5 Services from a Cosmetic Dentist

If you are looking to enhance your smile and erase imperfections, a cosmetic dentist can help. Cosmetic dental services focus on enhancing the aesthetic of your teeth and gums, addressing common issues that many label as a nuisance or eye sores. Here are five of the most sought-after services for which most are considered ideal candidates.

1. Dental veneers

Veneers have become an increasingly popular service that cosmetic dentists perform. This is because these thin shells are custom-made from porcelain material and bonded to the front surface of one's teeth. They can cover any imperfection, including cracks, chips, minor uneven spacing, and discoloration, all while providing a natural appearance.

Cosmetic dentists use porcelain material due to its durability and customization. It is able to withstand standard biting forces and cleaning products as well as being color-matched to the patient's desires. Patients can choose their natural tooth color or multiple shades brighter.

2. Dental crowns

Crowns are another viable option to cover imperfections. However, instead of being applied to the surface, they engulf the entire tooth, earning them the nickname "caps." Cosmetic dentists will recommend crowns for patients looking to protect and improve one or a few teeth, not all.

Crowns can consist of porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials. Each material not only enhances the tooth's appearance but strengthens it, improving its overall functionality and longevity. This is likely the choice a cosmetic dentist will apply after a root canal or tooth fracture.

3. Dental bonding

Instead of covering the surface or engulfing the entire tooth, the cosmetic dentist will apply a dental bonding to chipped or cracked teeth. They can also use it to close gaps and correct teeth that are misshapen. It is a minimally invasive treatment that involves manipulating composite resin material around or on a tooth into its desired shape before cementing it into place. The material can be color-matched to the patient's natural tooth, providing a seamless appearance.

4. Teeth whitening

Sometimes, all a patient needs to enhance their smile is to improve their brightness level through teeth whitening and a smile makeover. If this is the case, a cosmetic dentist can provide the necessary tools to achieve this on their own schedule with an at-home professional teeth whitening kit. Professional teeth whitening's highly concentrated materials surpass the power of over-the-counter whitening products. However, to achieve the highly concentrated system, patients must attend one appointment with the cosmetic dentist.

During the appointment, the dentist will evaluate the patient's teeth to ensure no decay is present before taking impressions. The impressions enable custom trays to be crafted for the patient to use at home with a highly potent gel-styled chemical. This chemical can brighten teeth up to 15 shades. It is important to note that due to the chemical's potency, patients must follow instructions carefully to ensure safety.

5. Gum reshaping

There are times when smile dullness is a result of excess gum tissue. This is known as a "gummy smile." When gums cover most of a patient's teeth, it can be hard to practice proper oral hygiene, causing dullness over time. To remedy this condition, cosmetic dentists will use a laser to remove or reposition the gums, revealing an adequate amount of the patient's natural teeth. The new tooth exposal will allow for proper oral hygiene and may be combined with other services, such as teeth whitening (if desired).