Cosmetic dental services might be what you need if you are unhappy with the way that your smile looks. Nowadays, dental cosmetics can be used to transform any smile. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you, so it makes sense to make your teeth as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Cosmetic dental services can transform your smile
Many patients want a smile that they will be eager to show off. Here are a few cosmetic dental services that can be used to transform how the teeth look.
1. Composite bonding
This is a non-invasive treatment that can be completed in as little as 45 minutes per tooth being treated. It involves applying composite resin to damaged teeth and shaping the composite as needed to improve teeth's appearance. Dental issues that can be fixed with composite bonding include tooth decay, chipped teeth, deformed teeth, discolored teeth, and spaces between teeth.
Composite resin restorations can last up to five years with good oral hygiene. Additional treatments can be performed as needed to preserve the restoration.
2. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments can drastically improve the appearance of a person’s teeth in as little as 90 minutes. These treatments use bleaching compounds like hydrogen peroxide to oxidize stains and discoloration on teeth. Dentists perform in-office whitening treatments with more potent bleaching products than those sold over the counter in stores. This leads to faster results.
Customized mouth trays are typically used during these treatments to ensure that the patient’s teeth are evenly coated with the bleaching product. The tray also helps keep the product away from the patient’s gum tissues.
Teeth whitening treatments are typically reserved for patients with good overall dental health. Issues like tooth decay and gum disease should be addressed before whitening teeth because these issues can lead to complications like teeth structures being damaged.
3. Implants
Implants are ideal for anyone who has lost one or more teeth. Implants go into the patient’s jaw, replacing lost teeth roots. This helps stop the bone tissue loss that can take place when a tooth falls out. Bone tissues in the jaw typically disintegrate because they are no longer getting the stimulation that they need to remain healthy.
The process can take up to six months because the implant needs to fuse with bone tissues in the jaw so it is nearly as stable as a natural tooth. Restorations like dentures, crowns, and bridges can be attached to implants to replace multiple lost teeth.
4. Veneers
These tooth-shaped shells can transform any smile. They can be used to cover up imperfections like stains, discoloration, or small chips. Veneers can also be used to create the illusion of properly aligned teeth.
5. Dental crowns
Dental crowns are versatile oral restorations that provide cosmetic and restorative benefits. Commonly known as caps, these restorations cover up the visible part of teeth, hiding any imperfections on them. Crowns are long-lasting dental restorations that can last up to 25 years when properly maintained.
Getting a cap placed on a tooth normally requires at least two trips to the dentist. During the first appointment, the dentist preps the patient's tooth for the restoration by removing enamel from it. This makes a better fit with the crown, preventing acid, bacteria, and other irritants in the mouth from getting into the tooth. An impression of the tooth is also taken during this visit before placing a temporary crown. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where restorations are made. It takes roughly two weeks for the finished restoration to get back to the dentist.
The dentist takes off the temporary crown during the second visit and cements the custom crown into place. Some cosmetic issues that can be fixed with crowns include chipped, broken, discolored, and deformed teeth. Caps can also be used to close up gaps between teeth.
6. Dentures
Dentures are the least invasive way to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures are suggested when a person has only lost a few teeth, while full denture sets are for those who have lost most of their teeth in a dental arch.
Getting dentures involves two trips to the clinic. An impression of the patient's mouth is made during the first visit and sent to a lab where the oral prosthetic is made. The custom crown is typically ready in about two weeks.
Get the smile of your dreams
You do not have to settle for a smile that you are not happy with. Give us a call or stop by our Gainesville clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.