Most people want a great smile, but many of them have one or more dental imperfections that decrease their confidence. A cosmetic dentist offers a variety of procedures that help improve one's appearance. After going over a patient's goals and budget, a dentist can help determine what a teeth makeover might consist of.
A teeth makeover consists of one or more procedures that improve the look of the teeth or gums. Some of the methods are easy and quick, while others require multiple appointments and take time to complete. Before performing any of the aesthetic procedures, the dentist must fix any dental issues, such as gum disease or a cavity, first.
The easiest and most common way to improve the appearance of teeth is whitening. This can be done in one session in the dentist's office, and the results of the professional whitening often last up to one year. Whitening helps to lighten surface stains, such as those caused by eating and drinking. It does not help lighten deeper discolorations caused by injury, medications, or other factors.
Bonding is one of the methods that can help cover deep discolorations as well as other imperfections such as chipped or cracked teeth, small gaps, or an exposed tooth root. The dentist chooses a tooth-colored composite material, smooths the front of the tooth, uses a laser to bond the material to the tooth, and then adjusts and shapes it to form the desired look. Bonding requires only one office visit.
Dental veneers are another option a cosmetic dentist may use to cover up the same discolorations and imperfections as bonding does. A veneer is made up of a thin layer of porcelain, and the dentist customizes its shape, shade, and size. Before attaching it to the front of the tooth, the dentist removes some of the enamel. This allows for the veneer to fit over the tooth. The veneers are then bonded to the teeth.
The process of veneers usually requires two visits. Unlike composite bonding, veneers are an irreversible procedure because the enamel that is removed cannot grow back. However, veneers can last up to 20 years with the proper care.
Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth. The implants, which are titanium rods, are inserted into the jawbone. Tooth-colored crowns are then attached to the top of them. Implants are a popular option because they function and look like natural teeth. They are also stable and prevent jawbone loss. They are easy to care for, and they usually last a lifetime.
Implants require multiple visits, as well as time to heal after the various steps. For most patients, the timeline for completion is eight to 12 months.
Some of the smile makeover procedures are simple, while others are more invasive. Before choosing one or more options, patients should ask any questions they may have.
Many of the procedures benefit anyone. However, not everyone is a good candidate for some of them. For example, if someone's teeth are stained due to intrinsic factors, such as a health condition, genetics, medications, or trauma, professional teeth whitening may not be effective. In this instance, a dentist may recommend veneers or bonding.
Implants are another option that not everyone is a candidate for. In order to be eligible for the procedure, a patient must have adequate jaw density to hold the implants. Those who do not may still be able to get implants if they have a bone graft, which increases the amount of time results will be achieved. A good candidate must also practice good oral hygiene and be free of other dental issues.
The duration of a smile makeover depends on multiple factors, such as the procedure itself and how the individual cares for the teeth. Veneers generally last longer than bonding, and sometimes almost twice as long. However, dark beverages and foods can stain them, and certain hard foods and objects can damage the shells.
Teeth whitening can last more than a year if someone avoids stain-producing food and drink as well as smoking. Implants last the longest out of the options, but they still require the proper care.
A cosmetic dentist may recommend one or more procedures to improve someone's smile. The methods vary from simple to more complex, and not everyone is a good candidate for all procedures. A dentist can help a patient decide what treatments would be effective.
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