Cosmetic Dentistry

Why undergo cosmetic dentistry?

People choose esthetic dental procedures, including surgery, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s to repair a defect such as a malformed bite or crooked teeth, treat an injury, or improve the overall appearance of their teeth. Whatever the reason, the ultimate goal is to finish with a beautiful smile. This is why esthetic dentistry has become a vital part of the dental profession.

What dental procedures are considered cosmetic?

Common esthetic dental procedures are performed to correct discolored or chipped teeth, or replace missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry also offers you the opportunity to change the shape and size of your teeth. Resizing teeth that are too long or short, filling in gaps between teeth, and adding dimension to teeth that are too small all fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Applying veneers to the surface of your teeth and whitening and bleaching are also considered cosmetic treatments.

Which techniques are right for me?

Your dentist will complete an examination and discuss in detail your desires and expectations for improving your smile. Based on your dentist’s recommendations, you may take advantage of several methods or choose one over the other, such as veneers vs bonding to fill in gaps or chips in your teeth.

What is bonding?

Dental bonding is one of several restorative treatments used to repair gaps or chips in teeth. It’s also sometimes used to change the color or dimension of teeth. During the process, your doctor applies a tooth-colored resin to the tooth and molds it to the desired shape. The material is then hardened by shining a bright light onto the treated tooth. Finally, your dentist trims and polishes it until it matches the appearance of the rest of the tooth.

What is contouring and reshaping?

Tooth contouring and reshaping is a procedure that can correct misshapen, chipped, or cracked teeth. The process can change the shape, length, or position of your teeth and may even improve your bite.

Contouring and reshaping is an excellent option if you have healthy teeth, but want to make some subtle changes to improve your smile.

The process begins with a full set of X-rays to make sure there’s enough bone between the teeth that will be reshaped.

How can crowns improve the look of my teeth?

Crowns, also known as caps, completely cover your tooth and give them an even, healthy appearance. You may be a candidate for a crown if:

• Your teeth are misshapen or discolored
• Your teeth are worn or broken
• You have a tooth with a large filling
• You have dental implants
• You need to cover a tooth that’s had a root canal procedure

Crowns are made from various materials including metal, porcelain, and ceramic. Taking care of your teeth can help crowns last for many years

Is whitening safe for my teeth?

Over-the-counter whitening products that you apply at home can sometimes irritate the soft tissues of your mouth and gums. The whitening treatments received at Trident Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are much less likely to cause discomfort due to the skill and training of the providers. Some patients report increased sensitivity in the teeth for a short time after a whitening treatment, but this typically fades quickly.

Ready to try whitening or some of the other cosmetic procedures offered by Trident Cosmetic and Family Dentistry? Call or book an appointment online today for a consultation with the dental team to see how you can make your smile even brighter.