Cosmetic dental treatments
Some patients seek cosmetic dental procedures due to accident, illness, or trauma that has affected the appearance of the smile. Others want to change the appearance of the mouth to match a particular aesthetic. A cosmetic dentist can recommend a treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the desired outcome for the patient.
Teeth whitening
Smoking, drinking, plaque buildup, and aging can all cause the teeth to change color over time. Additionally, some people are not happy with the natural color of the teeth. For these patients, teeth whitening procedures can remove stains and discoloration and give the smile an overall whiter appearance. A cosmetic dentist can perform an in-office teeth whitening procedure or provide the patient with a whitening kit to use at home.
Tooth shaping
Tooth shaping can be used to repair chipped, poorly aligned, or uneven teeth. It is also sometimes used to shorten the teeth for patients whose teeth appear unusually long. When teeth are shaped, the dentist removes small portions of the tooth enamel with a drill or laser.
Dental bonding
In a dental bonding procedure, the dentist applies putty to one or more teeth to correct fractures and chips. Bonding may also be used to fill small cavities or to cover discolored teeth. This treatment is often provided in conjunction with tooth shaping to give teeth a uniform and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.
Gum contouring
Some people have more gum tissue than others. Excess gum tissue can give teeth an unusually short appearance. Gum contouring involves removing a portion of the gums using a laser. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, but symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are a thin porcelain shell that can be attached to the front surface of teeth. Veneers are used to cover teeth with chips, gaps, or stains and may also be used to make slightly crooked teeth appear straight. However, veneers can not correct severely crooked or crowded teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are metal posts that are placed in the jaw to replace missing tooth roots and capped with crowns to replace missing teeth. Implants can improve the appearance and function of the teeth by filling in the gaps left by lost or extracted teeth.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a cover or cap that fits over the natural teeth. Crowns can be used to repair damage from disease or trauma or to cover a natural tooth that is not aesthetically pleasing to the patient.
Conclusion
The appearance of a person's smile can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. By utilizing one or more of these common procedures, a cosmetic dentist can help patients improve the look of the smile and boost satisfaction with the person's overall appearance.
Request an appointment or call Carrollton Smiles at 757-712-0212 for an appointment in our Carrollton office.
Related Posts
Any dentist who provides cosmetic dentistry services can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. Therefore, the skill level can vary drastically from one dentist to the next. This can make selecting a cosmetic dentist challenging. However, finding the right cosmetic dentist for you can be easier when you know where and what to look for.An important…
A cosmetic dentist works to help patients achieve their best smiles, regardless of their starting point. Some people feel self-conscious due to the shade of their teeth, while others have gummy smiles or small chips that can make them unwilling to grin in the presence of others. Cosmetic dentists offer various treatments that target how…
Cosmetic dentists can improve many undesirable aspects of your smile. It is important to remember that they primarily focus on aesthetic impurities rather than function or health issues. Learning what they can address can help you determine when to give one a call.Teeth damage can result from trauma or decay. This can seriously impact the…