5 Best Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry represents a variety of treatments that repair imperfections and damage as well as enhance the appearance of your smile. From whitening procedures to porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry can change the look of your smile.

The appearance of a smile can be affected by any number of factors, including age, genetics, gender, diet, and lifestyle habits. For example, teeth can become discolored or stained from certain beverages or foods, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and more. Smoking also contributes to discoloration. Certain medications can also affect the color of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers several solutions to improve the appearance of an imperfect smile. Some of the popular options include:

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain used to cover the front surface of the teeth. These restorations are extremely durable and resistant to stains. They're also very natural looking and can hide a variety of imperfections, such as stains, discolorations, cracks, chips, and even small gaps in between teeth. Getting dental veneers usually requires two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and the other to place the veneer. Once the procedure is complete, you can enjoy a beautiful new smile!

Dental Implants

One of the most important parts of cosmetic dentistry is dental implants. Thanks to advances in dentistry, patients now have the option of getting a beautiful and natural-looking smile that functions and lasts like natural teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically placed under the gum line and into the jawbone. Once placed, the implant fuses to the bone in the jaw and provides a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Dental implants have a very high success rate and are the best tooth-replacement option for patients in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or any other reason. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings used to fill cavities and minor tooth decay. They're made of a mixture of plastic resin with glass filler, and they're very popular as they can be matched to the color of your existing teeth for a seamless appearance. When receiving a composite filling, your dentist will first remove all the decayed material from your tooth and then place the filling material in layers to cover the entire area. Your dentist will then shape, polish, and smooth your filling to prevent future decay and provide a comfortable bite surface. Since composite fillings are bonded directly to your tooth, they're one of the most durable restorations available and last up to a decade or more! However, they do require regular cleanings and checkups to ensure long-term positive results. 

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is the most effective method of brightening your smile. While over-the-counter whitening products are available, only a professional can administer treatment that safely and effectively lightens teeth by several shades. At-home kits rely on a lower concentration of bleaching ingredients that may not give you the brightest results. They can also be difficult to properly apply without professional supervision. A dentist can use a higher concentration of peroxide gel than is available over the counter, which can result in a more dramatic change in less time. In addition to removing surface stains caused by food, drinks like coffee or wine, smoking, and certain medications, professional whitening also removes deeper stains from beneath the surface of the enamel.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are broken or badly decayed. A crown, sometimes called a "cap," is cemented on top of a tooth to cover the damaged tooth and restore it to its normal shape, size, and strength. Usually, a crown is used when there isn't enough of the natural tooth left to place a filling. Since crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth, they can improve the tooth's appearance in addition to restoring its shape and function.

To learn more, give our office a call at (702) 331-2121 to schedule your next one! We can't wait to see your smile soon and help you enjoy the benefits of visiting the dentist regularly this year!