Cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people looking for ways to improve or restore the appearance of their smile. Despite the general term, cosmetic dentistry is much more than illuminating the aesthetics of your smile. It can significantly increase your self-esteem, improve the structure of your teeth and gums, which, in turn, improves their functionality, and it can help boost your dental hygiene now and in the long term.
If you’re curious about cosmetic dentistry and want to learn more, we encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Naheed Daya at our local dental clinic in McKenzie Towne.
Popular Cosmetic Services
Reasons for seeking out cosmetic dental services differ based on the current state of patients’ oral health, what they would like to fix, and what the dentist suggests is the best course of action.
While there are multiple procedures that you can receive, a few cosmetic dental treatments are certainly more popular than others. These include the following:
Teeth whitening
This is arguably one of the most coveted processes because the results are practically immediate. Additionally, the ease of access and relative low cost make it a very attractive option for people looking to improve smile aesthetics without undergoing anything too invasive. In-house professional whitening produces the best results, improving the shade 2 to 7 times, depending on the state of your teeth.
Significant color change in just about an hour is the major benefit of in-office whitening and why patients wanting to improve the aesthetics of their smile opt for this treatment method. There are other benefits too; your gums are protected and there is less teeth sensitivity as the process involves first protecting the teeth with a rubber dam and then administering the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for a few 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may require more sessions.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding can be considered both a cosmetic and restorative service since it can help cover up stained teeth as much as it can repair teeth that are fragmented. Resin, in the form of a putty, is applied to your tooth and manipulated until your damaged tooth resembles a healthy tooth. Your dentist will make sure the color of the resin matches the rest of your smile.
Dental bonding is a pain-free process and can be done in a single appointment.
Porcelain veneers
A veneer is a very thin cover that’s attached to the outward-facing surface of your teeth. Like dental bonding, this process is recommended for patients who are looking to restore the integrity and appearance of their teeth. Using x-rays and physical molds, your veneers are custom-made to fit your smile. A porcelain shell is fabricated to fit over a prepared tooth to correct worn enamel, uneven alignment/spacing, chips/cracks, and/or discoloration.
If you have questions or concerns about this, speak to a cosmetic dentist in McKenzie Towne.
Gum contouring
A gummy smile is a very common concern many people have, as an excessive amount of gum tissues is exposed when smiling. Gummy smiles are treatable in a variety of ways, including laser treatment, surgical lip repositioning, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and gingival sculpting. Some gingival contouring treatments that involve laser treatment and orthodontics can be performed by a general dentist but often, such advanced methods are done by specialists like periodontists or an oral surgeon.
Dental crowns
One purposeful and welcomed “side effect” of undergoing restorative dentistry is that, in most, if not all cases, these treatments also enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Acquiring a dental crown is one example of this.
A crown is a cap for your tooth, designed to fit over top of the damaged structure and protect the tooth from further harm. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if you’re dealing with a cavity that’s too large for a traditional filling to address, a tooth that’s very worn down, or to cover up a dental implant.
This process requires at least 2 separate appointments to complete.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is the most well-known form of clear aligner therapy, a method of orthodontics. The purpose of orthodontics is to enhance our smile by straightening our teeth and correcting our jaw and bite.
Teeth that are properly aligned are more beautiful to look at but contribute to better oral hygiene because there are minimal spaces for bacteria to gather and grow.
The average length of treatment can be anywhere between 12 months to 2 years. Before you can move ahead with Invisalign, you’ll need to visit a dental clinic in McKenzie Towne for a one-on-one consultation with your dentist. They will be able to identify if you’re a viable candidate for this process by examining your mouth and taking x-rays.
Dental implants
Dental implants are considered the best strategy when it comes to restorative or cosmetic dentistry. They function, look, and feel like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss and consists of an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically implanted in the jaw, where, through a process known as osseointegration, it fuses to the bone. After healing and ensuring it fused to the bone, a crown is attached on top of the implant to serve as the actual tooth replacement. The procedure is invasive and requires a 4 to 6 month recovery period before the crown can be replaced with a permanent one and the procedure completed.
Why Should I Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?
Recipients of cosmetic dentistry can benefit from such measures in many ways such as:
- It refines the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
- It gives a boost to your self-esteem.
- Your dental hygiene will experience a boost too.
- Shorter recovery time.
- You’ll appear more youthful.
- It’s safe because the treatments are done by a qualified dental professional.
- The results will last longer.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Dental Practice!
Are you eager to kick off your dental journey and obtain the smile you’ve been dreaming about? Here at our community dental clinic, we can’t wait to welcome you and start collaborating with you. We’ll do all we can to ensure that you’re comfortable and that your treatment goes smoothly from start to finish.
Now is the perfect time to undertake this treatment, which, if longer, depending on what options you decide on, can be straddled over 2 years to maximize dental insurance benefits and minimize out of pocket expenses.
Phone us, send us an email, or drop by our location in person to set up a visit at a time that works for you!