As end-of-year reflection takes place and the new year rolls in, people generally strive to make major changes in their lives: eat healthier, exercise, learn, read books, simply improve in every way. Your smile should be no exception! A new smile may be just what you need to get your confidence rolling and follow through with all those positive changes you are planning for 2021. So what are some ways you can improve your smile for the new year? That answer lies within cosmetic dentistry and some healthy habits to overall oral health.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the dental term that refers to dental work that improves the appearance of teeth, gums, and/or your bite. Typically cosmetic dentistry is in reference to dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, and alignment of the teeth. While there are many aesthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry serves some very functional purposes that contribute to overall improvement in your oral health. Lets explore some of the more common cosmetic dental procedures.
Teeth Whitening
Overtime and due to certain habits, your teeth can become discolored. Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non invasive cosmetic dental treatment option that changes the color of the natural tooth enamel and is an easy, cost effective way to enhance the beauty of your smile. There are multiple options available to whiten the teeth including home teeth whitening systems, and in office cleanings. Be cautious of store bought teeth whitening kits as they can cause more damage than benefit, especially if not properly used. Guilliot Family Dental offers custom made home teeth whitening systems that are worn with a special whitening solution twice a day for a few weeks. Learn more here!
Crowns & Caps
A crown, also referred to as a cap, is a covering for the entire tooth surface, restoring it to the original shape and size. It not only improves the aesthetics of the tooth but is meant to protect and strengthen the tooth surface that is not able to be restored with fillings or other restorative methods. Some common reasons for crowns include broken or fractured teeth, decayed teeth, root canal, fractured or large fillings, or simply for cosmetic enhancement. There are many different types of crowns, porcelain being the most popular. Learn more about this procedure and what it entails here.
Porcelain Work
Porcelain is not only an excellent material for crowns and caps but is also utilized for other dental procedures such as bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Porcelain fixed bridges are popular because of the close resemblance of the natural teeth. Bridges are non-removable appliances used to fill space of missing teeth, maintain facial shape, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, restoring chewing and speaking ability and more. They are an excellent way to enhance and restore your smile!
Porcelain inlays are custom made fillings that are permanently cemented into the tooth and are typically necessary to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by both trauma/injury or decay. Onlays, also referred to as a partial crown, are essentially the same as inlays but also involve repairing one or more of the chewing cusps.
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth and can completely reshape your teeth and smile. Veneers offer the opportunity for a beautiful and attractive new smile in addition to being an alternative to crowns and ideal solution in treating many other dental conditions.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and repairs your smile using composite resin. Bonding is a more affordable alternative to veneers or orthodontics with similar results. Bonding is a quick procedure commonly completed in a single dental visit and does not require any anesthetic. Some reasons for bonding would include closing spaces or gaps, fixing chipped or decaying teeth, lengthening uneven teeth, protecting exposed roots, and restoring badly discolored teeth.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are extremely common and are used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed and filled with a tooth colored composite filling.
These are a few of the many cosmetic dental procedures that are available to enhance your smile. If you have been putting off dental work and are ready for that brand new, confidence boosting smile, schedule your cosmetic dental appointment with Guilliot Family Dental today!
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