Do you want to improve your smile, but you’re not sure if cosmetic dental treatments are right for you? Want to update your smile, but you’re not sure if you’re an ideal candidate? Think cosmetic dentistry is only for celebrities? We can help answer your questions and update your smile!
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with improving a person’s appearance by altering their teeth, gums, lips, tongue, cheeks, jawline and other facial features.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Work?
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make people feel better about themselves and their smiles. The best way to do this is by going to an experienced cosmetic dentist who can help correct cosmetic issues using a combination of techniques, including:
Tooth Whitening. Cosmetic dentistry techniques can remove stains on teeth so they look whiter and brighter than ever before. Stained teeth can negatively affect your smile’s appearance and how you feel about your smile.
Porcelain Veneers. Adding porcelain shells over the front surfaces of teeth can give teeth a more uniform color and shape and can cover small gaps between teeth. Veneers also help improve the appearance of misshapen teeth and protect the underlying tooth enamel from staining.
Dental Crowns. This treatment creates artificial caps over damaged teeth. This procedure is used to restore strength and durability to weakened teeth. It also helps prevent further damage to the tooth structure.
Dental Implants. This treatment involves placing tiny titanium posts into the jawbone in order to support dental crowns or bridges to replace missing natural teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings. Filling cavities with composite resin materials means your dentist can match the natural color of surrounding teeth.
Laser Gum Treatments. This treatment uses laser technology to remove stubborn tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth.
These dental procedures can be performed alone or in combination for smile makeovers.
In most cases, we can confidently say that cosmetic dental treatment helps to:
- Improve the appearance of teeth and gums
- Increase self-confidence in one’s appearance
- Enhance oral health
- Make it easier to eat certain foods
- Reduce sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Prevent gum disease
- Prevent tooth decay
- Prevent future problems with your jaw, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
Does Your Mouth Have to Be Healthy for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Yes. We will evaluate your mouth thoroughly to ensure that no additional problems exist. If there are no existing problems, then we can proceed with cosmetic dental treatment.
If your teeth, gums or mouth are not healthy, undergoing cosmetic and restorative treatments may cover up existing problems that need to be treated, which could lead to pain, infection or even tooth loss.
These factors include:
Tooth Decay. Decay occurs when bacteria get under the surface of the enamel and start eating away at the tooth. When this happens, the tooth becomes weak and susceptible to breaking off. A broken tooth can cause discomfort, embarrassment and possible injury to the surrounding tissues.
Gum Disease. Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque buildup on the teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens and forms tartar. Tartar causes inflammation and irritation of the gums, which leads to bleeding and eventual bone loss around the roots of the teeth.
Periodontal Disease. Periodontal disease is another type of gum disease that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is often associated with diabetes, pregnancy, smoking, stress, poor nutrition and genetics.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD is a condition of the lower jaw that can result in severe pain and stiffness in the face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and legs. Those with TMD may hear a clicking sound when they open and close their mouth; this sound is actually the jaw moving back and forth. TMD is usually caused by an injury to the head, neck or jaw.
Orthodontic Treatment. Orthodontics is the process of straightening misaligned and crooked teeth. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can correct bite irregularities, improve chewing efficiency and prevent future jaw problems. Orthodontic treatment can include traditional braces, clear aligners and other appliances designed to correct bite problems.
Before we begin your cosmetic dentistry procedures, we will review your oral health to make sure that your final result is a healthy and beautiful smile.
Once any oral health issue is addressed, we will begin our cosmetic dentistry services to correct your dental flaws, discolored teeth or misaligned teeth and help you achieve your smile goals.