Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a group of procedures that can improve or restore your smile's appearance, as well as its functioning. Several types of cosmetic dentistry treatments exist, all with the goal of improving how your smile looks. Some treatments correct discoloration and staining, while others focus on straightening teeth or eliminating gaps. Several cosmetic procedures can also protect your teeth from further damage.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

There are a number of ways to change and improve the look of your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Here are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures:

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening uses a special bleaching agent applied to the teeth that remove stains and leaves the teeth several shades whiter than they used to be, sometimes in just one hour. This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your smile looks in a relatively short amount of time. Teeth can become stained for a wide variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and even aging. In addition to making your smile look brighter, teeth whitening can also help to reduce the appearance of tooth sensitivity caused by exposed dentin.

Dental Veneers

For a smile that looks perfect even at the end of a long workday, consider porcelain veneers to cover the fronts of your teeth. These thin pieces of durable tooth-shaped porcelain cover the front of your teeth, hiding minor flaws such as chips, cracks, discolorations, and gaps between teeth. You can even whiten your smile while you have your veneers in place – just talk to your dentist to find out if this is a good option for you. Veneers are stain resistant, so you can spend years enjoying a bright, healthy-looking smile.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When the enamel on a tooth is weakened by decay, it can develop an unsightly dark spot. To prevent this problem and restore the tooth to its original appearance, a dentist will use a composite resin filling. This material blends in with your other teeth and looks completely natural. Additionally, composite fillings are strong and durable, so they can withstand the pressures of eating and chew without becoming loose over time.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dentistry includes several treatments that can enhance the appearance of your smile. One option is cosmetic tooth bonding, a treatment that involves applying a tooth-colored material to your tooth's surface to improve its color or shape. This material is then hardened and polished to give you a natural-looking smile.

Since composite resin is malleable when first applied, Dr. [doctor name] will carefully mold and shape the material before hardening it in place. Once bonded to the tooth, the resin can be used to fill gaps between teeth or change the color of a tooth that is chipped, stained, or otherwise imperfect. Plus, because minor adjustments can be made if needed during the procedure, this allows for more precise results than you could get from over-the-counter whitening products.

Crowns

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. Our dentists can recommend the type of crown that is right for you. Most patients receive a dental crown after root canal therapy because a crown is necessary to protect the tooth from future damage. However, dental crowns are also commonly placed on improving the appearance of discolored teeth, protecting weak or damaged teeth, or are used to provide added support for dental appliances like a denture or bridges.

Please get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us at (205) 991-9535, and we'll guide you further.