Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments that improve the appearance of your teeth. These procedures can affect the natural teeth or rebuild damaged areas when needed. Concerns such as stains, uneven shape, chips, and worn tooth structure are good candidates for cosmetic procedures. Here is more information about what cosmetic dentistry does and some common cosmetic procedure options:
What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Address?
Cosmetic dentistry can improve the color, shape, and overall appearance of your teeth. It can also restore teeth that have lost stability due to wear or damage. Whitening and bonding change the appearance of natural teeth using different methods, while veneers replace missing teeth altogether.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening lightens the shade of teeth by lifting stains from the enamel. The whitening gel typically works on surface stains, though some treatments can affect deeper stains as well. There are three main types of whitening:
- In-office whitening: uses stronger whitening agents applied under professional supervision to create noticeable results quickly, often in a single appointment.
- At-home whitening: uses custom-made trays filled with a professional-strength gel that are worn for a set amount of time. Results may appear more gradually the in-office whitening.
- Retail products: are strips that are readily available in stores. These products work more gradually than the at-home kits from dentists.
All these options aim to lighten the shade of your teeth and produce a more polished appearance. The main difference among these options is the strength and concentration of the whitening gel, which is highest in an in-office treatment and lowest in a retail product.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to correct small issues such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration. The dentist shapes and colors the resin to blend with your natural teeth and then hardens it with a special light. Bonding requires no recovery time and is suited for minor cosmetic improvements. It is also one of the least invasive cosmetic options available.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that attach to the front surfaces of your teeth to change their appearance. They can enhance shape, size, color, and overall symmetry. There are two main types: porcelain and composite.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, highly durable, and resist staining. They provide a natural, translucent look that closely mimics real enamel. Composite veneers are made from the same resin material used in bonding, which a dentist can color-match to your natural teeth.
The process usually involves first removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer. The dentist takes impressions or scans of the teeth and may place temporary veneers. Finally, the dentist attaches the custom veneers during a follow-up visit. Veneers offer a natural look for people seeking a more dramatic change.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry options, contact your dentist. They can help you compare options based on your aesthetic goals and lifestyle. Different procedures can alter the teeth’s appearance while others can replace teeth completely. In some cases, procedures may be combined to reach the desired outcome.
