How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Enhance Your Smile

A cosmetic dentist can bring back your radiant smile even after years of damage or decay. Different procedures can make this possible. Understanding which one will fit your dental needs can help you make informed decisions. Here are the different ways your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile.

Teeth whitening

A person’s daily diet and lifestyle choices can discolor and stain their teeth. The darkening or yellowing of the teeth can affect one’s appearance and self-esteem. Professional in-office teeth whitening is a popular choice for correcting dental discoloration and staining. Whiter, brighter teeth are achievable after almost an hour or a single dental appointment.

Individuals who do not have the time to visit the cosmetic dentist can have a home whitening kit. The dentist will create a custom formulation for the patient. The desired results will take longer to show than an in-office treatment. However, it is more effective than over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Dental implants

Tooth loss can cause a cascade of dental problems. Removable dental replacements can only do so much. That is why a cosmetic dentist will recommend a dental implant to restore the missing tooth. A titanium rod can replace the dental roots that will stimulate the jawbone. It will take about four to six months for the titanium rod to fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue.

An artificial crown can replace the missing natural crown. It will blend well with the remaining natural teeth. Good healing and integration will make it stable. The individual will have a stronger bite as well. Proper care and maintenance will make a dental implant last for decades.

Clear aligners

These are durable plastic dental appliances that fit the upper and lower dental arches. Each aligner moves different target teeth to straighten one’s smile. Clear aligners are a good alternative to traditional braces when it comes to correcting mild to moderate misalignment problems. This dental straightening system can straighten teeth without leaving scratches or punctures. It can also speed up the realignment of the teeth.

The patient will be responsible for changing the aligners. The cosmetic dentist will only perform professional dental cleaning. Checking the progress of the teeth will also be part of each checkup. These aligners are removable. This means that the individual must take them off during eating, drinking, and performing dental care. Taking them off while playing contact sports is also essential to prevent damaging or staining the aligners.

Dental bridges

A cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bridges for replacing at least one tooth on one side of the dental arch. These restorations can be either removable or fixed. The choice will depend on the patient’s case and preference. Dental bridges are durable. Regular refitting is necessary as the teeth shift over time.

Dental veneers

These are also available at a cosmetic dentist’s clinic. These thin shells are often made of porcelain. They are custom-fit and provide comfortable wear. The cosmetic dentist will shave off a thin layer of the front enamel. Doing so will provide enough space for the shells and strengthen the adhesion.

Temporary shells will protect the treated teeth until the permanent ones are ready. The entire procedure will take two appointments. Once the patient receives the permanent shells, there will be an additional layer of protection that also improves the appearance of the teeth. The effects will be lasting and natural-looking.

Dental bonding

For mild to moderate decay, chips, or cracks, the cosmetic dentist may also suggest dental bonding. The bonding material can cover any damage or decay. Preparing the tooth will involve roughening the enamel surface with a gel or solution. This will allow the bonding material to stick better to the tooth.

The cosmetic dentist will then apply the bonding material. Exposing it to a curing light will harden it. Shaping and polishing the material will allow the treated tooth to blend well with the natural neighboring teeth. Take care not to eat hard or crunchy foods to prevent damage to the bonding material. Seeing a cosmetic dentist for regular checkups can help maintain the effects of the treatment.

Gum contouring

A gummy or uneven smile can cause low self-esteem. The cosmetic dentist can use gum contouring to improve the appearance of the teeth. This procedure can result in a more balanced smile. It can also help make daily dental care practices easier to perform.

Your cosmetic dentist can bring back your beautiful smile

Living with dental problems is not pleasant. So, it is important to get the right treatment from your cosmetic dentist. It may take one or more dental appointments to complete one procedure. Working with your cosmetic dentist can speed up your recovery and maintain the results that you want.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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