Everyone wants a beautiful smile.
Now cosmetic dentistry makes that easier than ever to achieve.
These procedures go beyond oral hygiene and preventative treatment to improve the appearance of your teeth and leave you beaming.
Advances in dental technology and materials have made treatments more natural looking than ever, as well as more cost-effective and convenient.
Here are some of the top procedures available today.
Teeth Whitening Many factors can cause darkening or discoloration of the teeth, including age, genetics, and consumption of certain food, drinks, or tobacco.
Whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic processes, and it can make a tremendous impact on the appearance of your smile.
The skill, oversight, and materials used in professional whitening make it both safer and more effective than at-home applications.
Results can last a year or more, depending on the intensity and number of the treatments and how well they are maintained.
Crowns These custom caps of dental porcelain are designed to cover the external portion of a tooth extending all the way to the gum line, which not only improves its appearance but protects and strengthens it.
Because it is made to mimic the function of the surface it is replacing and provides a complete exterior covering, crowns are often an option in cases of severe damage or decay.
The results are durable and look natural.
Partial crowns, such as inlays or onlays, are also commonly used to reinforce the cusps, or chewing surfaces, of the teeth.
Veneers Bonding a thin layer of porcelain or ceramic to a tooth creates a veneer.
These can be used to correct for a variety of superficial defects or damages, including discoloration, chips, or wear.
The material used also reinforces the surface, providing added longevity and strength.
This process may be recommended in cases where chemical whitening is not effective or where only simple alterations are needed.
Veneers are a very popular cosmetic dentistry procedure and are often used by celebrities and other figures in the limelight to ensure a picture-perfect smile.
They are more a more permanent solution than traditional whiting, and their custom creation requires the expertise of a dental professional.
Bonding This is a less drastic option for repairing teeth that are slightly chipped, crooked, or discolored.
A white filling is applied to the area in the desired shape, and the substance adheres to the surface, blending naturally.
The process is quick, versatile, and relatively inexpensive, but the fillings are less durable than other options such as crowns or veneers.
Dental Implants An implant is a metal and porcelain prosthetic made to replace an entire missing tooth, including the root.
Missing teeth can severely compromise the comfort and health of your jaw, so in these cases it is essential to seek professional care.
Well-designed implants not only restore a full smile but also counteract the aging effects of a sagging jaw caused by gaps.
Consult a professional in cosmetic dentistry to review your options and decide which procedures are best to bring out your winning smile.