These days, most people go to a cosmetic dentist to fix flaws in their teeth because these professionals have an array of tools and techniques to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, before you decide to visit a cosmetic dentist, it is important that you understand the risks and benefits you can expect during a cosmetic dentistry procedure.
These are some of the treatment options available when you visit a cosmetic dentist.
Treatments from a cosmetic dentist
1. Teeth whitening
This is one of the most popular treatments to get from a cosmetic dentist because your teeth become stained over time, especially if you drink coffee, smoke or take certain medications. Teeth whitening can be done in one visit, with your dentist using a bleaching agent on your teeth to restore them to their original whiteness.
If you do not want to go to a cosmetic dentist to whiten your teeth, you can buy a teeth whitening kit at a pharmacy or grocery store and do the whitening in the comfort of your home. However, since the at-home teeth whitening kit does not use a bleaching agent that is as strong as the one your dentist uses, it will take up to two weeks before you notice the results.
2. Dental veneers
This is a popular procedure used to fix chipped or broken teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that are used to cover the front of your teeth to cover up flaws. Your cosmetic dentist will color match the veneers, which are usually made of porcelain, to the color of your teeth, making them look like your natural teeth.
Some of the problems cosmetic dentists use veneers to fix include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Stained teeth
- Poorly shaped teeth
- Gapped teeth
3. Dental crowns
Dental crowns are used to cover up damaged teeth, making the teeth appear normal. They can be made from porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, composite resin or metal. Since crowns are expensive, your cosmetic dentist will recommend using them to fix your teeth only if the other treatment options cannot provide the desired result.
Most dentists send impressions of your mouth to a dental laboratory to get the dental crown made, but dentists that have CEREC machines in their offices can make the crowns during your visit, allowing them to complete the procedure in one visit.
4. Bonding
This is used to fix your teeth if you have excess space between them or if you have a broken or chipped tooth. Your cosmetic dentist will apply bonding materials to your teeth to fill cavities or to cover up an exposed tooth to protect the root. Bonding can last for several years but it is more likely to chip or become worn down than the other types of cosmetic restorations.
The bottom line
Cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. If you think you are in need of some cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist near you to figure out which treatment options can be used to give you your smile back.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dazzlemysmile.com or call Dazzling Smile Dental Group at (718) 841-9535 for an appointment in our Bayside office.
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