Cosmetic dentistry is a type of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. The following dental treatments can help alter the color, shape, and alignment of your teeth, as well as repair any damaged or missing teeth. Keep reading to learn more about our six most popular cosmetic dental treatments.
- Teeth Whitening
Over time, your teeth become stained due to food, drinks, medication, and other daily personal habits. Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that reverses stains by using a whitening agent to achieve a lighter tooth shade. The whitening process works best when done after a professional cleaning to remove accumulated plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth before treating the discoloration on the surface of your teeth. - Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are useful for teeth that have suffered from mild to moderate decay. Inlays fill in cavities and hollows in a tooth while onlays are used for decay and damage to the cusps of a tooth or the biting surface. Both are comprised of porcelain or ceramic material to support your teeth and prevent further decay or deterioration. - Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are usually made of medical-grade ceramic and are fitted over your existing teeth. These veneers can help resolve cosmetic problems, including stubborn stains, crooked teeth, damaged enamel, or gaps between your teeth. Since dental veneers are custom made, they are perfectly fitted and shaded for your unique smile. - Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the root portion of a missing tooth and provide a permanent base for replacement “teeth”. Similar in shape to screws, dental implants allow for a natural-looking crown to be placed on the extension of the post. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and are the longest-lasting option for replacing missing teeth. - Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that protect your teeth and improve their aesthetic. Dental crowns are used to cover and protect damaged teeth, which can also improve their overall appearance and alignment. Dental bridges are often recommended for patients who have a missing tooth. In these cases, a natural looking, artificial tooth would be anchored to crowns placed on the two neighboring teeth. - Invisalign Teeth Aligners
Invisalign teeth aligners are custom-created using 3-D imaging software to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. Unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. You typically wear Invisalign braces for six months to one year. For most adults and adolescents who want to straighten their teeth, Invisalign is a great alternative.
Final Word:
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available for patients to improve the appearance and function of their smile. If your teeth are stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, or misaligned, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan and help you understand the various options available to you.
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