If you’ve ever heard someone refer to cosmetic dentistry and weren’t sure what they meant, you’re not alone! You might be familiar with different procedures that people undergo to enhance their bodies and faces, but what does it mean in terms of your teeth?
Simply put, it refers to various oral treatments that are intended to enhance your appearance. If your teeth are crooked, discolored, misshapen, or damaged, your dentist can improve the way they look with different services. Keep reading to learn about 3 popular ways of mending or masking flaws to achieve your ideal smile!
Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening
If your teeth are darkened by years’ worth of consuming coffee, tea, or other dark foods and drinks then you’re in luck. One of the simplest ways to upgrade your grin is by whitening it. While it’s possible to find over-the-counter solutions that claim to lighten your pearly whites, commercially available products can be risky. They often contain whitening agents that are abrasive and wear down your enamel to cause sensitivity.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a take-home whitening kit that uses professional-grade gels intended to minimize discomfort. Plus, they’ll include a customized tray for application for optimal results. That way you can brighten your teeth several shades all from the comfort of your own home.
Treatment #2: Porcelain Veneers
Many people feel that they need more than whitening to perfect their smiles because they’re suffering from other frustrations. If you’re coping with cracks, chips, blemishes, or minor gaps then you could potentially benefit from porcelain veneers. These are thin, ceramic shells that your provider bonds to the front surface of your pearly whites to hide aesthetic issues. They’re versatile enough to address several issues simultaneously and are color-matched to your natural teeth so that no one can tell they’re there. Plus, they can last 10 to 20+ years with the right care which makes them a great long-term solution.
For these covers to line up correctly against your gums, your dentist must first remove a small amount of enamel. This protective outer layer doesn’t grow back, making this an irreversible change. Many patients feel it’s worth it because veneers are resilient enough to resist damage, but if the preparation is a problem for you, then you might seek other options.
Treatment #3: Direct Bonding
Another versatile way to repair minor flaws in your grin is with dental bonding. During this procedure, your dentist applies a small amount of putty-like composite resin directly to your tooth. Then, they mold it into the perfect shape and harden it in place with a special ultraviolet curing light. Like veneers, it can be customized to be the same shade as your pearly whites, so no one notices a difference. Often, it can be completed in a single, hour-long appointment and can last 10+ years which makes it a highly effective and convenient choice.
Now that you know more about cosmetic dentistry, there’s no reason to delay. Contact your dentist today and start your journey towards achieving the smile of your dreams!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli offers a full array of services to improve patients’ lives by upgrading their grins, including cosmetic dentistry. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Since then, he has also completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education to stay on top of the most recent dental developments. He uses state-of-the-art equipment in a comfortable setting to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your visit and can trust that you’re in good hands. If you’d like to address imperfections in your teeth, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (504) 584-4225.