Some smiles light up the room, and others are hidden behind dodged photos, side-stepped conversations, or suppressed laughter. Not because of pain, but due to the teeth's appearance. Does that hit a little too close to home? Worry not, because you are not alone, and there is a solution to your problem. Every year, people rely on cosmetic dentistry to improve the aesthetics of their smile and boost their confidence.
If you are one of the many people who are considering or have committed to cosmetic dentistry to improve the esthetic appearance of their smile, you are probably curious about the options available. The truth is, there are several cosmetic dental procedures you can choose from.
Whether you want to address a minor tooth imperfection or make a significant change to the overall appearance of your tooth, cosmetic dental services can offer you a wide range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
A Look at the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry may seem frivolous, but it can boost your oral and dental health in several ways. Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field that focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of your gums, teeth, and overall smile.
Unlike general dentistry, which primarily focuses on oral and dental health problems, cosmetic dentistry combines artistry with dental expertise to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Below is an overview of the benefits that cosmetic dental services can offer:
Improved Self-Confidence
Being self-conscious about your smile's appearance can significantly affect your self-confidence and social interactions. Fortunately, one of the most crucial benefits of cosmetic dental services is the improved self-confidence and self-esteem that they offer you. When you are happy with the appearance of your smile when you look in the mirror, the more likely you are to share it with others.
The newfound confidence boost can also open several doors of opportunity for you that you probably avoided due to the insecurities you have about your smile.
Enhanced Oral and Dental Health and Functions
Although cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on enhancing your smile's appearance, several procedures a cosmetic dentist may recommend can also improve your oral and dental health. For example, if you have a missing tooth, your dentist can recommend a dental implant to prevent severe bone loss and the adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, which can cause teeth misalignment.
Similarly, when you straighten your teeth with braces or Invisalign, brushing and flossing will become easier, keeping cavities and gum disease at bay.
It Can Improved Your Bite
Teeth misalignment is another reason many people seek cosmetic dental services. In addition to affecting the appearance of your smile, tooth misalignment can impact your oral health and make it challenging to chew and speak. Jaw hypertension can also cause neck pain and migraines, affecting your quality of life.
Depending on the severity of your bite issue and your preferences, your dentist may recommend metal braces, Invisalign, or clear aligners.
You Will Achieve Noticeable Results Quicker
Most cosmetic dental procedures can give you dramatic results with one or two appointments. For example, professional teeth whitening allows your dentist to whiten your discolored teeth in a single dental appointment.
Similarly, if you have slightly chipped teeth or gaps between your teeth, your dentist can complete a dental bonding procedure in one appointment, allowing you to go home as soon as possible. Even more complex cosmetic procedures like veneer placement will only require two dental appointments to transform your smile's appearance.
Can Reverse Signs of Aging
The appearance of your smile can impact your overall appearance, including how young you look. Fortunately, through cosmetic dentistry, your dentist can address many age-related dental and oral health imperfections, including missing, worn-out, or stained teeth.
Remember, in the previous paragraph, we mentioned that the benefits of a cosmetic dentist can go beyond the aesthetics of your smile. In this case, your dentist can perform cosmetic dental procedures to reverse signs of aging, making you look youthful for several years.
The Dentist Can Customize Your Treatment Plan to Meet Your Unique Needs
Every person has a unique smile, so their cosmetic goals are unique as well. Whether you want to repair a chipped tooth or pursue a complete smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry offers a range of customizable solutions. A reliable cosmetic dentist will take time to understand your unique problem and the desired outcomes before creating a treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
They Offer Long-Lasting Results
The results of many cosmetic dental procedures are long-lasting. For example, a dental implant can last for up to twenty years, depending on how you care for it. The results of wearing braces after struggling with misaligned teeth for several years are also lifelong as long as you follow your dentist’s advice, including wearing retainers after the treatment.
Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures That Your Dentist Could Recommend
Your dentist can recommend various cosmetic dental procedures, depending on your unique dental or health problem. The following cosmetic dental procedures have gained tremendous popularity because of many valid reasons, and they are often the go-to treatments for many people:
Teeth Whitening
Over time, our natural teeth can become discolored or stained due to old age or lifestyle habits, including smoking and drinking coffee and red wine. One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is undoubtedly teeth whitening. One reason this procedure is common is that it is easy to perform and can yield noticeable, long-lasting results.
Depending on the severity of the discoloration, the dentist can bleach your teeth in two ways. He/she can perform an in-office procedure at his clinic or provide you with a teeth whitening system you can use at home. In a single dental appointment, your dentist can make your teeth five to ten shades brighter.
During the teeth-whitening appointment, the dentist will clean your teeth before applying the bleaching agent. Depending on the severity of the discoloration, the dentist will leave the bleaching agent in place for about 25 to 50 minutes before rinsing it off. You will typically notice the results of the in-office teeth whitening after about 24 hours.
For non-severe discoloration, the dentist can create a tailor-made dental tray to help ensure your discolored teeth are exposed to the right amount of bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide). Home-based teeth whitening kits are convenient, but it could take about two to four weeks before you notice appealing results, depending on the strength of the bleaching agent used.
It is worth noting that your teeth could become stained again when you expose them to the substances that previously stained them. Since teeth-whitening products do not clean your teeth, you should continue brushing at least twice daily and rinse your mouth regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash to keep plaque at bay.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can help improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and smile if you have stained, broken, chipped, or gapped teeth. Your dentist could also recommend dental bonding to cover any exposed parts of your tooth roots that make your teeth appear longer, or to cover minor cavities to improve the appearance of your smile.
Like teeth whitening, a dentist can perform a dental bonding procedure on your tooth in a single dental appointment. Before applying the composite bonding material to your teeth, the dentist will etch the surface with a mild acid solution to roughen it. Once the tooth is prepped, the dentist will apply the tooth-colored bonding material, often composite resin, to the target area of your tooth.
While a dental bond can serve you for several years, it is more likely to become stained, wear down, or chip than all other dental restoration options.
Dental Veneers
After teeth whitening, another popular cosmetic dental procedure is dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin, strong ceramic or porcelain shells that your dentist attaches to the front surface of your tooth to mask minor imperfections, including craze lines and chips. Once installed, dental veneers can last longer than dental bonding.
Generally speaking, you would be an excellent candidate for dental veneers if you have:
- Permanently stained teeth
- Have gapped teeth
- Have a poorly shaped tooth
- Have slightly crooked teeth
- Have a chipped tooth
Since the veneers require some time to prepare, your dentist will require you to schedule a second appointment for placement.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers your tooth to restore its appearance and shape. Some of the materials used to make dental crowns include ceramic, porcelain, and metals. Porcelain and ceramic can blend seamlessly with the shade of your natural teeth, giving you an appealing smile appearance.
Although they are often considered restorative dental procedures, dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes. You could be an excellent candidate for this cosmetic procedure if:
- You have just received a dental implant after losing a tooth
- You need extra support to hold a dental bridge in place
- You have a worn-out or broken tooth
- You have a discolored tooth
- A dentist has performed root canal therapy on your tooth
Since this cosmetic dental procedure can be expensive, the dentist will recommend it if other treatment options cannot produce the desired results. Your custom-made dental crown could last for several years if you care for it.
Enamel Recontouring and Shaping
Enamel recontouring and shaping, also known as stripping or enameloplasty, involves contouring and removing some part of your teeth's enamel. The primary reason the dentist will recommend this procedure is to enhance the beauty of your teeth by creating a more balanced smile. Enamel recontouring is a conservative procedure, and you will notice the desired results right away.
As long as you have healthy teeth, you could be an excellent candidate for this procedure if you have the following:
- Bite issues
- Irregular or chipped teeth
- Pits or bulges on your teeth's enamel
- Overlapping or crooked teeth
In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, enamel recontouring can also boost your dental health by removing overlaps and crevices where plaque and tartar can accumulate. However, since you cannot replace your tooth enamel after the procedure, you should carefully weigh your options before choosing the procedure.
Also, before recommending the procedure, the dentist must take an X-ray of the tooth to see the location of its pulp (the chamber that contains blood vessels and nerves). If your dentist finds that your tooth enamel is too thin and recontouring it could expose the sensitive part of your tooth, he/she will recommend a different cosmetic procedure.
Braces
Nowadays, anyone, regardless of age, can benefit from wearing braces. In addition to improving the appearance of your crowded or crooked teeth, braces can help correct a misaligned jaw or an irregular bite for improved dental function. Braces help correct misalignment of your teeth and jaw by applying constant pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them into proper alignment over time.
How long you wear braces depends on the severity of your dental or jaw misalignment. To place metal braces on your teeth, the dentist will bond metal, plastic, or ceramic metals on your teeth. Then, he/she will place a wire across these brackets to help guide your misaligned or crooked teeth to proper positions in your mouth.
While you may experience slight discomfort after receiving your braces, it will subside within a few days. After placing braces on your teeth, regular oral and dental hygiene is crucial because the wires can trap food particles, increasing your risk of cavities and decay.
If your teeth misalignment is non-severe, your dentist could recommend wearing clear aligners, which require replacement every two weeks to progressively move your misaligned teeth into proper alignment. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove your clear aligners anytime you want to brush your teeth or eat.
Find a Licensed Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
If you believe you would be an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry or have any questions about the procedures discussed above, consulting a credible dentist is advisable. Our experienced cosmetic dentists at Northride Advanced Dentistry are here to help if you need to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile and you do not know where to begin.
We will listen to your concerns and examine your unique dental issue using modern technology to recommend an appropriate treatment that will give you a smile makeover and boost your oral health. Call us at 818-701-3010 to book your first consultation.
