5 Ways a Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile.

5 Cosmetic dentistry options from your general dentist

The following are some of the ways a cosmetic dentist can improve your smile to make it healthier, brighter, and more aesthetically appealing, which you can also typically get from your general dentist:

1. Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental procedures. Factors such as diets, natural aging, beverages, and smoking habits can discolor the teeth over time. When this happens, people turn to different options to whiten their teeth, including professional teeth whitening offered by a cosmetic dentist. A single whitening session can offer quick and noticeable changes to the smile.

In contrast to over-the-counter whitening kits, the results of professional whitening are far more noticeable and long-lasting. The dental professional uses quality and effective bleaching agents. The process of whitening the teeth goes beyond applying the material. The dentist will thoroughly evaluate the patient’s dental health to determine their suitability and the best approach to the process.

The treatment will also be customized to suit the patient. This includes considering the level of whiteness desired and possible sensitivity issues. The dentist can typically whiten the teeth by multiple shades in just one session, resulting in a dramatic change to the patient’s smile.

2. Dental veneers

Veneers are perhaps one of the most versatile cosmetic dental treatments. Made from porcelain or composite material, veneers are thin and custom-made to cover the front side of the teeth. The dentist can use veneers to cover imperfections on the tooth’s surface, including chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps. Veneers are customized to fit each patient, considering their tooth size, color, and shape. The overall goal is to complement the natural smile while matching facial aesthetics.

Before applying veneers, the dentist will prepare the tooth surface, often through abrading, to ensure a proper and lasting fit. After the initial preparation, they will take impressions of the affected teeth to create matching veneers. In most cases, the veneer application requires two appointments. Once the veneers are ready, patients will return to the dental office for the placement. Veneers can significantly boost the tooth’s visual appeal and strength. They are durable and strong enough to handle regular chewing and biting. The benefit of aesthetics and functionality makes this option popular among patients desiring natural-looking and well-aligned smiles.

3. Dental implants

For patients who have lost their teeth, dental implants are the closest option to getting that natural-looking smile back. Implants offer a blend of aesthetics and functionality. The implant is a titanium screw-like piece that sits inside the patient’s jawbone and serves as an artificial tooth root. The implant functions as the foundation for the replacement teeth, such as the bridge, crown, or dentures. The osseointegration process (implant fusion to the bone) makes dental implants highly stable and durable and prevents bone loss issues that occur with missing teeth.

Once the dental implant is in place, the dentist will customize the tooth replacement to match existing teeth. It will be hard to notice the artificial tooth among the rest. Implant-based restorations provide complete dental functionality so that patients can smile, eat, and speak confidently.

4. Orthodontic treatments

Cosmetic dentists recommend orthodontic treatments to correct crowded, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in this field, ensuring patients have access to comfortable and discreet options. Besides more compact traditional metal braces, dentists also offer clear aligners. Aligners are less noticeable, removable, and quickly becoming the treatment of choice among teenagers and adults alike. Aligners shift the teeth to their correct position through a series of custom-designed trays.

Besides the aesthetic benefits of having straight teeth, orthodontic treatments ensure better oral health and functionality. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of oral health issues.

5. Gum contouring

Dentists perform gum contouring to reshape the gum line and improve the smile’s appearance. The treatment is great for patients with uneven gum lines and a cosmetic issue commonly called a “gummy smile” where excess gum tissue covers the tooth. The cosmetic dentist will sculpt the gum tissue carefully to create a more balanced and attractive smile. The procedure is typically quick and can offer dramatic changes to one’s appearance. It also makes oral hygiene easier.

The bottom line

A cosmetic dentist plays a major role in improving your smile. During your consultation appointment, they will perform a complete evaluation and recommend options to address different aesthetic concerns. A beautiful smile can boost your self-esteem and quality of life. To learn more, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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