If you’re dissatisfied with some aspect of your smile’s appearance, rest assured that you can improve on it. The specialty of cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the smile’s aesthetics by correcting or concealing a number of defects that can make the teeth look bad. Different cosmetic interventions can be used in your case depending on your specific needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Teeth that are stained, chipped, broken, misshapen or crooked all can be improved through cosmetic dentistry treatments. Your dentist can use the following interventions, in addition to others, to achieve your treatment goals:
- Teeth whitening: Bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to release stains underneath the tooth’s surface or brighten teeth that have become dingy and yellow due to the wear and tear associated with aging. Effective teeth whitening treatments can leave your teeth up to 8-10 shades whiter. Professional treatments tend to have more noticeable and consistent results than over-the-counter products.
- Composite fillings: Whether you need to have a new cavity filled or want to replace an unsightly old amalgam filling, composite restorations are the way to go. They are tooth-colored so they will blend in with your enamel without detracting from the appearance of your teeth.
- Porcelain veneers: These handy tools can be used to conceal chips, persistent stains, cracks and various other flaws that can compromise a tooth’s appearance. They can even make an undersized tooth look normal or create the illusion of proper alignment in slightly crooked teeth.
- Dental implants: The only structurally complete tooth replacement available, dental implants are an excellent choice to restore your smile after tooth loss. Not only is this option more comfortable and convenient, but it also has a remarkable lifelike appearance. It’s almost impossible to tell an implant apart from a neighboring biological tooth!
Developing The Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Plan
Your dentist will evaluate your case at an initial consultation. This will involve a visual inspection of your teeth, along with photographs and may also include dental impressions or x-rays for further treatment planning information. If you are getting veneers, you may also need to have your teeth prepped by removing a thin layer of enamel before veneers can be placed.
After gathering this information, your dentist will determine which cosmetic dentistry interventions will be most helpful in your case and give you the results you want. A single treatment may suffice or multiple interventions in combination can be used to make over your smile.
Contact our team at DeSanti & Linden Dentistry to learn more about the possibilities for improving your smile’s appearance. We’d love to have the opportunity to meet with you and show you how to enhance your smile.