From teeth whitening, shaping, closing spaces, and replacing teeth, cosmetic dentistry is more popular now than ever. Today’s cosmetic dentist has a wide variety of treatment and techniques at their disposal for improving the overall look of ones’ smile.
Before deciding to undergo any cosmetic dental care procedure, it is important to know a variety of factors such as the benefits, risks, what you should expect during the process, cost, how much experience your dental professional has with these procedures, and if there is any special maintenance afterward.
Composite Fillings
Typically made of powdered glass and acrylic resin, enamel-colored composite fillings offer several advantages over their amalgam or silver counterparts. For one, these fillings can be shaped to match the exact color of surrounding, natural teeth, making the repair site much less visible. As more patients request treatment that provides a more natural-looking smile, composite fillings have become more and more popular.
Bonding
Bonding is among one of the easiest, least expensive and invasive cosmetic dental procedures. The composite resin used for bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, bonding is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth. Bonding can also be used to close spaces between teeth, to make teeth look longer, or to change the shape or color of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become stained or discolored due to many factors, especially after smoking, taking certain medications, or consuming foods and beverages such as coffee and tea. Teeth whitening treatment is typically offered in the dental office or provided in a take-home kit. With the in-office chairside option, your dentist can lighten your teeth by several shades within a single visit. These results vary and will depend on the level of your enamel discoloration.
The take-home method requires your dental professional to create a custom mouthpiece tray that holds the right amount of whitening solution to reach all your teeth. Many patients find whitening at home more convenient, but this option will take longer, depending on the strength of the peroxide used.
Keep in mind; your teeth can become stained again through normal wear and tear. Because whitening agents are not made to clean teeth, it is vital to continue practicing your diligent oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily will help maintain any whitening treatment you receive.
Veneers
Mostly made of reliable and durable porcelain, veneers are custom-crafted shells that cover the surfaces of teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are long-lasting if properly cared for, and provide a superior appearance. These porcelain covers also help address dental imperfections such as spaces between teeth, chipped or worn areas, persistent enamel stains, and slight dental misalignment.
At Candlewood Family Dental, our leading dental professional, Dr. Christine Waldron truly enjoys helping patients throughout Brookfield and Fairfield County achieve truly radiant smiles. To schedule your comprehensive cosmetic consultation, call our friendly dental team today!