What are Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Cosmetic dentistry can help improve a less than perfect smile. Is you are not comfortable smiling or wish there was just a little something you could do to enhance your smile, cosmetic dentistry could be the right choice for you! Here, we will review some options that you may consider discussing with your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

A very popular choice to whiten and brighten your smile is as simple as whitening! Your dentist likely offers a form of in-office whitening that can be completed in one short visit. You may also consider whitening if you plan on receive some other cosmetic work such as veneers. Whitening before veneers or crowns can give you a much better result since the restorations will be tinted to match your teeth!

If you are considering whitening, make sure you discuss the aftercare with your dentist before scheduling. There are dietary restrictions that should be adhered to to ensure optimal results. Any foods or beverages that would stain a white t-shirt should be avoided for 48 to 72 hours after whitening.

Composite Bonding

The same material that is used for tooth colored fillings can be used to make small changes on your teeth. Chips and gaps can quickly be corrected with bonding! Composite is tinted to match your teeth so that it blends in well and looks natural. Your dentist will also be able to save more tooth structure with bonding than with other options.

While bonding is quick and less costly, it is not as strong as porcelain and is prone to chipping and requiring replacement much sooner than porcelain options, which we will review below.

Porcelain Inlays, Crowns and Veneers

When decay is too extensive for a composite filling or if you would prefer a more permanent solution, you may want to consider shelling out more money for a porcelain restoration.

Inlays and onlays are used on the occlusal (biting) surface to restore a tooth where a larger amount of decay has been removed.

Crowns are used to restore a compromised tooth and cover either most of all of the tooth surface. If your tooth has fractured, a crown will keep it together and functioning for years. There is more loss of tooth structure with crowns but they are usually medically necessary.

Veneers are thinner than crowns and do not cover the entire tooth surface. Instead, only the facial surface is covered, the part that shows when you smile. Since they are thinner, veneers are really only suitable for anterior teeth.

Dental Implants

If you have a tooth that has been deemed hopeless by your dentist, you could be a candidate for a dental implant. An implant is used to replace a missing tooth so once you have a tooth extracted, an oral surgeon or periodontist can place a dental implant in your jaw bone. Your dentist will restore the implant with an implant crown once the implant is integrated and ready to support the crown.

Advances in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for more people to finally have a smile they love. With proper care and regular check ups, your new smile can last a lifetime!

More on Cosmetic Dentistry : What is Cosmetic Dentistry?