The focus of a cosmetic dentist is on improving the overall appearance of the smile. To achieve this goal, dental professionals employ a variety of common treatments.
Cosmetic dental treatments
Some patients seek cosmetic dental procedures due to accident, illness, or trauma that has affected the appearance of the smile. Others want to change the appearance of the mouth to match a particular aesthetic. A cosmetic dentist can recommend a treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the desired outcome for the patient.
Teeth whitening
Smoking, drinking, plaque buildup, and aging can all cause the teeth to change color over time. Additionally, some people are not happy with the natural color of the teeth. For these patients, teeth whitening procedures can remove stains and discoloration and give the smile an overall whiter appearance. A cosmetic dentist can perform an in-office teeth whitening procedure or provide the patient with a whitening kit to use at home.
Tooth shaping
Tooth shaping can be used to repair chipped, poorly aligned, or uneven teeth. It is also sometimes used to shorten the teeth for patients whose teeth appear unusually long. When teeth are shaped, the dentist removes small portions of the tooth enamel with a drill or laser.
Dental bonding
In a dental bonding procedure, the dentist applies putty to one or more teeth to correct fractures and chips. Bonding may also be used to fill small cavities or to cover discolored teeth. This treatment is often provided in conjunction with tooth shaping to give teeth a uniform and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.
Gum contouring
Some people have more gum tissue than others. Excess gum tissue can give teeth an unusually short appearance. Gum contouring involves removing a portion of the gums using a laser. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, but symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are a thin porcelain shell that can be attached to the front surface of teeth. Veneers are used to cover teeth with chips, gaps, or stains and may also be used to make slightly crooked teeth appear straight. However, veneers can not correct severely crooked or crowded teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are metal posts that are placed in the jaw to replace missing tooth roots and capped with crowns to replace missing teeth. Implants can improve the appearance and function of the teeth by filling in the gaps left by lost or extracted teeth.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a cover or cap that fits over the natural teeth. Crowns can be used to repair damage from disease or trauma or to cover a natural tooth that is not aesthetically pleasing to the patient.
Conclusion
The appearance of a person's smile can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. By utilizing one or more of these common procedures, a cosmetic dentist can help patients improve the look of the smile and boost satisfaction with the person's overall appearance.
Request an appointment or call Visalia Care Dental at 559-975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
Related Posts
You can visit a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist for your cosmetic dental treatments. Both dental care providers can transform your smile. They can also enhance your oral health. Knowing the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist can help you determine where you must go to get your dream smile.This dental…
Your cosmetic dentist can treat your teeth with aesthetic materials. Research reveals that many people prefer tooth-colored fillings for any dental repair. The general dentist uses the same material to keep cavities at bay. Knowing how a cosmetic dentist restores teeth with tooth-colored fillings can help prepare you for your upcoming treatment.A cosmetic dentist can…
Your cosmetic dentist understands that a cracked or chipped tooth can be stressful. This problem can put pressure on you if you need to make appearances regularly. Dental damage can affect your self-esteem. Knowing how your cosmetic dentist can treat your cracked or chipped teeth can help you prepare for your next appointment.A cosmetic dentist…