Teeth Whitening and Other Common Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist

Teeth Whitening and Other Common Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist from Gledhill Dental in Kennewick, WAA cosmetic dentist can recommend various treatments to improve the appearance of teeth. Most cosmetic treatments are elective and not intended to restore function; however, they help patients attain a beautiful and confident smile.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance a patient's smile by improving the teeth's appearance regarding:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Alignment
  • Size
  • Spacing

Every mouth has different proportions and presents unique dental challenges. The success of all aesthetic dental procedures relies on the artistry and experience of the cosmetic dentist.

What are common cosmetic dental treatments?

Over the past decades, advances in dental technology have made various cosmetic treatments more accessible to the general population. Treatments once considered luxuries are now routinely administered.

Whitening

A cosmetic dentist can address stains and discoloration of the teeth caused by food and drink or tobacco by coating the teeth with a gel containing a bleaching agent. Oxygen molecules in this substance penetrate the enamel and dentin layers, deactivating and removing stain-causing molecules. It is necessary to use a protective shield to keep the gel from potentially irritating the gums. Some dentists use heat and light to help the gel penetrate the dentin layer. Teeth whitening can successfully restore a patient's natural dentin color, but it is not suitable for brightening sensitive, thin, broken, or artificial teeth.

Veneers

Thin porcelain laminates or veneers can effectively improve the appearance of teeth that do not respond to whitening or have chips and cracks. This treatment can also address gaps between teeth. The cosmetic dentist polishes away some of the tooth enamel to ensure that the veneer is on the same level as the surrounding teeth. Choosing the veneer's shape, color, and size to complement the patient's smile requires careful consideration. Once this is determined, the dentist attaches the lab-made laminate to the tooth's surface. Veneers can dramatically improve a smile by covering a portion of a tooth, an entire tooth, or multiple teeth.

Bonding

Individual teeth that require minor cosmetic adjustments can be excellent candidates for bonding. This simple treatment can occur within one hour. The dentist scrapes away a small amount of enamel and coats the exposed surface with an adhesive substance that helps a resin tooth-shaped cover bond with the natural tooth. The resin is soft and malleable, allowing the dentist to adjust its shape and size to blend well with the surrounding teeth. Bonding relies on a skilled hand and an artistic eye to give a tooth cover a realistic appearance.

Contouring

Natural teeth with minor size and shape imperfections can benefit from simple contouring. This treatment can also improve the appearance of teeth that overlap or have minor chips. A dentist sands away portions of the enamel before reshaping and polishing the natural teeth. The dentist must take great care when outlining the intended shape and removing parts of the teeth because the procedure is irreversible. This treatment can sometimes eliminate the need for braces for simple cosmetic problems.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Teeth Whitening in Kennewick, WA

Conclusion

Recent advances in dentistry have made smile-enhancing procedures widely available. Most patients find that a cosmetic dentist can make significant improvements that are quick and painless.

Request an appointment or call Gledhill Dental at 509-800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.

Related Posts

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments To Improve The Appearance Of Your Teeth

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…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Boost Your Smile

Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help make your smile more attractive? Read on to learn more about this type of dental professional. Cosmetic dentistry is a subset of general dentistry concerned with how one's teeth, gums, and bite appear. The services of a cosmetic dentist may improve your self-esteem.A cosmetic dentist will work with…

Caring For Common Treatments From A Cosmetic Dentist

Through the work of a cosmetic dentist, individuals have the opportunity to transform a smile, repair broken or cracked teeth, and restore oral health. Whether it is a treatment to whiten the teeth or the attachment of a dental crown, cosmetic dentistry provides long-term solutions for patients who deal with poor function, discomfort, and low…

Related Posts

Dentist Near Me: Comprehensive Care For Oral Health

Dentist Near Me: Comprehensive Care For Oral Health

Typing dentist near me in your search box can give you a great start. Getting comprehensive oral care from the right dental care professional is the goal. A provider near you will give you easier access to necessary dental treatments. Entering dentist near me in your online search can give you an advantage in your…

What You Need To Know About Implant Supported Dentures

What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

Curious about implant-supported dentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. If you are missing many teeth or perhaps a whole arch, implant-supported dentures are a great solution. Patients may eat and talk with more assurance since they are more secure and pleasant than conventional dentures. Yet, dental implant-supported dentures need considerable thought…