Cosmetic dentistry treatments focus on improving the appearance of teeth and the smile in terms of color, shape, size, alignment, and more.
Some examples of these treatments include whitening, bonding and veneers. Others involve tooth reshaping, contouring and straightening.
Whitening
Whitening, or bleaching, is a safe cosmetic treatment that dramatically brightens your teeth. The results are short-term, however, as food and drinks will darken your teeth again.
Over-the-counter whitening products such as toothpastes, strips and rinses are effective, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Having sparkling white teeth will make a positive impression on others and boost your self-esteem. You will look more youthful and approachable, as well. This is important for your professional, social and romantic life.
Veneers
Although teeth whitening can lighten mild to moderate stains, deep discoloration is often resistant to this treatment. In those cases, veneers are a great option. They cover the tooth surface and match its color, closing any gaps and giving your smile a more uniform appearance.
Gaps between teeth are not only unsightly but can make your smile seem less polished and youthful. Veneers can help close these gaps without a more involved procedure such as orthodontics.
As with whitening, you should care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth, using good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings. To protect your investment, you should also invest in mouthguards for sports and a night splint or retainer to stop teeth grinding. You should also avoid chewing on ice or biting your nails, and be careful when eating foods that could stain your teeth like red wine and coffee.
Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored putty-like resin material is applied and hardened with a bright light to restore or improve the appearance of a tooth. A dentist can use bonding to fill a decayed tooth, repair chips, or change the shape of a discolored tooth. The process usually requires little or no preparation of the tooth, and anesthesia is not required unless the tooth needs to be drilled to change its shape. Bonded teeth may not last as long as natural teeth, and bonded materials can break or chip under certain circumstances. They also may stain faster, so they require more regular attention and maintenance than natural teeth.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, or gum reshaping, is an effective cosmetic treatment for a variety of smile concerns. The procedure is performed by a periodontist or a skilled cosmetic dentist, and it uses a scalpel or laser to cut away excess gum tissue and sculpt a new gum line that exposes more of your teeth. Many people who have a “gummy smile” feel that their teeth are too small, and this treatment offers a permanent solution that can boost their self-confidence.
Gummy smiles can also hide bacteria that could lead to gum disease, so reshaping the gum tissues reduces those risks as well. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your eligibility for this treatment and its short- and long-term benefits. You may even want to combine it with whitening for a complete smile makeover!
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth, giving you back a full set of teeth that look and feel just like your natural ones.
People who are missing one or more of their teeth often develop a sunken appearance in the cheeks and jawline. This affects their self-esteem and makes it difficult to eat certain foods.
In a surgical procedure, the oral surgeon creates and enlarges a site in the bone where the implant will go. If there’s not enough healthy bone to support an implant, a small graft is sometimes necessary. Then, a metal spacer called an abutment is attached to the implant post before your dentist installs the crown. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is key to maintaining your implant’s health and longevity. This includes using special brushes to clean the nooks and crannies of your teeth, gum tissue and implants.
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