periodontal treatment

Common Procedures for a Smile Makeover

If you have ever considered brightening your smile or fixing your discolored, chipped, crooked, or misshapen teeth, then you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry.

Common treatments include:

Teeth Whitening or Bleaching

Bleaching is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It lightens teeth that have been discolored or stained by age, food, medications, smoking, and other factors. Depending on your case, you may choose either in-office or at-home bleaching solutions. In-office treatments generally produce instant results, whereas at-home treatments, like custom-trays take several weeks before any noticeable change.

Bonding

This outpatient procedure involves the application of tooth-colored plastic putty, known as composite resin, to the surface of broken, chipped, or discolored teeth. The treatment can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth, and protect tooth roots that have been exposed following gum recession.

Dental Crowns

Crowns, also referred to as tooth caps, are designed to completely cover a tooth in order to prevent further deterioration and restore its normal shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are typically used to protect weak teeth, cover discolored or misshapen teeth, restore worn or broken teeth, strengthen teeth with large fillings, anchor a dental bridge to adjacent teeth, and cover a dental implant or tooth restored with root canal therapy.

Tooth Replacement

These are several ways to replace lost teeth, including:

  • Dental implants: This is a permanent tooth replacement option that provides an artificial tooth that is just as strong as your natural teeth. The artificial teeth are surgically placed in three pieces over a period of several months.
  • Dental bridges – This option features an artificial tooth with crowns attached on either side that are bonded to the adjacent teeth on either side of a gap to anchor the tooth replacement.
  • Dentures – These are removable dental appliances that feature a complete set of artificial teeth and plastic gum. They are inserted in the upper and/or lower jaw for patients who have no teeth, and are held in place by soft tissues and muscles in your mouth. For greater stability, the dentures can be secured to a few, strategically placed implants.

Even a subtle change to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you. So don’t hesitate to visit your cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover.