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Cosmetic Dentistry

While dentistry's first goal is to save and restore the teeth and gums, it also aims to improve the attractiveness of one's smile. Unfortunately, very few people are blessed with the perfect smile at birth. And as we go through life, the aesthetic appearance of our smile usually deteriorates.

Chipped teeth, crooked teeth, stains caused by coffee, tea and tobacco are just some of the problems that can occur over the course of one's life that can have devastating effects on one's smile.

Improving the look of the teeth can have a profound effect on one's life. Cosmetic dentistry can help restore self-confidence and make everyday life much more enjoyable. Almost any imperfection can be remedied with today's dental technology.

Many restorative procedures, such as crowns, bridges, implants, tooth-colored fillings and dentures, can improve your smile. Other procedures have been developed specifically to correct problems and improve the attractiveness of your teeth.

If you would like to know more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can improve your smile and your self-esteem, you should schedule a dental appointment. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and discuss which cosmetic procedures are right for you.

Dental technology can now correct almost any imperfection:

Chipped or worn teeth

Chipped teeth are common and can appear very unsightly. If the chipped tooth is left untreated, it may be more susceptible to fractures or further chipping in the future. Some of the cosmetic options for chipped or worn teeth include Bonding and Veneers.

If you have a chipped tooth, it is important that you schedule a dental appointment.

Oversized or undersized teeth

Certain teeth may evolve slightly larger than the surrounding ones. These are commonly referred to as "buck teeth" or "vampire fangs." Conversely, certain teeth may fail to develop completely and are referred to as "peg" teeth. Through the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, your dentist can make your teeth more symmetrical. Some of the cosmetic options that are available to you include composite bonding, cosmetic contouring, and veneers.

If you believe that cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and your self-esteem, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn which cosmetic procedure is best for you.

Crooked or crowded teeth

Teeth that are crowded together or crooked can be unsightly. This often affects the way people smile and feel about themselves. People with this problem can benefit from composite bonding, veneers, and orthodontics.

If you have crowded or crooked teeth, discuss your cosmetic treatment options with your dentist to determine which is right for your situation.

Spaces between teeth

Naturally forming teeth can often have gaps between the central incisors (the middle teeth) or other surrounding teeth. Accidents that move teeth out of place can also cause them to drift even further, thus widening the gaps between the teeth. Periodontal disease can also cause the gums to recede and expose the roots of the teeth and the gaps between them.

Through the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, your dentist can reduce the gaps in your teeth, making them more symmetrical. Options include:

If you have gaps in your teeth which affect your self-esteem, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn which cosmetic procedures will solve this problem.

Stained or discolored teeth

Surface stains on the teeth can be caused by many of the foods we eat. Heavy coffee or tea drinkers as well as regular smokers or smokeless tobacco users are more prone to surface stains. These stains are usually found on the front teeth or between the teeth.

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can remove these and other unsightly stains. The following are cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available to you:

If your teeth are stained or not as white and beautiful as you would like them to be, schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate your smile and give you all of the cosmetic alternatives available to you.

Missing teeth

Missing teeth are unsightly, and gaps left unfilled can affect the way your whole face looks. You should replace missing teeth to safeguard your appearance and prevent the collapse of facial features that cause premature wrinkles and age lines.

Prosthodontics is the dental term used for the replacement of teeth. Prosthetic teeth can be made to look just like your natural teeth, greatly improving the attractiveness of your smile.

Here are some of the options for replacing missing teeth:

If you are missing any of your permanent teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn which option would be right for you.

Developmental defects

During the tooth development stage, certain teeth may be deficient in calcium or develop abnormally. These defects can leave bright white marks in the enamel.

The severity ranges from small marks to large spots, sometimes called "headlights." These areas may also be more prone to staining and decay than the surrounding teeth.

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can remove these and other unsightly stains. The following are cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available to you:

If you believe that a cosmetic procedure will give you that winning smile, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate your smile and give you all of the cosmetic alternatives available to you.

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Tooth whitening (bleaching)

Stained or dull teeth (or even a single tooth) can benefit from tooth whitening, or bleaching, the most popular cosmetic treatment now offered. The safest and most effective method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

The most popular bleaching procedure in the dental office involves taking impressions of the patient's mouth, from which a thin mouthpiece is constructed. By applying a thin layer of bleaching gel at night to the mouthpiece, a person can sleep while their teeth are being bleached.

The bleaching gel contains oxygen-releasing chemicals that react with the discoloration found in the teeth, which oxidizes the stains. Depending on the gel type and the amount of time used, noticeable whitening can occur within one week. Maximum results depend on the individual patient's tooth structure and that structure's ability to be bleached.

Rapid tooth whitening is also available by way of in-office bleaching systems and laser bleaching while you sit in the dentist's chair.

If you would like to have brighter, whiter teeth and a dazzling smile, schedule a dental appointment. The dentist will evaluate your smile to determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening (it is effective in more than 90% of patients), and explain all the options that are available to you.

Bonding

  When cavities form or stains exist on highly visible teeth, the procedure of choice is composite resin, or bonding. The advantage of using a composite resin is that it can be used to match almost any tooth color.

The dentist first etches the tooth with a mild acid and then brushes on an adhesive. The composite is then added and bonds with the adhesive. While the composite is in its putty form, the dentist will mold it to the desired contours so that it appears just like the natural tooth.

Composite bonding is relatively inexpensive and can last several years before needing replacement. The composite bonding material is more susceptible to staining than natural tooth enamel so it must be cleaned regularly. In general, composite bonding is a more conservative choice over veneers or crowns.


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Contouring

When a tooth is overly large, slightly uneven or worn, contouring is a method used to make the tooth match the other teeth in the mouth.

The dentist carefully removes small areas of the enamel and shapes the tooth to look more attractive. After contouring is completed, any rough edges are smoothed and the teeth are polished. The process is painless and should not permanently harm the tooth.

Because the most obvious function of contouring is to change the size or shape of teeth, the more visible front teeth are the usual candidates to receive contouring treatment.
 

Veneers

Teeth that are gapped or suffer from deep stains are often candidates for veneers, an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. Veneers are ultra-thin rigid shells of ceramic material that are constructed in the lab and then bonded to the teeth, resulting in very natural looking teeth.

This procedure requires two office visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth's surface area to allow for the small extra thickness of the veneer and to provide a custom fit. The dentist will also take impressions of the teeth that will serve as models. In the dental lab, the veneers are constructed to fit the models.

During the second visit, the dentist will etch the tooth surface and apply a bonding agent. The veneers are then attached to the teeth. To keep the veneers looking new, regular and thorough cleanings are necessary. Generally, veneers will last for many years.

Crowns and Bridges

When teeth are severely decayed or cracked, crowns not only strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure, but also improve the appearance of the tooth. They are made to look just like natural teeth, so the new crown will also make your smile more attractive.

Bridges fill the gaps where teeth are missing. A bridge consists of abutment (adjacent) teeth fitted with artificial crowns connected to the missing teeth, thus forming a "bridge." New technology and material are available to replace missing teeth so that no one can tell that the replacements are not real.

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Implants

A dental implant consists of an artificial tooth root surgically anchored into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth in place. Metal posts are placed on or into the bone to mimic the root structure of the tooth and form an artificial base.

Implants are often used when single teeth are replaced without a fixed bridge. They can also act as an anchoring tooth for a bridge, or to stabilize a partial or complete denture.

Implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth and are a permanent replacement. They are being used to successfully replace teeth in people of all ages, with beautiful results.
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