Some people believe that cosmetic dentistry is about nothing more than a pretty smile. Although cosmetic dental procedures can create positive changes by improving the look of the teeth and smile, their benefits are not confined to the surface. A healthy and attractive smile boosts a person’s self-confidence and improves the way they are perceived by others, providing personal, social, and professional advantages. People with bright, healthy smiles are often viewed as smarter, friendlier, and more reliable. In addition, some cosmetic treatments improve the health and function of teeth.
If your smile isn’t all that you want it to be, contact Duff Family Dental for help. Our dentists have an arsenal of tools and techniques that they can utilize to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Could one of the following options give your smile a boost?
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Beautiful white teeth can enhance your smile and make you appear younger. Unfortunately, many popular foods and beverages can stain teeth, and habits like smoking can result in discoloration. In addition, if left untreated, tarter buildup can give teeth a dingy, yellowish tinge. While whitening toothpastes can sometimes remove surface stains, your dentist has access to a variety of professional tools that can safely and effectively whiten the external surface of your teeth. If you want to revitalize your smile, ask your dentist about your options for teeth whitening.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a popular and affordable way to perfect a flawed smile. Normally completed during a single visit, the procedure involves applying a putty-like, tooth-colored resin to the surface of the tooth, sculpting the material into the proper shape, and using a laser or high-intensity light to harden it. Dentists use bonding to repair chipped or cracked teeth, improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth, fix worn edges or unsightly gaps between teeth, and alter the size or shape of teeth. The procedure can also fill cavities, fix decayed teeth, and safeguard tender parts of a tooth’s root exposed by a receding gum line. Bonded teeth require no special care and function as normal teeth.
Crowns
A crown is a cap made of ceramic, resin, porcelain fused to metal, or metal that completely covers the tooth. It can be used to protect a weak tooth, correct a broken or worn tooth, conceal a discolored or misshapen tooth, or cover a tooth with a large filling or one that’s undergone a root canal. Crowns can also cover dental implants and support dental bridges. Permanent crowns sometimes require multiple visits to the dentist, but they are highly effective in restoring a tooth’s normal shape and appearance. Plus, they last for a very long time.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that dentists bond to the surfaces of teeth. They provide speedy results and deliver a long-lasting fix for chipped, stained, worn, misaligned, or irregularly shaped teeth. With proper care, veneers can last for a decade or longer, and caring for them is exceedingly easy. Simply maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home with thorough brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and wellness exams.
Invisalign
Straight teeth do more than create a beautiful smile; they also help you stay healthy. Teeth that are crooked or misaligned are more likely to be damaged, and they also increase your risk of jaw troubles. Since they are more difficult to clean, crooked teeth may also increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Thankfully, you don’t have to put up with misaligned teeth. If you want a straighter smile, ask your dentist about Invisalign. With this system, a series of customized aligners gently ease teeth into the right position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is discreet; the aligners are clear and inconspicuous. They are also removable, which make it easy to keep your teeth clean and healthy while undergoing treatment.
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Typically, people place necessary procedures and services that maintain a person’s dental health under the heading of general or restorative dentistry. They define cosmetic dentistry as elective dental procedures or services that are desirable but unnecessary. In truth, the line between the two types of dentistry is far from clear cut. Just as procedures designed to maintain the health of teeth can result in a more beautiful smile, cosmetic treatments can provide restorative advantages and improve the way the teeth function.
Would you like to improve your smile? To discover the possibilities offered by cosmetic dental procedures and to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, contact Duff Family Dental today to schedule a consultation.