Many people seek a cosmetic dentist because they feel self-conscious and uncomfortable with their smile if their teeth are not as aesthetically pleasing as they might wish. The teeth frame the entire face, so a pearly white smile can make it seem radiant and full of energy.
Cosmetic dentistry offers numerous solutions for patients who want to improve the beauty and function of their teeth. While cosmetic dentists focus on the aesthetic appearance of the smile, they can also help patients achieve better dental health.
Anyone who is self-conscious about their smile can likely find a solution with cosmetic dentistry. The most common procedures that cosmetic dentists can perform to improve the look of teeth include the following.
A cosmetic dentist can change the shape of the teeth with the use of dental bonding. It is made of composite resin and is applied to the teeth to create a smoother surface, fill cracks and chips, or even lengthen a tooth. This can mitigate the impression of crooked teeth and create a seamless tooth surface that replaces damage with a smooth exterior.
Veneers can be a good choice for those whose teeth have discoloration that does not respond to whitening treatments. Dental veneers are applied directly to the surfaces of teeth as beautified shells. They can hide discoloration, other blemishes, minor cracks, and textural issues.
One thing to note about veneers is that most types require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the chosen teeth in order to install them. Since enamel protects the teeth, patients will need to wear veneers for the rest of their lives in order to keep their teeth safe once the enamel is gone.
If a person’s teeth are in good condition in terms of chips and cracks, they can still be a source of discomfort because of their shade. Discolored teeth may appear yellow, brown, or gray, but most of these stains can be removable using whitening treatments.
A cosmetic dentist can do whitening treatments in the office using a specialized solution and exposure to a light that activates the solution once it is painted on the teeth. In-office whitening can lighten the color of the teeth by multiple shades in less than an hour.
Alternatively, the cosmetic dentist can create custom trays for a patient that are molded directly to the shape of their teeth. Then, the patient can apply whitening gel using the tray in the comfort of their own home.
When a person is missing one or more teeth, they are likely to be self-conscious about their smile due to the gaps. Dental implants are installed directly into the jawbone with metal rods that stimulate the jaw in the same way as natural tooth roots. Then, a false tooth that looks almost identical to a real one can be affixed to each implant post, thereby taking the place of the missing teeth.
The pontic (the replacement prosthetic) is made of materials like porcelain that mimic a natural tooth’s translucence and sheen. This means most people cannot tell the difference between a dental implant and a real tooth.
The teeth are not the only part of the smile that other people will notice. If a patient’s teeth seem small because the gums have crept down on the teeth, this is called a “gummy” smile. Cosmetic dentists can use a procedure called gum contouring to remove excess gum tissue, making the teeth look longer and more natural in their shape and length.
Alternatively, a cosmetic dentist may be able to perform a gum graft, taking tissue from other areas of the mouth to build up areas around the teeth where the gums have receded. Not only does this improve the look of the smile, but it also helps support the teeth.
If you are self-conscious about your smile or the aesthetic of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can help. There is no need to hide your smile; instead, you can consider whitening, gum contouring, dental bonding, and other procedures among the many options available in cosmetic dentistry to revitalize your look and give you the confidence that you deserve. Contact our cosmetic dentist to schedule an appointment to ask your questions and discuss which options can best serve you and how to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gledhilldental.com or call Gledhill Dental at (509) 800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.
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