What Exactly Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

You’ve probably heard of the phrase “cosmetic dentistry” before, but you may not be quite sure exactly what it means. Essentially, it refers to a variety of treatments designed to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth. Although the American Dental Association doesn’t officially recognize cosmetic dentistry as a dental specialty, many dentists offer these services because they want to help their patients feel more confident in their smiles. If you’ve been uncomfortable showing off your pearly whites due to stains, chips, or gaps in your grin, take a moment to learn about a few of the most common cosmetic dental treatments.

Veneers

Do you have so many little imperfections in your smile that you don’t even know where to begin? If so, then you may want to consider veneers. Your cosmetic dentist can place these ultra-thin porcelain sheaths over your teeth to instantly mask cracks, discoloration, and even slightly crooked teeth. Each veneer is customized to ensure a seamless appearance. Plus, your results can last for more than a decade if you maintain good oral hygiene.

Metal-Free Dental Crowns

Maybe you have a tooth that is so damaged that it’s not only an aesthetic issue, but it also makes chewing difficult. In that case, you may qualify for a metal-free dental crown. Like veneers, crowns are made from lifelike materials that are personalized to mimic your natural tooth enamel. The main difference is that a crown covers the entire part of the tooth that extends past the gumline. This means that crowns not only enhance your tooth’s appearance, but they also restore its function and protect it from damage.

Direct Bonding

Using the same material as tooth-colored fillings, direct bonding can fix multiple minor flaws in your teeth in one quick procedure. Your dentist simply applies a resin to your tooth and sculpts it until the results appear natural. While direct bonding often costs less than veneers or crowns, the results won’t last as long and will need to be redone after a few years.

Teeth Whitening

If the only issue you have with your teeth is their color, then your cosmetic dentist can help with teeth whitening. Instead of the watered-down bleaching gels and poorly fitting applicators you can find at drugstores, professional teeth whitening uses potent ingredients that deliver dramatic results more quickly, safely, and comfortably. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a take-home whitening kit or a single in-office whitening appointment.

While these examples of cosmetic dental treatments are all popular, they’re certainly not the only ways in which you can achieve your dream smile. Reach out to your dentist today to find out the best way to make your pearly whites look exactly the way you want them to!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell has been a practicing dentist for 20+ years since graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1995. Today, he provides multiple cosmetic dental treatments to brighten patients’ smiles, including all of the services described in this post. To start your smile makeover with a trusted cosmetic dentist in DeLand, FL, contact Dr. Cowell at 386-734-8585.