02 Jan Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Can Transform Your Smile
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile, and treatments can be customized to meet individual goals. While traditional dentistry addresses oral health, cosmetic procedures aim to enhance aesthetics. Here is more information about cosmetic dentistry procedures:
In-office Teeth Whitening
While at-home kits may be available, professional in-office treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents. The dentist applies a gel to your teeth and may use a special light to accelerate the process. A single visit typically lasts about an hour, and dentists monitor the process to protect your gums.
Several factors contribute to tooth discoloration:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine
- Tobacco use
- Age and genetics
- Medications
The longevity of whitening results varies among individuals, and your diet and oral hygiene habits will affect how long your teeth remain white. By maintaining regular dental cleanings and avoiding staining substances, you can help preserve the outcome of the procedure.
Dental Bonding
To repair teeth, dental bonding is a procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin. Dentists apply the resin to the tooth and harden it with a special light, which bonds the material to the tooth. Bonding is typically helpful for repairing chips, closing gaps, or changing the shape of teeth. The process is typically completed in a single visit.
The bonding material is a durable plastic resin, and your dentist will match the shade of the resin to your natural teeth, so it blends in. After application, the resin is sculpted into the desired shape, and then it is hardened. This procedure typically does not require anesthesia unless it is being used to fill a decayed tooth.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Porcelain veneers may resist stains better than resin veneers, and they mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require less removal of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material with your dentist.
The first visit is typically for a consultation, and the subsequent appointments involve preparing the tooth and applying the veneer. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist reshapes the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer. Next, an impression of your tooth is made, and this model is sent to a dental laboratory.
Once the veneer is ready, you will return for placement. The dentist will check the fit and color of the veneer before permanently cementing it to your tooth. A special light beam helps activate chemicals in the cement, and it causes it to harden very quickly. This cosmetic dentistry procedure provides a new front surface for the tooth.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that straighten teeth over time. They are an alternative to traditional metal braces. As you wear each set of aligners before moving to the next set in the series, the aligners gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. You can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Schedule Cosmetic Dentistry Today
Discussing your aesthetic goals with a dental professional is the first step, and a dentist can evaluate your oral health and recommend procedures that align with your objectives. To change aspects of your smile, various cosmetic options are available. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to explore which treatments may be suitable for you.
No Comments