Having a beautiful smile can play such an important role in the quality of our lives. Just think about it. A nice smile makes you feel more confident about yourself, and can even change the way other people view you for the better! So it’s no wonder so many people are opting for cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of their smiles. Modern cosmetic dentistry provides patients with many options, so we’ve collected information about a few of those procedures to help you decide which one might be best for you.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures is also one of the simplest and least expensive – teeth whitening. There are plenty of over-the-counter products available in your local drug store, but to really see a dramatic difference that whitening can make in your smile, you’ll need to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. Keep in mind, however, that whitening is not the right choice for everyone. It is not recommended for children. People who have sensitive teeth may find that whitening increases that sensitivity to the point that it is painful or uncomfortable for a brief period of time. And people with a large amount of restorative dental work (i.e., fillings, crowns, etc.) should keep in mind that whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel and not on dental material.
Dental Veneers
One relatively simple cosmetic procedure can produce truly dramatic improvements in a patient’s smile. Dental veneers are made of an extremely thin layer of dental porcelain material that is applied over the top of each tooth using an adhesive material. Veneers are often an effective way to resolve a variety of minor dental issues, such as cracked teeth, permanently stained or yellowed teeth, and teeth with wide gaps in between, to name just a few. When you see picture-perfect celebrity smiles, many of them are the result of this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is one of the most economical ways to repair teeth that are damaged or discolored. The results are impressive and the procedure is quick and easy. Your dentist simply applies a bonding material over the surface of your existing tooth, then uses a special light to harden the material. Bonding may be relatively inexpensive, fast and simple, but it does have some limitations. Bonded teeth can be stained in much the same way as your natural teeth. The bonding material will need to be replaced every few years. And bonded teeth are susceptible to damage, so patients are advised to avoid some problematic foods.
If you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile, ask your dentist about these and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. There’s nothing like a beautiful smile to make you feel good about yourself and improve the quality of your life!
