- Orthodontics can help improve aesthetics and reduce oral health risks in the future.
- Tooth whitening is an effective way to remove deep-seated stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or other beverages.
- Dental restoration options such as bonding and veneers fill in gaps or discolored surfaces caused by decay or trauma.
- Cosmetic dentistry provides dramatic transformations for those looking to improve their smile’s aesthetics.
Having a beautiful, healthy-looking smile is an essential part of overall oral health. And to achieve this, people are looking at cosmetic dentistry more and more frequently. This dentistry area focuses on improving the appearance or aesthetics of your smile. This can include changing the shape, color, size, and alignment of teeth and the position of the jaw.
With a few simple treatments, you are sure to see a dramatic transformation and improvement in your smile. As technology evolves, more exciting cosmetic dentistry options are becoming available. So, which ones should you consider?
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can improve your smile’s aesthetics and reduce your risk for oral health issues in later life. This specialty of dentistry focuses on correcting misalignment and malocclusion of teeth and jaws. It aims to restore balance and function to the bite by realigning teeth into their proper positions. Depending on your needs, options range from traditional to modern, such as below:
Invisalign
The newest Invisalign treatment offers patients an innovative way to straighten teeth without wearing metal braces or wires. It’s an excellent choice for mild cases of misalignment or malocclusion that don’t require extensive treatment.
Instead of having metal brackets attached to each tooth as traditional braces, Invisalign utilizes clear plastic aligner trays that fit snugly over your teeth, gently moving them into position over time. As a bonus, Invisalign trays are removable, so you won’t have any restrictions during eating or brushing your teeth.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are one of the most popular methods of orthodontic care used today. Like traditional braces, gold braces use gold-plated metal wires and brackets, slowly moving teeth into alignment. While they may take longer than other treatments, such as Invisalign, traditional braces are still an excellent choice for more severe cases of misalignment or malocclusion due to their ability to apply consistent force throughout treatment. They also tend to be less expensive than other options available today.
Tooth Whitening
Another popular option for improving the look and feel of one’s smile is tooth whitening. This involves lightening discolored or stained enamel using specialized products. These products help remove deep-seated stains from beverages like coffee and tea and smoking tobacco, allowing you a whiter, brighter smile in no time.
Depending on how deeply stained your enamel is, there are several types of whitening procedures available, including the following:
Bleaching Strips or Gel
These products contain a whitening agent that is applied directly to your teeth. The bleaching gel or strips are typically left on the teeth for several minutes and then washed off. This process needs to be repeated multiple times for desired results.
Laser Whitening
The most advanced form of tooth whitening, laser whitening, is done in a professional dental office. A whitening gel is applied to the teeth and then activated with a special laser light. This procedure is the quickest way to get dramatic results in one sitting.
Dental Restoration
Cracked, chipped, or missing teeth can be repaired with various dental restoration options. Over time, decay or trauma can damage teeth, leaving unsightly gaps or discolored surfaces. The restoration process involves reshaping and rebuilding the tooth with a variety of options, which depends on the severity of the damage.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cost-effective and quick solution to repair minor chips or discoloration. This procedure uses a composite resin that matches the shade of your teeth and is applied to the damaged area. The resin is then shaped and molded to restore the natural look of your tooth.
Dental Veneers
For more extensive damage, dental veneers are the perfect solution. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that fit over the front of your teeth, hiding any deterioration or discoloration. They are a long-lasting, stain-resistant alternative to traditional bonding and can even be used on teeth that are severely misshapen or discolored.
Dental Implants
An implant can provide a permanent solution if you’re missing a tooth or have a severely damaged one. Implants are inserted into the jawbone and act as an artificial tooth root to support a prosthetic crown. The implant is strong, secure, and looks just like your natural teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry provides a great way to give your smile a much-needed makeover. With the right treatments, you are sure to get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. However, it’s important to consult with a dentist before beginning any dental treatments to ensure the best possible results.