If you’ve been longing for a flawless smile but are worried that cosmetic dentistry is beyond your reach, you’re not alone. Historically speaking, elective services are costly and therefore were only attainable for the rich and famous. Thankfully, due to more recent advancements in technology and techniques, that’s not the case today. The ever-evolving field of dentistry has created solutions that have made cosmetic treatments much more accessible to people from all walks of life.
If you’re not sure whether your dentist can help you reach your goals, keep reading to learn about 3 popular procedures that can upgrade your grin!
Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening
One of the first things people notice about you is the state of your teeth and if yours are stained, it can make a negative first impression. While you may be tempted to purchase an over-the-counter kit from your local store, you might regret the decision. These often contain bleaching agents that are abrasive and can wear down your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
Meanwhile, your dentist can provide a take-home kit using professional-grade gels that minimize potential discomfort. Plus, they’ll include customized trays made to fit your teeth like a glove to maximize your results. You can lighten your grin by several shades in just 2 weeks all from the comfort of your own home.
Treatment #2: Porcelain Veneers
Although veneers initially were invented to perfect the smiles of movie stars, updates to the materials used have made them a popular choice for anyone wanting to mask aesthetic flaws. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to hide problems like chips, cracks, blemishes, or slight gaps and overcrowding. They’re also color-matched to be the same hue as your natural pearly whites so no one can tell them apart.
Before your dentist can place these, they must remove a small layer of enamel so that they line up correctly against your gums. It doesn’t regenerate, making it a permanent change. If you’re not ready to commit to this preparation, then you might want to consider other options instead.
Treatment #3: Dental Bonding
One popular alternative to veneers is dental bonding. For this method, your dentist applies a small amount of composite resin directly to your tooth, molds it into the perfect shape, and then hardens it in place with a special light. It can mend or mask the same types of imperfections as veneers do but without removing any enamel. The results can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years with the right care, making this an efficient yet long-lasting choice.
As you can see, there are many ways that cosmetic dentistry can give you a red-carpet smile that’s worthy of the stars!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nicholas Slezak combines art and science to help people improve their oral health and enhance their appearance. He graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of California in San Diego and then earned his dental doctorate at Case Western Reserve University. Now, he stays on top of dental advancements with ongoing educational opportunities at the prestigious Pankey Institute. He provides a full array of services using state-of-the-art technology so that no matter the condition of your smile, he can help. If you’re interested in cosmetic services and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (440) 285-8211.