Dental patients often need more than a simple cleaning or cavity filled. They also need to improve the look of their smile. That’s where cosmetic dentistry enters the picture. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of teeth and uses several strategies to reach that goal. Here are a few treatment options provided to improve a patient’s appearance.
Teeth Whitening Enhances the Look of a Patient’s Teeth
As people age, their teeth naturally change color, often becoming yellowed or brown. That’s not an attractive look, which leads people to seek cosmetic dental treatments. Whitening in the dentist’s office is generally recommended, as they use high-quality products and closely monitor the process. Significant whitening occurs after a single session, but patients with severe discoloration may require multiple visits to experience a marked improvement.
Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive and provides excellent results for most patients. The downside is that the treatment may need repeating, especially if the patient smokes or drinks beverages that stain teeth. In addition, some patients report sensitivity issues after a whitening procedure.
Veneers Cover Significant Damage
Veneers are commonly used when one or two teeth are discolored and don’t respond to normal whitening treatments. They are also recommended if a tooth is crooked or damaged. The cosmetic dentists franklin tn Dental will examine a patient to determine whether veneers would provide the desired result A porcelain material covers the tooth, with the dentist matching the colour to ensure the veneer matches the surrounding teeth.
Veneers are moderately priced, which means they’re within reach of most people seeking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their smile. However, they may require replacement as the porcelain wears. Remember that some material must be removed from the original tooth to accommodate the veneer.
Implants Replace Missing Teeth
While rare a few years ago, implants are routinely used to replace missing teeth, especially if only one or two must be replaced. The process is quite involved, so some dentists refer patients to another provider when implants are needed.
The disadvantages of implants include the lengthy process and the cost. However, patients are often willing to undergo the procedure as implants are a permanent solution and rarely require extensive aftercare.
Dental Bonding Provides a Great Improvement Quickly
Bonding is often recommended as an alternative to veneers, as the treatments are quick and work well to repair cracks, discoloration, and other imperfections. Again, the costs are moderate, putting the treatment in the range of average patients. The result is a significant improvement in a patient’s smile, often after a single visit.
Like other cosmetic dental treatments, there are downsides. The major one here is that the bonding lasts only five to seven years, which means it will need repeating in the future. However, the process doesn’t damage the enamel, so the procedure is entirely reversible should the patient wish to undergo a different treatment.
Invisalign Braces Straighten Teeth
Tradition metal braces were unattractive and difficult to live with. On the other hand, Invisalign braces are clear and virtually invisible while worn. They’re used to correct tooth misalignment, a natural solution for many patients.
There are virtually no downsides to Invisalign braces, as they’re not much more expensive than traditional metal braces and are far easier to live with. Patients with misalignment are encouraged to review this option when exploring ways to enhance their smile. The dentist will gladly review the advantages of this treatment option with patients to determine if they’re a good candidate for their use.
Start on the Path to a Beautiful Smile Today
If you’re experiencing any dental problems that impact the look of your smile, take action today to resolve those issues. The first step is to contact a dental care provider to evaluate your needs. The treatment options here represent some, but not all, of cosmetic dentists' strategies to enhance a patient’s smile.
