Types of Dental Procedures That Can Improve Your Smile

An attractive smile can have an enormous impact on your self-confidence. It can also provide access to opportunities that may otherwise not be available. Unfortunately, millions of people cope with the embarrassment of teeth that are discolored, misaligned, or even missing. They hide the problems behind close-lipped smiles in order to prevent others from noticing them. But, when your smile suffers, it can also affect your personality.

More than ever, people are relying upon the services of their cosmetic dentist in order to fix problems with their teeth and improve their smile. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures.

Crowns

When a tooth becomes decayed, or there is a space or alignment problem, a crown can be placed over it to compensate. Often, when the level of decay is substantial, a filling cannot sufficiently strengthen the affected tooth. A crown is constructed of porcelain, ceramic, or metal; it’s much stronger and can support the integrity of the damaged tooth more effectively.

A cosmetic dentist will normally file the affected tooth in order to make enough room for the placement of the crown. Then, he’ll take an impression of both the affected tooth and the tooth on which it bites to ensure the crown will fit properly. The impression is sent to a lab where the crown is designed for the patient.

Bonding

Bonding is popular partly due to its low maintenance and cost; the entire procedure can usually be completed within an hour. A cosmetic dentist will prepare a composite resin on which he’ll apply to teeth that are chipped, cracked, or damaged. The resin is formulated to be the same color as your teeth to ensure a natural-looking smile.

The enamel on the surface is etched in order to roughen it. Then, a liquid is applied that conditions your teeth and helps the resin bond to them. Once the resin has been applied and molded, a UV light is used to harden it. Finally, it needs to be trimmed, shaped, and polished in order to match the rest of your smile.

Teeth Whitening

Your teeth will likely become discolored or stained over time. Not only do tiny micro-fissures develop in the enamel, but many of the foods and beverages we enjoy can also contribute. Your cosmetic dentist can offer a few teeth whitening options, including an in-office procedure that uses a powerful bleaching agent. Another option is to have a customized tray designed for your teeth that you can use at home. It’s less-expensive, but takes longer because the bleaching agent isn’t as potent as that used by your cosmetic dentist.

Enamel Recontouring

Reshaping enamel is typically done in order to modify the contours or length of a tooth. While the procedure is fast and pain-free, it is most effective when correcting minor blemishes. For example, if there are small crevices in the enamel where tartar can collect, reshaping the enamel may be an ideal solution. However, if you have a cracked or chipped tooth, or other severe imperfection, enamel recontouring will not be appropriate.

Veneers

Veneers are a conservative solution for treating imperfections such as discoloration, chipped or damaged teeth, and minor spacing or alignment problems. Similar to bonding, a composite resin is used to prepare a thin shell that is applied on the front of the affected teeth. Your cosmetic dentist may suggest this procedure as an alternative to placing crowns.

Putting Your Trust In A Trained Cosmetic Dentist

As you can see, there are plenty of routes that you can take in order to improve the appearance of your smile. Some approaches are better suited than others, depending upon the dental problems you’d like to fix. If you’re uncertain regarding which procedure is most appropriate given your goals, speak with your cosmetic dentist. Their training and experience can provide invaluable insight. In the end, an attractive smile that is free from unsightly blemishes is worth the time, effort, and expense.