Popular Services from a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentist are well-known for their ability to greatly improve the appearance of their patients' smiles. They do this by providing custom care plans that address less-than-desirable aspects of their smile that do not necessarily affect their oral health or function. The plans can include one or multiple services.

Dental bonding

Cosmetic dentists use dental bonding to repair minor chips or scratches on teeth and close unwanted gaps. Bonding refers to composite materials being applied directly to the natural tooth in the target area that needs improvement. To keep the materials in place, the dentist uses a curing light to harden and polish the entire tooth for a natural feel. Composite materials are tooth-colored and durable and can blend seamlessly with natural teeth.

Dental veneers

Cosmetic dentists use dental veneers to provide patients with a complete smile makeover. Veneers conceal impurities from discoloration and mishappen teeth to gaps and missized teeth. They are custom, thin shells that the dentist bonds to the teeth' front surface, replacing the enamel. It is important to note that before the dentist approves patients for this service, they must remedy any bouts of decay and infections. Additionally, if there are severe malocclusions (misalignments), they will need to be corrected beforehand as well.

Acquiring veneers requires two appointments. The first prepares the teeth by removing the enamel and taking impressions or molds of the entire mouth. The mold is then sent to an offsite lab to fabricate the veneers using porcelain materials. A few weeks later, the second appointment involves the cosmetic dentist bonding the veneers into place and making minor adjustments if necessary.

Gum contouring

Cosmetic dentists perform gum contouring when teeth appear smaller than their actual size due to excess gum tissue. Excess gum tissue that poses no significant threat is typically called a gummy smile. Fortunately, correcting can happen in one appointment. The cosmetic dentist marks the area for the new position of the gum line. Next, they make small incisions in the gums and remove the excess tissue. However, some cosmetic dentists use laser technology to remove excess tissue, requiring no incisions. Next, though not everyone will need this step, the dentist removes very small amounts of bone surrounding each tooth. Finally, the dentist will reshape the gumline to a more desirable position and use sutures to hold it into place, if necessary.

Professional whitening

Many people flock to a cosmetic dentist for a brighter smile. Professional teeth whitening can help. There are two types: in-office and at-home. The one the dentist offers depends on what equipment is available at their office. While both options utilize professional-grade bleaching solutions that greatly surpass those found over the counter, patients achieve results differently. For those receiving treatment in the office, the dentist will apply a protectant on their gums, tongue, and lips, exposing only their teeth. The dentist will then apply a bleaching solution to the teeth and apply a laser or heating lamp in 20-minute increments until reaching the desired whiteness level.

Those receiving the kit for at-home teeth whitening need to schedule an appointment with the office. During their appointment, the dentist will take impressions or a mold of the patient's teeth and send the information to a lab that fabricates the custom trays. After returning the trays, patients will return to the office to receive all necessary tools and instructions on completing treatment.