Cosmetic Dentistry is an important branch of dental science that improves the appearance of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improving the color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Having cosmetic dental work will give you whiter, brighter straight teeth.  Your self confidence and glowing smile can easily be restored with some simple dental procedures.

Teeth Whitening

Stained and yellowed teeth are the most common complaint among young and old alike.  Age, certain foods and beverages, genetics, certain medical conditions and medications, and poor oral hygiene are just a few reasons teeth will stain and discolor. A professional teeth cleaning by your hygienist can remove yellowish plaque, hardened tartar, and stubborn stains from the surfaces of your teeth.   Teeth whitening is a simple and cost-effective procedure to whiten up your teeth.  Your dentist will initially make custom trays for you so that you can brighten up your teeth at home.   A professional whitening gel placed in these trays removes any stains or white spots on the teeth and gives them an even and bright color.  This procedure can be repeated every 6 months or as you feel you require a cosmetic touch up.

Porcelain Veneers

Sometimes teeth can be uneven, slightly crooked, and have small gaps between them.   Your front teeth might get chipped or broken and have adherent stains.   Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the prepared tooth structure.  The porcelain is very natural looking and resists stain more than other dental materials for whiter teeth. They are custom designed to fill in gaps and even up your teeth.  The shape, size and color of the porcelain veneer is made to create a perfect smile.   Veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth for long term aesthetics approx. 5-10 years or longer.  This custom designed cosmetic procedure will require two appointments – the first to prepare and shape the natural teeth and the second to bond the porcelain in place.

Composite Bonding

Bonding is a procedure that is slightly similar to veneers. It is also used to create an even smile where you many have gaps, slightly crooked or chipped teeth.  A composite resin (plastic-like material) is used that matches the shade of your teeth.  The material is bonded to the prepared tooth structure and then polished and filed according to your adjacent teeth. This cosmetic procedure can be done in one appointment and will last 3-5 years or longer.

Implants

Implants are used to replace missing teeth and restore function and aesthetics. An implant is a titanium post that is grafted into the jawbone where the missing tooth is. When the implant has properly healed and fused with the surrounding bone and tissue, a porcelain crown will be placed over it. The porcelain crown is custom designed to match the shade and shape of your missing tooth. It will fit in perfectly with the adjacent teeth and your bite. Implants can also be used where several teeth are missing. The natural looking porcelain crown restores the overall appearance and brings your confident smile back – without the gap.

Gingival Contouring

The improper eruption of teeth from the gingival tissue can lead to a gummy smile. A gummy smile is where the teeth are covered by gums and thus appear too short. A  gentle laser is used to remove the excess gum tissue and recontour the gums. THis procedure exposes more of the natural tooth structure for better aesthetics.

There are so many cosmetic options available to create perfect and natural looking teeth.  Contact our office to see what we can do to for your complete smile and confidence makeover.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry