Cosmetic Dentistry: What Are the Different Options Available?
It’s no surprise that 32% of people say they’re concerned with the look of their teeth considering 96% of adults believe an appealing smile makes them more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry offers those who are disappointed with their smiles the chance to give themselves a boost of confidence by correcting their teeth.
But how exactly can you make your smile more attractive? Here, we’ll dive into some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry options available to give you a better understanding of the services available to improve your smile.
Teeth whitening
This is one of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry services. Over time, your teeth can develop stains from eating and drinking certain foods and beverages. Coffee and wine are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to tooth stains, but smoking can also put you at a greater risk for yelling teeth. If you’re self-conscious about tooth stains or yellowing teeth, you can visit the dentist and talk to them about the possibility of tooth whitening. It’s best to talk to your general dentist first because tooth whitening isn’t for everyone. For instance, teeth whitening isn’t recommended for:
- Those with sensitive teeth
- Those who are allergic to peroxide and other teeth whitening agents
- Those with cavities, tooth decay, or periodontal disease
- Teenagers under the age of 16
- Those who have crowns, dental bridges, implants, or fillings
- Those who are pregnant or lactating
Additionally, teeth whitening only works on natural teeth. That means you may not be able to get teeth whitening on crowns, implants, or veneers. Teeth that have already been whitened also might not be able to get whitened again.
Dental veneers
A dental veneer is a thin “shell” is made from composite or porcelain. It’s bonded to the surface of the tooth to hide discoloration, chips, or other damage. A small portion of your tooth’s enamel is removed for the veneer to successfully be adhered to your tooth. The veneer will match the rest of your teeth so it doesn’t stand out or appear unnatural compared to the rest of your smile. Those who don’t have strong enamel or are experiencing tooth decay may not be a good candidate for dental veneers so be sure to talk to your dentist prior to scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding and dental veneers have similar goals but are different procedures. While dental veneers provide a porcelain “mask” for the front of your tooth to improve its appearance, dental bonding applies resin to the top of the tooth to complete a desired look. Dental bonding is best used for patients who have minor imperfections to their teeth such as gaps or jagged edges. It’s also only recommended for teeth that don’t require a lot of biting force such as the front teeth. Dental bonding typically lasts anywhere from three to 10 years depending on how well the patient manages their dental health.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment but it can also be used in cosmetic dentistry. While braces are used to treat patients with moderate to severe misalignments such as overbites, crossbites, and underbites, Invisalign can be used to help treat mild to moderate misalignment issues. If you have a few crooked teeth that don’t cause functional issues but negatively impact the overall appearance of your smile, Invisalign can help to correct those teeth to help straighten them. What’s more, many people love Invisalign because these aligners are nearly invisible, easy to remove, and make cleaning your teeth much easier compared to braces.
What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry not only improves your smile and overall appearance but it also helps to improve your confidence. When you’re no longer self-conscious about your teeth, you can laugh louder, smile more joyfully, and enjoy being around family and friends without stressing about how you look.
If you’re considering going to the dentist for cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile, look no further than the professional cosmetic dentists at Railroad Dental Associates. We have the experience to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry procedures or to schedule a consultation with us, contact Railroad Dental Associates today.