Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You?

There are plenty of things that you need to take care of on your body in order to maintain optimal health, and dentistry is an integral component. Making regular visits to your dentist’s office is critical to maintaining optimal oral health, which has a direct effect on other aspects of your overall health. But in addition to the fundamental types of dental procedures, cosmetic dentistry has been becoming more and more popular as the years go by.

In addition to having cavities filled and repairing gum tissue, dentistry involves taking measures to improve the esthetics of the teeth to help improve the overall smile. Not only does this help to make a physical difference, improving the look of your teeth can also have a significant impact on your self-confidence. From teeth whitening, to bonding, to veneers and beyond, there are plenty of dental procedures that fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry that can rectify any issue, no matter how severe. It’s important to talk with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for specific procedures before you decide which one is right for you.

Teeth Whitening

Perhaps one of the most popular and simplest types of cosmetic dentistry involves teeth whitening. Depending on the severity of the discoloration of your teeth, you will often notice a major difference in just one appointment. There are various ways to whiten teeth, depending on how much discoloration there is, and the price you can live with.

Staining of the teeth can come from many things, including smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, taking certain medications, and even age. In-office teeth whitening treatments can be include laser teeth whitening procedures which can produce significant results in one dentist visit, or bleaching products that are applied to the teeth daily until the desired results are achieved.

Bonding

For those who have chipped or cracked teeth that are compromising both the esthetics of the smile as well as the health of the teeth, bonding may be an appropriate solution. This specific type of dental procedure involves using natural tooth-colored material to fill voids in the teeth. Bonding is effective at shaping the teeth and even changing their color. Even though the treatment can be done in one appointment, the results are long-lasting, and can last many years. It’s important to note, however, that bonding is more vulnerable to chipping or staining compared to other types of teeth restoration.

Crowns

Crowns are used to cover teeth that need major restoration. Also referred to as "caps," crowns are very good at restoring the shape and appearance of a compromised tooth. Crowns are usually considered when other options are not viable. This is because they tend to be the more expensive option to restore teeth, which makes sense considering the fact that crowns have the longest life expectancy compared to all other restorative procedures and materials.

Veneers

A great way to improve the color and shape of the teeth is to apply veneers to them. Basically, dental veneers are thin materials comprised of either plastic or porcelain that are placed over the front of the teeth, in order to improve their appearance. Many times their application requires little or no anesthesia, but it’s usually necessary to visit the dentist’s office a few different types until the desired effect is achieved. The first visit to the dentist’s office usually involves an impression being taken of your teeth in order for the veneer to be custom-made to precisely fit over them. After the veneers are ready to be applied, the dentist will lightly buff your teeth or order to make room for the thickness of the veneer before it is cemented on.

Contouring or Reshaping

For those who have crooked or misshaped teeth, contouring and reshaping ban be a very effective process. Many times, contouring and reshaping are conducted in an effort to change the shape, length, and even the position of the teeth. Patients that are better suited for this type of procedure are those who are only looking to make a subtle change to the look of their teeth, and ultimately their smile. The dentist will first start off by taking x-rays of the teeth in order to find out the exact size and location of the tooth’s pulp. This is done to ensure that enough bone between each tooth is present in order to support them.

Which Procedure is Right For You?

There are so many options available to you when it comes to improving the look and feel of your teeth. Which process is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including the results that you are looking for, and how much you are able to afford. Of course, having a chat with your dentist is necessary before you make such an important decision. Whichever procedure you choose to undergo, it will definitely help improve your smile, and your overall level of self-confidence!

Author Bio: Jimmy Williamson was always self-conscious about the gap between his teeth. But after visiting Park Slope Dentistry, he was offered a procedure that drastically improved the look of his smile! If you’re looking to improve the look of your teeth, visit parkslopedentist.net today!

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