Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or overall bite.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry options:

Adding dental material to the teeth or gums

Examples include: bonding, porcelain veneers or laminates, crowns, gums grafts, and dental bridges.

Bonding
A process in which an enamel-like dental composite material is applied to the tooth surface. They are bonded to the underlying tooth structure with bonding agents, and are then shaped, cured, and polished. This composite material has the appearance of the natural tooth structure, and end result is very eye-pleasing.

Veneers
Veneers are very thin, custom made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly with the tooth surface. Veneers can help close gaps between teeth, cover discolored teeth, and are esthetically eye pleasing and realistic looking.

Dental Bridges
Dental bridges help bridge the gap between 2 or more teeth. A bridge is permanently cemented and requires good oral hygiene to maintain. If good oral hygiene practices are in place, a bridge can last many years. Bridges can also reduce the risk of gum disease, help correct some occlusal concerns, and even improve your speech.

Removing the tooth structure or gums

Examples include: enamelplasty (re-contouring the enamel) or gingivectomy (re-contouring the gum tissue).

Enamelplasty
Enamelplasty involves re-contouring a tooth or a chip on a tooth so that it appears more in balance with all other teeth.

Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy involves reshaping the gum tissue or gum line to regain an eye pleasing gum line and better shaped teeth.

Teeth whitening with bleach materials

Whitening or bleaching is the most popular cosmetic procedure. There are many over the counter remedies as well as in-office systems. While in-office whitening procedures may cost more, they typically give the best result. Whitening trays may be fabricated and used with whitening material. Trays can be worn while driving, working, or exercising for 15 to 30 minutes each day. Individuals will need to have a progress appointment with a dentist to monitor shade progress. After the desired shade has been achieved, minor touch up’s can be done either semiannually, or annually to maintain desired results.

Orthodontics

Will improve the appearance of the face and profile. Aligning the teeth can change an individual’s appearance rather quickly. It can be the most conservative method for esthetically improving one’s smile and facial appearance.