Do you cringe every time you look in the mirror and smile? Do you wish your teeth could be improved and to be able to smile proudly again? You’re in good company. Approximately 1 out of every 3 Americans report dissatisfaction with their teeth. This makes cosmetic dentistry the second most requested form of dental care in the United States. This has led to a growth of clinics offering a broader range of cosmetic treatment options than ever before. If you’re unsatisfied with your smile, keep reading to find out what options exist for improving your teeth with cosmetic care!
Common Cosmetic Options And How They Help Your Smile
Many cosmetic dental treatments perform double duty in terms of their benefits. Your dentist can use several restoration procedures to improve the overall appearance of your smile. In addition, numerous procedures explicitly aim to improve the appearance of your smile. Deciding which will achieve your dental goals requires understanding what they offer and how they work.
- Dental Crowns and Bridges – If you have teeth that are stained, chipped, or damaged, your dentist may suggest these restoration options. Crowns are carefully colored and shaped caps to match your natural teeth. They are then applied to your teeth to restore damaged material and function. Dental bridges serve a similar function but are mounted on two teeth on either side of a gap. Connecting these two crowns is a central prosthetic tooth to fill the gap. These restorations restore both form and function to your teeth.
- Dental Bonding – This is another procedure that walks the line between aesthetic and restorative treatments. Composite bonding is malleable enough to be shaped to match your natural teeth. It can also be tinted to match the color of the neighboring teeth.
- Veneers – This procedure is primarily cosmetic but can address minor issues, including chipping. A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make space for a thin veneer cover. This veneer cover is shaped to look like your natural teeth while covering minor imperfections and discoloration.
- Dental Whitening – Dental staining can be a significant problem regarding the appearance of your smile. Dental whitening achieves its goal by using a special peroxide solution that breaks down proteins in the enamel. These proteins are responsible for the discoloration that appears. Your dentist can enhance the effectiveness of the dental whitening solution with laser dentistry or the use of special light.
These are four examples of cosmetic treatments that can significantly improve your smile’s appearance.
Your Dental Provider Can Provide Cosmetic Dental Consultations
Speaking to your dental provider is an important first step to improving your smile. They’ll consult with you to determine the nature of your oral health concerns. During this consultation, they’ll determine the status of your oral health, listen to your concerns, and help develop a treatment plan to achieve your goals. Start by calling for an appointment today!
