The way your smile looks is often the first thing someone notices about you. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on fixing problems with your teeth and giving you the smile you want. Let’s explore some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Teeth Whitening
A bright smile is often judged by the color of your teeth and whiter teeth are perceived as healthier and more attractive. Unfortunately, many foods and beverages can discolor teeth over time. Teeth whitening is a procedure to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth, restoring a bright white shine. This can be achieved through both chemical and physical methods. Physical whitening involves removing deposits that cause discoloration. In some cases, a dentist may remove a layer of the tooth to reveal a cleaner underlayer.
Chemical teeth whitening involves using certain chemical compounds to dissolve the deposits in your teeth, essentially removing the stains by pulling the discoloration out of the tooth material. While teeth whitening can be done by a dentist or at home, it is not suitable for everyone. Consultation with a dentist is recommended to determine if you meet the criteria for chemical whitening.
Veneers
Veneers involve attaching a cover to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance without extensive corrective work. This option is ideal for heavily damaged teeth and can protect sensitive teeth from further damage.
Gum Contouring
Your smile consists of more than just your teeth. Your gums not only hold your teeth in place but also impact the way your overall smile looks. Gum contouring is a way of shaping your gums to enhance your smile. This can involve stretching, compressing, or removing portions of the gums to reveal more of your teeth, giving a fuller appearance.
Alignment
A perfect smile often features straight, well-spaced teeth. Tooth alignment adjusts the position of teeth to each other to achieve those perfect rows. Teeth alignment is best done once the final adult tooth has grown in and you have your wisdom teeth removed if needed.
Common methods include braces and invisible aligners (i.e., Invisalign and similar products). Teeth can be aligned at any age, not just as a teenager, though the process typically takes several years.
Implants
For replacing one or several teeth, dental implants are a highly effective solution. Essentially, the dentist attaches a new tooth using an anchor system, with the potential to last over 20 years.
Modern dental implants can closely resemble natural teeth and can also replace rows of teeth, making them an excellent option for lost or heavily damaged teeth.
Crowns
Crowns are covers placed over damaged teeth to restore their appearance and function. While dental crowns do offer a way to fix damaged teeth, they do come at a cost. While effective, crowns require the removal of the tooth’s outer layer, making them a permanent solution. Fortunately, a crown can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years depending on the material used and quality.
Bonding
If your tooth is still intact, but you need it to look a different way, then dental bonding is an option. Dental bonding involves using resin to reshape teeth without permanent damage. A skilled dentist can make this look natural since the resin is the same color as your tooth. This reversible procedure allows a dentist to adjust the shape of teeth naturally, with the resin matching the tooth’s color.
Learn More About Dental Services Available From Eriks Dental Group
There are numerous options for a dentist to improve your smile. The key to good results is a skilled dentist using the right procedure. At Eriks Dental Group, our experienced dental care team offers a wide range of treatment options. To determine the best option for your needs, schedule a consultation with us today.