What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Do For You?
Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dental treatment that focuses on improving your smile’s appearance. It may be used to enhance the color, shape or position of your teeth and can also improve your oral health.
Cosmetic dentists perform a range of procedures designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding, and crowns. They can help you achieve a smile you’re proud to show off.
Root Canals
When your tooth’s pulp becomes infected or irritated, it can cause serious pain and discomfort. Root canal therapy is a procedure performed by a dental specialist to remove the infected tissue and restore the tooth’s healthy function. This process involves removing the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth’s pulp chamber and then filling the space with a sealant material that prevents bacteria from entering the interior of the tooth.
Crowns
A cosmetic dentist can use a crown to cover damaged or weak teeth to strengthen them and make them look natural. They can also be used to replace missing teeth, protect a root filling or strengthen a denture or bridge.
Porcelain Veneers
A popular option for patients who want to correct crooked or stained teeth, porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. These thin sheets can be colored to match a patient’s existing teeth and are made of strong, durable material that is highly resistant to stains.
Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and are one of the most versatile cosmetic procedures available. They can be placed directly into the bone socket of the missing tooth, or they can be surgically implanted into a person’s jaw. Over time, the artificial tooth bonds with the bone and tissues to form a permanent replacement.
Implants are very durable and can last a lifetime when cared for properly by the patient. A dentist can use them to replace a single tooth, several teeth or an entire arch of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Many people have a chipped, discolored or unevenly shaped tooth or teeth. They can be a very frustrating condition to have and can affect your self-confidence.
They can also be extremely unsightly and can lead to gum disease. Your dentist can apply a moldable resin to the tooth and harden it with ultraviolet light to create a beautiful, natural-looking restoration.
A good cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you on the best options for your specific needs, and they will take the time to explain what each procedure will accomplish and how it will benefit your overall health.
It’s important to choose a cosmetic dentist that is board-certified and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This is the largest and most influential international dental organization that specializes in aesthetic dentistry.
The AACD has over 7,000 members worldwide and is the leading source of credentialing for dentists. Its membership includes general dentists, specialists and lab technicians focused on the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. It encourages its members to keep abreast of new technology and techniques by attending courses and seminars.