You might be more concerned about your teeth as the summer months come into view. After all, you probably want them to look good in your upcoming vacation photos. That being the case, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Depending on your situation, a cosmetic dentist could transform your smile. To find out for sure, read this summary about how cosmetic dentistry works, examples of its treatments, and why to see a dentist before your final decision.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that tries to improve your smile’s appearance. That said, it’s best for correcting imperfections like:
- Chips or cracks in your teeth
- Tooth stains or discoloration
- Teeth misalignment or misshaping
- Tooth gaps
To be clear, the field isn’t meant to strengthen oral health. If you suffer from the issues above, though, you might be a good candidate for cosmetic work.
What are Typical Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
When it comes to fixing smile, cosmetic dentists offer several options. Here are some typical procedures they perform.
Teeth Whitening
Also known as professional teeth whitening, this service whitens your smile with a gel applied directly to the enamel. Thanks to ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, this gel seeps into the topmost layer of teeth to bleach them white.
After a one-hour appointment, your teeth will be six-to-eight shades whiter. Some dentists also use a special light to speed up the bleaching process.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is when a dentist applies tooth-colored resin to damaged teeth to hide their flaws. Said flaws are usually chips, cracks, or even fractures. This choice is non-invasive and effective in treating minor aesthetic concerns.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening procedure that involves wearing clear, discrete aligning trays for roughly one year. It can correct bite and alignment concerns without using traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires.
How Do You Decide?
You should consult your cosmetic dentist about which procedure best suits you. Working with them, you’ll be able to weigh factors like procedure cost, your teeth’s condition, and each treatment’s maintenance needs. They can then give you a recommendation that fits your dental wants and your life situation.
When beautifying teeth, cosmetic dentistry can do an excellent job. Talk to your dentist to see if procedures like those above or other options would work for you.
About the Practice
Gannett Drive Dental is based in South Portland, ME. As led by Drs. Kivus, the practice’s team works to help patients comfortably achieve optimal oral health. They provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental visits. Whether you need a dental checkup or a dental implant, Gannet Drive will meet your smile needs. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or call them at (207)-253-5600.