Different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments for your smile

Cosmetic dentistry or a “smile makeover” improves the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic dentists work with you to develop a treatment plan. If your teeth are stained, discoloured, worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, misshapen, or have gaps between them, modern cosmetic dentistry can give you a better smile. Below you’ll find some information that can help you learn more about the various types of cosmetic dental procedures available.

1) Teeth Whitening

A common dentistry practice that can drastically change your smile with little effort. Also called “teeth bleaching,” this procedure can brighten and whiten your teeth from discoloration and/or staining. This procedure can be done in the dental office or at home. Not everyone’s teeth can be bleached, so it is very important to check with your dentist first. It’s fast and effective, leaving you with whiter teeth in just one session.

2) Dental Veneers

Veneers are a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material. They are custom made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discoloured teeth, chipped teeth or even to cover spaces in between the teeth. This cover is personalized to match the rest of the patient’s teeth in colouring, size and shape. Using a cement-like material to adhere it to the actual tooth, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years, completely stain free.

3) Dental Implants

A dental implant is a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. The device is usually made out of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is permanent. A dental implant is designed to act as the tooth root and can anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture and is customized to look like the rest of your teeth. This is a permanent solution that should be taken care of as you would your natural teeth.

4) Dental Crowns

Crowns, also referred to as caps, are custom made to fit over your whole tooth after the cosmetic dentist has prepared it. They are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain that has been fused to metal to withstand biting pressure. Crowns can be used in cosmetic dentistry to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, badly decayed, broken, chipped, have had large fillings, or to cover spaces in between teeth. Dental crowns also increase comfort, protect against chipping and serve to create a perfect smile.

5) Teeth Shaping

Also referred to as “enamel shaping,” the dentist can reshape the tooth by filing or removing some of the enamel. This process is usually not painful and can produce immediate effects.

6) Tooth Bonding

Bonding is the process in which tooth-colored materials are adhered (bonded) to the tooth. This is a procedure that can be used to repair or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been badly stained, broken, or chipped. Bonding is done to improve the shape of a tooth so it matches the rest of the patient’s teeth. With natural looking results that can last up to ten years, this pain-free cosmetic dentistry procedure is quick and effective.

7) Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics are not just for kids. More and more adults are seeking treatment from orthodontists for cosmetic purposes. If you have buck teeth or crooked teeth, ask your dentist if an orthodontist can help you.