What Are the Options Available Under Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry in Phoenix, AZ, ranges from subtle changes to major and complex repairs, that aim to improve the aesthetics of your smile. In the past the treatment was mostly popular among celebrities and actors. However, today everyone is in pursuit of a perfect appearance, and more people are embracing cosmetic dentistry. Social media platforms like Instagram makes us all want to look our best and this furthers the desire to fix any flaws in our smile. A good-looking smile promotes self-confidence and also improves your look by making you appear younger.

Besides fixing obvious flaws like stained teeth and crooked teeth, there are other important benefits of cosmetic treatments. In the process of creating the smile you desire; structural and functional improvements are also realized. Take for instance, fixing crooked teeth not only improves your smile but also corrects your bite to facilitate better speech, improved chewing and to reduce secondary complications like TMJ disorders.

There are different types of dental cosmetic procedures you can get from a dentist near you. The choice depends on the changes you wish to make and how much you are willing to invest in the procedure. Here are some of the procedures used to fix dental imperfections in Phoenix, AZ:

Dental Cosmetic Procedures

• Teeth Whitening

It is a simple and inexpensive way of improving your smile. You can choose an in-office treatment or do it at home with over the counter whitening products. Teeth whitening is for people that are insecure about stains and discoloration on their teeth. A cosmetic dentist will apply a whitening agent on the surface of the teeth to brighten its color. It is possible to have your teeth seven shades lighter for a brighter and whiter smile.

• Dental Bonding

For people with severely stained teeth or little damage to the enamel such as chips, tooth bonding is used. Typically, a composite material that matches the color of natural teeth is applied onto the surface of the damaged tooth and then it is shaped and dried. For the bonding material to adhere to the took, the enamel is slightly roughened and a bonding agent is applied first. At On Pointe Dentistry, the procedure is used to fix cracks, close small gaps between teeth, repair tooth decay, re-shape teeth and fix stains that cannot be removed by teeth whitening.

• Dental Crowns

Crowns are tooth-like caps worn over damaged teeth and can fix several dental issues. They are mostly made from porcelain as the material closely matches the color and texture of natural teeth. Crowns are used to correct misshaped teeth, chipped or cracked teeth and to cover implants or large fillings.

• Porcelain Veneers

These are thin shell-like objects made from porcelain or composite material that are cemented on the front of the tooth enamel to treat imperfections like discoloration, chipped teeth, slightly crooked teeth and to close small gaps between teeth. Veneer shells are usually custom-made to match the desired shape and size.

• Gingival Contouring

It is also known as gum contouring or gingivoplasty and involves reshaping the gumline. Although it is necessary in cases where the shape of your gums impact your oral health, it can also be elective. Dentists will recommend it to restore gum tissue for those that suffer from gum recession, which usually leaves the root of the tooth exposed. Gum contouring is also used to expose more of the tooth’s surface by removing excess gum tissue and then resulting to give you the smile you wish for.

• Invisible Braces

The purpose of braces it to correct misalignment tissues and give you a straighter smile. In the past, people had to wear metal braces which come with visible brackets and wires, which some find unsightly. So, rather than shying away from treatment because of the stigma associated with traditional braces, patients can now still under the much-needed orthodontic treatment but with the modern invisible braces like Invisalign and ClearCorrect. They are custom aligners made from a clear plastic material that goes unnoticed when worn.

To determine which procedure is best for you, visit a cosmetic dentist near you for a dental exam and diagnosis. Use that time to also learn about the options available to you and the benefit and disadvantage of each, for you to make an informed choice.