4 Cosmetic Dental Options to Improve the Look of Your Smile

Many individuals choose a cosmetic dental procedure if they find themselves with unsightly stains and chips or especially if they have a few teeth missing. There are numerous solutions to fixing these cosmetic issues, but it is important to know what each procedure entails, and when they are best applied.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the process of improving the teeth for aesthetic purposes, although there are many health benefits as well. Sometimes referred to as a smile makeover, these four different types of cosmetic dental options are performed to drastically change the way a person’s mouth looks and feels.

What options are available?

There are several options available to those looking for ways to alter their smile. Whether the problem is of a larger scale or something small and simple, there are several cosmetic dental procedures that can help.

Tooth whitening

Perhaps the most well-known cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening. This procedure can be done from home or in an office. However, it is recommended to have it done in a dental office to ensure that the color change is satisfactory.

Tooth whitening will make the teeth appear brighter and whiter by using bleaching agents and in some cases a light as well. Tooth whitening should only be used by those who have healthy mouths and no gum recession. As tooth whitening may cause sensitivity, it is not recommended for those who already have tooth sensitivity or are struggling with gum disease.

Veneers

When a tooth is not aesthetically pleasing because of length, chips or stains, a veneer is a likely option in correcting the problem. Veneers are essentially just porcelain; they are natural-looking shells that fit right over the original tooth.

The downside to veneers is that the dentist will need to shave off a bit of the original tooth structure to place the veneer on top of it. Exposing part of the tooth in this way can cause sensitivity for some individuals. Veneers also have a higher chance of being chipped off when biting into harder foods like apples, which means there is a chance that they will need immediate replacement.

Enamel bonding

Enamel bonding uses the same material as a composite filling and follows the same idea. The enamel bonding procedure is used to fix minor problems such as a small chip in the tooth or a minor stain that is unsightly. It is a less intrusive procedure than veneers, although they may have to be replaced more often as they are far smaller in size.

Implants

Missing teeth can be rectified with implants. An implant will place an artificial root into the bone, so the patient does not experience any bone loss due to the missing roots. A natural-looking, porcelain crown is then placed on top of the artificial root to complete the process. The implant treatment plan generally takes around six months to finish.

Which do you prefer?

Cosmetic dental options are used to fix problems within the teeth and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The tooth whitening procedure will brighten teeth while veneers can dramatically change the shape and look of a tooth. Enamel bonding and implants are options for those with minor chips or those who need to replace a tooth completely.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist.