Unfortunately, many people feel self-conscious about a flawed smile, whether the problem is a stained or damaged tooth or a crooked smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can use a number of interventions to enhance the smile’s aesthetics and boost the patient’s confidence.
The cosmetic dentist will first examine your teeth and discuss your desired outcomes in order to recommend the right treatment. Here is an overview of some of the interventions than can help to improve a smile’s appearance. Many of them achieve the desired results in a matter of weeks, or less.
- Dental bonding – If there’s a small defect in a tooth, such as a chip, dental bonding offers a highly localized treatment that can be completed in a single appointment. The composite is applied to the tooth, cured and then polished. Composite materials closely match the tooth’s natural shade, so it’s very difficult to tell the bonding from the natural tooth.
- Teeth whitening – A dingy smile can certainly be a downer, so you can brighten your pearly whites with a teeth-whitening treatment. In-office systems like Zoom! can leave your teeth up to 10 shades whiter in as little as an hour, while convenient take home treatments also have the same effect, although it takes a bit longer to see them.
- Porcelain veneers – Veneers are the “jack-of-all-trades” of cosmetic dentistry. The thin, tooth-shaped shells can conceal a number of unappealing defects, including chips, cracks and stains. Veneers can also cover up an undersized tooth or create the illusion of proper positioning in a stretch of slightly crooked teeth.
- Porcelain crowns – An extensively damaged tooth that requires more restoration than a porcelain veneer can provide may be fitted with a porcelain crown, a tooth-shaped cap that slides over the natural tooth.
If your smile has been a drag on your self-esteem, consult with our skilled dental team who specializes in cosmetic treatments to learn how you might improve your pearly whites. The beautiful smile of your dreams can be within reach. Contact the office of Dr. Jenifer Nichols at 972-539-0608 today to schedule your professional consultation.