Common Services Offered by a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help you have a radiant smile, which can change how you perceive yourself and can influence your first impressions. Beyond general dentistry, which focuses on the health of our teeth and gums, there exists the artful world of dentistry. These types of dentists are the artists behind the sparkling smiles we admire on magazine covers, but their expertise is not exclusive to celebrities. Anyone can seek the services of these dental artists to enhance their smile. Learn about these different options here.

Services available

There are many different options that these dentists have available for you. Some examples are teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, clear aligners, dental bonding, crowns, implants, and gum surgery. Continue reading to learn more about these options.

Whitening

In general, teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after treatments in dentistry. Over time, our pearly whites may lose their shine due to the consumption of staining foods and beverages (most commonly coffee), smoking, or simply the natural aging process. Dentists are equipped with professional-grade bleaching agents that can revive the brightness of teeth, offering results that over-the-counter kits just cannot match.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are another very popular offering. Think of these as thin shells covering the teeth's front surface. They are custom-made for each patient and can correct a range of dental imperfections, from discolored teeth that will not respond to whitening to chipped and misaligned teeth. The result is a seamless, picture-perfect smile tailored to the individual's preference. Even the whiteness of them can be customized.

Clear braces/aligners

Clear aligners may be the best answer for those with gaps or misaligned teeth but who are hesitant about traditional braces. These are mostly invisible trays worn over the teeth that gradually shift them into the desired position. Cosmetic dentists often collaborate with other specialists in the industry to create a treatment plan using these aligners, ensuring patients achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing results.

Dental bonding

Another service that combines both aesthetic and functional benefits is dental bonding. In this process, a tooth-colored resin with putty consistency is applied to a damaged or discolored tooth. The resin is then shaped, hardened with a special light, and polished. The result is a tooth that blends seamlessly with the rest of the teeth. This is also relatively quick and cost-effective.

Dental crowns

A step beyond bonding is the use of dental crowns, especially for teeth that are decayed, weakened, or severely discolored. A crown is a cap that covers the damaged tooth. These are made with porcelain or ceramic.

Dental implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for those missing a tooth or several teeth. These metal posts are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, the dentist can mount replacement teeth onto them. Unlike dentures, dental implants are stable, durable, and feel much like your natural teeth.

Gum surgery

Lastly, cosmetic gum surgery might be less talked about, but it is important for those who are either showing too much gum or too little due to receding gums. By reshaping the gum line, dentists can ensure that the smile is not just about the teeth but also beautifully framed by healthy-looking gums.