Common Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist specializes in improving the appearance of your teeth. This dental professional offers a variety of services that can help enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Each of these cosmetic services can help you achieve the confident and beautiful smile you desire.

Teeth whitening

One of the most popular treatments provided by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Over time, the teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons, including:

• Consuming staining food and drinks
• Aging
• Smoking
• Taking certain medications

During teeth whitening treatment, the dentist uses a highly concentrated whitening agent to remove stains from the patient's teeth. This treatment can be done in-office or at home with whitening trays. Either option can help individuals achieve a long-lasting, brighter smile than over-the-counter whitening products.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair minor chips, cracks, and tooth decay. It is a quick and painless treatment that can improve the shape and color of the patient's teeth. The dentist uses a special light to harden the resin, which bonds it to the tooth and enhances the appearance of the patient's overall smile.

Dental veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They typically consist of porcelain or composite resin. Similar to dental bonding, veneers are a popular solution for correcting chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth. However, they are longer-lasting and more durable. That said, the dentist will have to remove enamel from the affected teeth to make room for the veneers, which is irreversible. The dentist will carefully bond the veneers to the patient's teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Dental implants

Dental implants provide a permanent tooth replacement option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant integrates with the bone, the dentist can attach a restoration to the abutment, such as a crown or bridge. This treatment provides a natural-looking and durable solution to tooth loss that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Clear aligners

A cosmetic dentist often offers orthodontic treatment through clear aligners. These are transparent and removable aligners that gradually straighten a patient's teeth similar to traditional braces. However, they can do this without the metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are a popular option for adults and teenagers who want to improve their smile with minimal impact on their appearance during treatment.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring is a procedure that a cosmetic dentist uses to reshape one's gum line. This treatment is ideal for those with a "gummy smile" or uneven smiles due to excess gum tissue. Using a scalpel or laser, the dentist removes the extra gum tissue to create a more balanced and attractive smile.

Smile makeovers

A smile makeover involves the dentist using multiple cosmetic dental treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs and treatment goals. The cosmetic dentist will work with the patient to design a personalized treatment plan that may include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, implants, or more. This comprehensive approach allows the patient to achieve their treatment goals efficiently, completely transforming their smile and confidence.