Misaligned teeth can create pockets and crevices that trap food particles and bacteria, leading to an increased risk of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Furthermore, malocclusion (poor bite alignment) can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders due to uneven pressure distribution during chewing. Beyond the physical discomfort, crooked teeth can take a toll on one’s confidence and self-esteem. Your SureSmile San Antonio Dentist can help patients that may feel self-conscious about their smile, leading to social anxiety, reluctance to smile openly, and avoidance of social interactions. The psychological impact of feeling insecure about one’s teeth can extend to various aspects of life, affecting relationships, career opportunities, and overall quality of life. Addressing crooked teeth through orthodontic treatment not only improves oral health and functionality, but also restores confidence, enabling individuals to embrace their smiles with pride and authenticity.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR SMILE?

Opinions on smiles can vary widely among individuals, but many people express some level of dissatisfaction with their smiles. Factors such as dental imperfections, for example crooked, discolored, or missing teeth, can contribute to feelings of self-consciousness and dissatisfaction. Additionally, societal standards of beauty, often perpetuated through media and advertising, can create unrealistic expectations regarding the appearance of a smile, leading some individuals to compare themselves unfavorably to these ideals. However, it’s important to note that not everyone feels unhappy with their smile; many people embrace their unique features and feel confident in their appearance. Furthermore, advancements in cosmetic dentistry offer a range of solutions for addressing dental concerns and enhancing smiles, providing opportunities for individuals to achieve the smile they desire and boost their confidence and self-esteem.

It’s clear that a person’s smile can have a major positive or negative impact on their confidence, and with so many new innovations in dental technology, there’s simply no reason for your smile to bring you down! Confidence is something that people from all walks of life should have. Whether you’re a hardworking professional managing the demands of the business world, or a thriving teenager navigating through those formative (and sometimes tedious) high school years, learning to carry yourself with confidence is a skill that everyone can benefit from throughout their lifetime. 

We want you to love your SureSmile San Antonio Smile! At GPS Dental, the office of Gary Skrobanek, DDS, we have introduced a fantastic technology to our patients known as SureSmile.  As an alternative to traditional braces, SureSmile invisible braces has allowed us to restore the smiles of patients of all ages and help them regain their confidence!

The SureSmile Process

If you’ve decided it’s time to straighten your smile, come talk with us about achieving a SureSmile Smile. SureSmile is a orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners (custom made to fit your teeth) that cover your teeth and gently move them into the correct position over time. They’re almost invisible and can be taken on and off throughout the day, meaning your eating habits don’t have to change. As far as orthodontic treatments go, if you choose SureSmile aligners, they have minimal impact on your daily life.

SureSmile has perfected their process and materials. Here’s how it works:

  1. You’ll meet with Dr. Skrobanek, your SureSmile San Antonio dentist, and he will take a 3D scan of your teeth using SureSmile’s digital scanner. This will give your dentist a precise scan of your teeth so your treatment plan can be mapped out and customized just for you, without goopy impressions!
  2. Dr. Skrobanek partners with the SureSmile Digital Lab to create an individualized treatment plan that enables your aligners to move your teeth from your first aligner to your last.
  3. Your SureSmile San Antonio dentist will make sure your aligners fit and keep track of your progress. You’ll have regular dental check-ins.
  4. Your treatment could be only 6 months, but it’ll depend on your personal smile goals and treatment plan. Once you’re done wearing your aligners, you can receive your SureSmile Retainers to keep your smile perfectly aligned.

SureSmile Details …

  • SureSmile comes in the form of thin, removable, transparent aligners that are customized to fit over your teeth.
  • These soft but resilient aligners are designed to be worn daily, and only to be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.
  • Each aligner is to be worn approximately two weeks, afterwards they can be discarded and replaced with a new one; this consistently adjusts and realigns the patient’s teeth.
  • The realignment process in its entirety can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on each individual case and requires the user to make relatively few changes to their daily habits.
  • If you like playing contact sports or are often involved in physical activity, you can still wear them.

Due to their transparency, minimally invasive nature, and of course overall effectiveness, SureSmile is an ideal solution for those who are eager to straighten their teeth, but self-conscious about doing so. SureSmile can effectively improve your smile while remaining virtually unnoticeable. We can help you restore your confidence with SureSmile invisible braces.

Related Article: Everything You Need to Know About Invisible Aligners 

SureSmile vs Braces: What’s The Difference?

SureSmile and traditional braces are both effective orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, but they differ in their approach, appearance, and maintenance. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires bonded to the teeth, applying continuous pressure to gradually shift them into alignment. They are highly effective for treating complex dental issues. However, they are more conspicuous and can cause discomfort or irritation to the mouth.

In contrast, SureSmile uses a series of clear, removable aligners made of smooth plastic to gently move teeth into position. These aligners are virtually invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering greater convenience and flexibility. While SureSmile may be more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, it may not be suitable for severe orthodontic problems.

Ultimately, the choice between SureSmile and traditional braces depends on individual preferences, treatment needs, and budget constraints. Consulting with your SureSmile San Antonioi dentist can help determine the most appropriate option for achieving desired results.

Don’t Be Fooled by Mail-Direct Aligner Programs

Mail-in aligner programs can offer a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment without in-person visits to a dental office. While these programs may work for some individuals with mild to moderate alignment issues, their effectiveness can vary depending on several factors. The success of mail-in aligner programs hinges on the accuracy of the initial impressions or scans submitted by the individual, as well as the quality of the treatment plan devised by remote dental professionals. Without direct supervision and monitoring by a qualified orthodontist, there is a risk of misdiagnosis, improper treatment planning, and inadequate progress tracking, which can compromise the outcome of treatment and potentially lead to oral health problems. Furthermore, mail-in aligner programs may lack the personalized care and guidance provided by in-person consultations with an orthodontist, who can address concerns, make adjustments, and ensure the optimal outcome of treatment. Therefore, while mail-in aligner programs may offer convenience and affordability, individuals considering these options should weigh the potential risks and limitations and consult with a qualified orthodontist, like your SureSmile San Antonio dentist, to determine the most suitable treatment approach for their needs.

While newer and cheaper mail-direct aligners promise results similar to SureSmile, the truth is, the products and results aren’t nearly the same. In fact, many dentists are reporting that they’re having to correct the mistakes from mail-direct aligners in their offices more and more often. So, what makes SureSmile so much better? Let’s review!

When you choose SureSmile aligners, there’s no guesswork. When you use alternative aligner options, you don’t have the backing of your SureSmile San Antonio dentist and have to rely on yourself to see if your aligners fit well and are working correctly. As you now know, there’s no monitoring progress with alternative mail-order aligners.

The mail-order alternative options for invisible aligners also cannot give the same, dentist-approved stamp as SureSmile. Basically, it’s a huge risk you will take by using a program that doesn’t have cutting-edge technology and works directly with your dentist to monitor progress and fit.

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We Can Help You Achieve Smile Freedom with SureSmile Aligners

The popularity of traditional braces versus clear aligners for straightening crooked smiles can vary depending on factors such as individual preferences, treatment needs, and cultural influences. In recent years, clear aligner systems like SureSmile have gained significant popularity due to their discreet appearance, comfort, and convenience. Many people appreciate the ability to straighten their teeth without the visibility and discomfort associated with traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are particularly popular among adults and older teenagers who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Ultimately, the choice between traditional braces and clear aligners depends on individual factors, treatment goals, and the recommendation of a qualified orthodontist.

If you’d like to talk with us about whether or not you are a candidate for SureSmile clear aligners, we would love to talk with you and would like to offer you a Smile Consultation with your SureSmile San Antonio Dentist, Dr. Skrobanek, at no charge. Whether you have a simple smile fix, or a complex straightening problem, SureSmile is up to the task and provides beautiful results every time and so are we! That’s why at GPS Dental, we choose SureSmile aligners and ONLY trust SureSmile for our patients.

Choose SureSmile aligners and trust your smile with the SureSmile Experts at GPS Dental. Call 210-633-3477 to schedule your smile consultation today.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implantssleep apneaTMJ / TMD Treatmentcosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Your Porcelain Veneers Expert in San Antonio Creates Natural Smiles

Porcelain Veneers are an option to create a natural-looking smile … not a big, un-natural, toothy grin!

Porcelain Veneer are one procedure that Dr. Skrobanek, your porcelain veneers expert in San Antonio, can use to help transform your smile and achieve the look & function you want from your smile. If you have been dreaming of the perfect smile, reach out to our team of professionals to discuss how veneers could be the solution for you.

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are placed in front of each individual tooth. If you’ve dealt with gaps, stains, or chips, and have good oral health, you’re a great candidate for porcelain veneers. Veneers can recreate the look and feel of a natural tooth, all while improving the strength, resilience, and appearance at the same time.

Placing porcelain veneers takes practiced, technical skill and major attention to detail. At GPS Dental, the office of Gary Skrobanek, DDS and his team of experts in cosmetic dentistry procedures – creating beautiful, long-lasting smiles that look natural is one of their favorite things! If you’ve ever looked at someone’s smile and thought “I bet those are veneers,” you certainly were not looking at one of our patients! Our practiced knowledge allows us to create enhanced, beautiful smiles – not big, unnatural toothy grins.

How Do Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles?

Your teeth will be prepared for veneers first. Porcelain veneers create natural smiles because most times they take two visits for preparation and application. Dr. Skrobanek, your porcelain veneers expert, will make sure that the veneer is the perfect color for your smile and an impression will be taken of your teeth so your veneers can be created to fit perfectly in your mouth in your first visit. Usually, a bit of outer enamel is removed to allow for proper bonding between tooth and veneer. During your second visit to our office your veneers will be placed and light cured to ensure proper bonding and attachment to your natural teeth.

Related Article from HealthLine: What to Know Before Getting Veneers

Caring for your veneers is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brushing & flossing daily and visiting your dentist for your exam & cleaning are essential to keeping your veneers healthy and having them last for many years to come.

Veneers Create Natural Smiles because they can:

  • Restore cracked teeth
  • Straighten teeth
  • Make teeth a bright, white color
  • Cover stains
  • Replace missing teeth
  • Make teeth uniform in size and shape
  • Close gaps between teeth

It’s a wonderful way to enhance the look of your smile – giving you a Hollywood smile and also improving the health of your smile. It’s also important to keep in mind that veneers are permanent and long-lasting, so make sure and speak with Dr. Skrobanek about all your options when considering veneers.

Learn more from WebMD about Dental Veneers.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Here is the simple answer: Porcelain Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are permanently attached to the front of your natural teeth by your porcelain veneers expert to transform your smile.

  • Porcelain Veneers create a strong, beautiful, smooth ceramic surface that transforms the outer layer of the tooth and can transform your smile.
  • Veneers can actually strengthen the tooth if it is fractured, chipped, or heavily worn down from grinding.
  • Veneers can dramatically change the look of your teeth when it comes to shape, texture, and color.
  • Porcelain Veneers can have life-changing results for people who are dissatisfied or self-conscious about their smile.

Customized Results with Porcelain Veneers 

Your smile is a very personal thing. So whether you want porcelain veneers applied to just one tooth or multiple teeth, we can help you achieve the smile you want. They can be customized to help them look natural in the context of your surrounding natural teeth. There’s a big difference in getting a couple of veneers vs. a smile makeover of 10 to 20 veneers. For patients who are completing a smile makeover with veneers, we like to take into account the entire smile, including the whole face, for the best aesthetic result. This gives the smile a symmetrical, natural look that’s personalized for that specific patient and can transform your smile.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentist San Antonio: Achieve Your Smile Goal

There’s a Difference: Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

When it comes to types of veneers, most cosmetic dentists recommend porcelain veneers over those made of a composite material. Composite veneers are prone to discoloration and are far less durable than their porcelain counterparts, typically lasting between 5–7 years, compared to 10–30 years.

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Pros: 

  • Traditional porcelain veneers are considered permanent, lasting up to several decades.
  • They can make your teeth look close to perfect, correcting minor gaps and alignment issues far faster than braces or clear aligners, like Invisalign. In fact, they’re sometimes dubbed “instant orthodontics.”
  • Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant (unlike composite veneers).
  • Their translucent quality makes them look very similar to natural teeth.
  • They’re highly customizable, with an array of shades to choose from.
  • You can get veneers for as few or as many teeth as you need to create a brighter smile, matching the veneers to the color of your natural teeth.
  • They can help downplay a gummy smile by making your tooth size more proportionate to the amount of gum you flash when you smile.

Cons:

  • In most cases, some of your natural tooth enamel has to be filed down to make room for the veneer, which makes the process irreversible. It can also increase tooth sensitivity, if these preparations are done too close to a nerve.
  • They can end up looking a little too perfect. Your dentist may even suggest adding some slight imperfections, to mimic natural teeth.
  • Dental veneers can hide a lot, but they can’t completely erase a major underlying issue.
  • Pressure from grinding can chip or crack the porcelain layers. If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll need to invest in a mouthguard.
  • If veneers crack or chip, they can’t just be repaired — they’ll need to be fully replaced, at an additional cost.
  • Veneers cost a few thousand dollars more than you’d pay for a combination of Invisalign and teeth whitening; however, they create a much more dramatic result.

Keep in mind that once your teeth are prepped for veneers, they will always need to be covered with a porcelain restoration. Meaning that once you get veneers, you will always have veneers. So, it’s really important to find a cosmetic dentist you are comfortable with, as this is a commitment and you want to be happy with your results.

Schedule Your Smile Consultation Today

Show off your smile with porcelain veneers or we can combine our cosmetic dentistry services to create a full smile makeover! If you’re concerned about discolored, missing, chipped, misaligned, or cracked teeth, come talk to us to see what your best solution is for a natural-looking, healthy, beautiful smile. We can treat anything from disease to replacing missing teeth and create a new smile you can be proud of.

Porcelain veneers create natural smiles and are one such procedure that we have used to help our patients achieve the look and function they want. If you have been dreaming of the perfect smile, reach out to your porcelain veneers expert, Dr. Skrobanek and his team of professionals in San Antonio to discuss how veneers could be the solution for you. Whatever your smile goals are, we can help you meet them at GPS Dental. Please call to schedule your Smile Consultation at 210-633-3477

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implantssleep apneaTMJ / TMD Treatmentcosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment..

Confident Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments can Restore Your Smile

New goals aren’t always focused on career … sometimes, they’re focused inward. Sometimes, personal goals give us a unique opportunity to update and revamp our confidence, health, and self image. That’s why so many people are interested in smile makeovers to rejuvenate their smile, their self-confidence, and their oral health.

Your smile is such a big part of you, and effects your confidence each and every day. That’s why we offer multiple cosmetic and restorative solutions that may be matched to your personal smile goals. Let’s talk about creating a smile that makes you feel good and you’re proud to show off!

Before you come see us, think about what you’d like to fix about your smile, such as:

  • Recessed gums
  • Crooked teeth
  • Dental decay
  • Low gum line
  • Gapped teeth
  • Worn edges
  • Gum disease
  • Teeth stains
  • Missing tooth
  • Small teeth
  • Chips or cracks
  • Broken teeth

Learn more about our Cosmetic Dentistry services HERE.

A Confident Smile

A confident smile is important. A smile is much more than just straight, white teeth. When you feel confident in your smile, you feel confident in yourself and are prone to show off your smile frequently. The benefits of smiling and laughing are numerous.

According to an article from the University of West Alabama, “Research shows that those who consciously or subconsciously smile more live better and longer. Your body releases three hormones that make you feel good when you smile. They include dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These signal to your body that you’re happy, and in turn, you feel happier.”

Can Dentistry Enhance My Smile?

Absolutely!! Dr. Skrobanek offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry options that can enhance your smile in a way that is naturally beautiful. Some of the cosmetic treatments he offers can:

  • Fix chipped teeth: If you’re worried about your chipped teeth, dental bonding may be a great option for improving your smile. We use versatile and resilient tooth-colored composite materials that create a strong structure to feel like your original tooth.
  • Recontouring and reshaping: Tooth recontouring or reshaping provides instant results for cracked, chipped, or sometimes crooked teeth. We can slightly alter the shape, length, or position of the teeth.
  • Professional teeth whitening: One of the best and easiest things you can do for your smile is to reverse the signs of age, smoking, and even medications by brightening your smile with a professional teeth whitening procedure.
  • Restore your smile with dental implant: Dental implants are permanently anchored into the gum to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Gone are the days of dentures being the only option to fill the gap in your smile.
  • Enhance your smile with porcelain veneers. Veneers can conceal a wide variety of issues – from cracked teeth, gaps, crooked teeth, discolored teeth, and short or misshapen teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-crafted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Now, let’s dive into a little more information about the actual process of these treatment options. We’ve listed below a few of the natural-looking cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. Gary Skrobanek and his expert team at GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX offer:

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding is a process where Dr. Skrobanek attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth in order to change the color and shape and used most often to repair chipped teeth. The natural tooth enamel is then fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth. 

Enamel Shaping (Contouring) 

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping, or contouring. This procedure can correct chipped or cracked teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth during one appointment. Under certain circumstances, dental contouring can be a substitute for braces and is used to slightly alter the shape, length or position of your teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening 

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. If you still feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. We offer several in-office teeth whitening options, just ask Dr. Skrobanek which option is best for you. (Read more, Brighten Your Smile with Whitening Trays)

Porcelain Veneers 

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. A small amount of your existing tooth structure is removed to accommodate for the very thin, yet strong porcelain veneer. (Read more about Smile Makeovers using Porcelain Veneers, Are You Ready for a New Smile?)

Dental Implants

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason. Dental implants are connected to the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Expert dentists, like Dr. Skrobanek, who specialize in implants have the training, experience, special knowledge, and technology to help you have teeth that look and feel just like your own after your implant is finished. (Read more in this Dental Implant FAQ)

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Schedule Your Smile Consultation Today

We can also combine our services to create a full smile makeover! If you’re concerned about discolored, missing, chipped, misaligned, decayed, or cracked teeth, come talk to us to see what your best solution is for a healthy, beautiful smile. We can help you create a smile you can be proud of.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Availalble at GPS Dental

If you want to improve and rejuvenate your smile or have questions about cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implantssleep apneaTMJ / TMD Treatmentcosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Smile Makeover with Porcelain Veneers: Are You Ready for a New Smile?

Your dream smile is no longer a fantasy with custom-made porcelain veneers at GPS dental. We’re here to answer all your questions and help you achieve the perfect, natural looking smile! So, let’s dive right into to some fun facts and information about a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

What Are They?

Porcelain Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are permanently bonded by your dentist to the front area of your teeth to improve appearance. Each tooth is custom made to create the look of a natural-looking, perfect tooth and can match the color of any surrounding teeth. Porcelain veneers can be applied to a single tooth or can replace multiple teeth for a complete smile makeover.  Many patients receive veneers to their top 8 teeth to improve the look of their smile.

Check out the Top 5 Reasons to get Porcelain Veneers.

Related Article: Are Dental Veneers for Me?

What Do Veneers Improve?

Porcelain veneers can improve the look of many imperfections, such as:

  • Small teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Uneven teeth, misaligned teeth
  • Teeth with gaps

Read More about porcelain veneers, how to prepare for your appointment, how they’re put on your teeth, how to care for them and more.

Veneers made from porcelain have the advantage of resisting stains and look closer to real teeth, as opposed to veneers made out of other materials. This is one of the main reasons that smile makeovers with porcelain veneers are commonly used to achieved a natural looking smile. They are the highest quality veneers on the market and dental technology has increased over the years to make the veneer process reliable and advanced. To qualify for porcelain veneers, you will need to:

  • Have good overall health
  • Have a healthy layer of enamel on your teeth
  • Have a good dental hygiene routine

Conditions such as gingivitis or tooth decay will not qualify for porcelain veneers, so make sure to check with your dentist on your oral health before committing to a porcelain veneer procedure. If you do qualify, porcelain veneers can greatly enhance your smile and your confidence!

Check out this article in Cosmo about What to Know Before Getting Veneers.

What’s the Process?

Before the procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and possibly take some impressions of the area. To permanently adhere a porcelain veneer to a tooth, a dentist will shave off a super thin layer of enamel on the top of the tooth to create a smooth surface area to bond to. The area will be numbed before the shaving process begins. One your tooth is prepped; the veneer will be bonded to your tooth. Viola – your smile has undergone a smile makeover with porcelain veneers!

If you are considering porcelain veneers, contact us today for an evaluation appointment!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implantssleep apneaTMJ / TMD Treatmentcosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.