Issues ranging from severe stains to dental damage and missing teeth might make smiling uncomfortable. Cosmetic dentists can fix any imperfections in your teeth to help improve your smile. Here are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures a dentist will offer to enhance the appearance of your smile:
1. Teeth Whitening
Years of smoking, drinking pigmented beverages, or eating staining foods can cause tooth discoloration. If you wish to make your teeth brighter again, a teeth whitening procedure might help. Cosmetic dentists will examine your teeth to know if you qualify for this procedure. They may recommend an in-office or at-home teeth whitening, depending on your preferences.
Dentists use a whitening gel to lighten teeth during an in-office treatment. If you prefer at-home treatment, your dentist will provide custom-fitted whitening trays to wear on your teeth. These trays hold the whitening gel to lighten your teeth over time.
2. Dental Implants
Badly decayed or missing teeth can negatively impact oral health and aesthetics. If you prefer a long-term solution to these issues, dental implants are a beneficial choice. Implants comprise a post, abutment, and crown. Your cosmetic dentist will drill a hole into your jawbone to secure the post. This post serves as the root that holds the abutment and crown into place.
Dental implants act like natural teeth and can last for an extended period of time with proper care. The post takes the role of a natural root, stimulating the jawbone when you bite or chew. This stimulation allows the bone to grow, preventing bone loss or resorption. The implant may also protect the adjacent teeth from shifting out of place.
3. Dental Crowns
A cosmetic dentist uses crowns to correct misshapen, discolored, and chipped teeth. Dental crowns are customized to fit over your natural teeth. They protect your teeth from further damage while restoring their color, shape, and size. You can also rely on dental crowns to cover gaps between your teeth.
Dentists take an impression of your teeth to custom-make your crowns. They also prepare your teeth for crown placement by removing a layer of enamel. Dental crowns can be made from ceramic, synthetic resin, or porcelain. Besides protecting your teeth, crowns restore your teeth’s appearance and oral functions.
4. Dental Veneers
Dentists use veneers in cosmetic dentistry to fix uneven, discolored, and cracked teeth. These dental appliances can be used as alternatives to dental crowns. They are thin, customized shells made from porcelain or composite resin. Veneers are tooth-colored and bonded to the front of the affected teeth. The aim is to improve the appearance of your teeth by changing their color, size, and shape.
Like crowns, the veneer placement procedure requires the removal of a thin layer of your enamel. Your dental professionals will use the impression of your teeth to make customized veneers. This allows the veneers to match the size and shape of the adjacent teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will use a dental adhesive to bond veneers to your teeth and adjust them properly.
Find Experienced Cosmetic Dentists for Your Needs
By finding a trusted cosmetic dentist, you can fix misshapen or discolored teeth to enjoy your smile better. Your dentist will examine your teeth and explain all the cosmetic dentistry options that fit your goals. After the procedure, they provide tips to help you maintain your dental appliances and enhance your oral health. Contact certified cosmetic dentists today to learn more about the quality cosmetic dentistry procedures they offer.