I’m Interested in a Prettier Smile; Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

A beautiful smile can make a massive difference in one’s quality of life. People who smile frequently are seen as more friendly, approachable, and confident, which makes it easier to form social connections and close sales. Sadly, many people are nervous about smiling due to flaws in their teeth. Cosmetic dentistry has allowed millions of people to achieve more beautiful smiles and enjoy the social and professional benefits that come with them. Here are a few cosmetic dental treatments, how they work, and what makes one a good candidate for them.

Denting Bonding Can Fill in the Cracks and Chips

Teeth go through a lot of use over the years, and they can eventually start to show wear and tear. People might chew too aggressively, grind their teeth in their sleep, or frequently consume items that are high in pigments and dyes. A few common dental flaws include chips, cracks, gaps, and stains, and even in minor cases they can make someone uncomfortable with their smile.

Fortunately, dental bonding can be a great way to repair a tooth with minor damage. Your dentist will use a tooth-colored resin to cover up the flaw. They will then shape the putty-like substance so it matches the natural contours of your teeth before hardening it with a special light. This procedure can be completed within minutes during a routine dental appointment, and it is known for being particularly inexpensive among cosmetic treatments. The treatment requires no anesthesia, no alteration of existing teeth, and no recovery period afterward.

To be a good candidate for dental bonding, the tooth being treated will have to be free of decay and situated in healthy gums. Covering up tooth decay will only allow it to fester and lead to more serious oral infections.

Porcelain Veneers Can Give Your Teeth a New Face

Many people wonder why all those Hollywood stars seem to have such perfect smiles. The truth is that many of them transformed their smiles with porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells designed to be cemented to the front of the teeth in order to cover up extensive cracks, chips, and stains or even reshape a smile that is misaligned or has misshapen teeth.

Porcelain veneers are placed over two appointments. During the first, your dentist will shave a tiny amount of enamel from the front of the treated teeth to make room for the veneers. They will then take impressions of the treated teeth and fix temporary veneers to them. The permanent set will then be manufactured, and you will return to have them cemented into place during the second appointment about two weeks later. The whole procedure is rendered painless by local anesthetics and the patient may experience some temporary sensitivity afterward.

To be a good candidate for veneers, the teeth being treated must have enough mass to support veneers, be free of decay, and be securely planted in healthy gums. This way, your teeth will be healthy enough to undergo the treatment and support the veneers afterward.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher J. Cowell earned his dental degree in 1995 from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has always enjoyed working in the field of geriatric dentistry. He keeps on top of the latest developments in dentistry by maintaining active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the American College of Dentists. His office in DeLand, FL offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry such as dental bonding and porcelain veneers. For more information on what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, contact the office online or dial (386) 734-8585.