If there are any details about the appearance of your teeth that you wish were different, you might be thinking about visiting a cosmetic dentist. But if you are new to the world of aesthetic treatments, you might have questions. What exactly is cosmetic dentistry, what treatments are involved, and what kind of results can you expect? This blog post provides valuable information that can prepare you for the road ahead.
Cosmetic Dentistry: The Basics
Cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized specialty, so any licensed dentist can offer cosmetic treatments. Essentially, cosmetic dentistry encompasses any service that can significantly enhance the appearance of the teeth. It can address a range of issues, including stains, chipped teeth, minor misalignment, an uneven gumline, and more.
In some cases, there is crossover between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. For example, a beautiful porcelain crown can enhance the appearance of a damaged tooth and benefit your oral health.
What Treatments Does a Cosmetic Dentist Offer?
Some services that are commonly offered by cosmetic dentists include:
- Teeth whitening. This gets rid of stubborn dental discoloration. It can whiten teeth by several shades!
- Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that get attached to the outward-facing surface of the teeth. They can hide a range of imperfections and last for 10 years or longer.
- Metal-free restorations. Metal-free crowns and other restorations can protect damaged teeth without compromising their natural beauty.
- Gum recontouring. This is a minor surgery that reshapes the gumline to produce a more proportionate smile.
- Smile makeover. A smile makeover combines several cosmetic services to produce comprehensive results.
What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry
When you first visit a cosmetic dentist, they will examine your mouth and ask about your goals. From there, they will propose a treatment plan. For many patients, it is possible to achieve the desired results in just one or two appointments. In other cases, such as where there is significant damage to the teeth, a longer-term approach is necessary.
After your treatment is complete, you will receive instructions to protect your results. Some treatments can last for many years if proper precautions are taken!
Cosmetic dentistry has the potential to change the way you feel about your smile! A local practitioner can answer your questions and help you decide whether it is right for you.
Meet the Practice
The experts at The Center for Contemporary Dentistry are proud to offer a full range of dental services to our community, including cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your smile’s appearance, we can assess the situation and make a recommendation on your next steps. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Belmont team at 603-556-7047.