A perfect smile helps to boost confidence and can even improve your quality of life. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are several options and treatments available. In this article, we take you through the 6 leading cosmetic dentistry options and help you to know how to choose the right treatment for your smile.
1. Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Who doesn’t want a whiter smile? Also known as teeth bleaching, teeth whitening is a treatment offered by most dentists that gives patients visible results. Your Dentist will apply a whitening gel, and a light is also often used to help speed up the process. Teeth whitening takes between 30 and 60 minutes and is an effective treatment.
2. Cosmetic Bonding
If you have a small crack or tooth stain, tooth bonding may be the perfect option for you. In this process, tooth-colored composite resin material is bonded to your tooth. This is then shaped, smoothed out, and polished to reveal a beautifully restored tooth. Bonding is cost-effective and provides immediate results. However, you should note that bonding is not always possible on certain teeth. Your front biting teeth, for instance, may not be the right candidate, as the pressure involved in biting could compromise the integrity of the bond.
3. Cosmetic Veneers
Do you have a bad chip or a discolored front tooth? Cosmetic veneers are designed to restore the appearance of your most important smiling teeth. Made from porcelain or composite material, a tooth veneer is a great solution to treat chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. These are custom-made and cemented onto your existing tooth and can also cover spaces between teeth. Veneers offer a good life span of around 20 years. So what’s the difference between porcelain and composite?
Porcelain veneers are fitted over two visits. This is because an impression of your teeth will need to be taken and sent away to a dental laboratory for a custom fit. Once your veneer is ready, your dentist will fit it on your second visit. Composite resin-based veneers, on the other hand, can be fitted over a single visit. After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will apply a composite material to match the color of your teeth. This is then hardened with light and then polished. Discuss your options with your local cosmetic dentist and see which veneer option is right for you.
4. Cosmetic Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a great solution for a partially damaged tooth where a tooth filling won’t work. These tooth-shaped caps are placed over the damaged tooth and help to preserve your tooth’s function and appearance. Their success lies in your inner tooth being protected and covered. Crowns are cemented in place and sit above the gum line. A dental crown may be a good option if:
- Your tooth isn’t strong enough for a composite filling
- Your tooth is fractured
- To protect your teeth against the negative effects of acid reflux or grinding
- To avoid a root canal treatment
- To hold a dental bridge in position
- To close gaps in-between your teeth
Your dentist will be able to advise you on the different crowns available. Material options include ceramic, porcelain, and metal, each with its own unique benefits. With advanced CAD software, you are now able to get a crown made while you wait. This convenience is only offered by select dentists, so be sure to find this out ahead of time.
5. Cosmetic Dental Implants
In cases where a tooth is too far gone to be saved, a dental implant is a great option. A dental implant resembles a natural tooth and functions like one, too. Made of gold alloy or titanium, an artificial root (post) is embedded into your jawbone. Using a process called osseointegration, implants fuse with your jawbone.
A great benefit is that implants are permanent fixtures and don’t have to be removed at night. They’re also durable, with a study revealing that 97% of dental implants are still functioning at the 10-year mark. Additionally, implants help protect against bone loss by maintaining your jawbone structure.
6. Orthodontic Treatment
Battling with crooked or misaligned teeth? Orthodontists can help straighten and correct your smile. If you have misaligned, compacted, or widely spaced teeth, it’s worth discussing with your dentist about orthodontic and Invisalign services.
It’s crucially important that your consultation appointment is a time for you to speak freely about your desires when it comes to your ideal smile. Your dental team should always listen attentively to understand your goals so that they can work within certain parameters. When choosing the right cosmetic dentistry professional such as Eriks Dental Group, the following factors will be taken into consideration when working on your ideal smile:
- Curvature of your lips
- Display of your teeth in all environments (smiling, laughing, speaking, and relaxing)
- Facial dimensions and shape
- Midline of your teeth aligning with the midline of your face
- Facial musculature
- Healthy, beautiful teeth
A custom simulated picture can even be created to show you the ideal result. At Eriks Dental Group, this is called your Smile Design, and it gives you incredible confidence before your dentist even gets started. It also allows you to make changes as you need to and avoid any surprises along the way.
Professional Cosmetic Dentistry In Boynton Beach
At Eriks Dental Group, we help our patients with cosmetic dentistry enhancements every day. We understand the importance of a confident smile, which is why we offer a wide range of treatment options.
Through our Smile Design and Smile Makeover service, you’re guaranteed the ideal smile you’re after. We offer a free initial consultation for you to share your desires, goals, and worries when it comes to your smile. You’ll be able to ask any questions you have, and the aim is that you leave your initial consultation feeling listened to and understood.
Call us at 561-733-4004 to book your free consultation and see your Smile Design today.