Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile enhancement can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest step can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in dentistry, cosmetic procedures can range from a basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.

1. Tooth Bleaching

This is one of the most popular options for people who want a fairly quick and simple way to change their smile.

It’s great for people who don’t need anything more than a little bit of brightening, or for people who don’t want to make a huge commitment. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options.

Tooth whitening can be done in the office or at home, but it’s wise to get the bleach from your dentist. Over-the-counter bleaching products don’t always provide the brightening most people desire.

2. Enamel Bonding

Dental bonding is a great procedure for people who have deeply stained or chipped teeth.

The composite bonding material is typically the same which is used for white dental fillings. This material is moldable, which means your dentist can shape the material to fit the ideal, beautiful shape you want.

The drawback of this procedure (and why a lot of people choose veneers instead) is because the life-span of the enamel bonding isn’t nearly as long as dental veneers.

3. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers have been the gold standard in cosmetic dental procedures for decades. Veneers are thin porcelain shells which fit over the facial surface of the teeth.

The enamel of your tooth is gently filed down, and then an impression is taken. The impression is sent to a dental lab for custom veneers. You will have temporary veneers until the permanent ones get back from the lab.

Veneers are ideal for people who have dark staining which doesn’t go away with bleaching, as well as chipped or fractured front teeth.

4. Enamel Abrasion

This procedure is another way to remove discoloration. The procedure uses a fine pumice in a micro-abrasion machine to remove surface stains.

This removes superficial stains from tobacco products, wine, soda, and coffee. Enamel abrasion doesn’t work for intrinsic stains, or stains inside the tooth, though.

A cosmetic dentist will know which stain removal procedure is best.