Cosmetic Dentistry
Peoria, AZ
 Do you like the way your teeth look? If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, you can make changes. Thanks to cosmetic procedures, adults can change their appearance and add to their self-esteem. Like cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dentistry allows you to change your smile, which may change your whole outlook. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, here is some information from Desertview Dental Care about some common cosmetic dental procedures.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry. General dentistry looks to prevent disease in your teeth and gums, and cosmetic dentistry looks to improve how your teeth look overall. This may mean changing the color or shape of your teeth, the shape of your gumline, tooth spacing, and even how your teeth line up in your mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can drastically change your smile through the use of dental procedures.
What Are the Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
Cosmetic dentists can use different procedures to enhance your smile. Some cosmetic procedures take a little time, while other procedures take a bit longer before you can see improvements in your smile.
Dental Veneers
There are not many dental procedures that originated in Hollywood, but dental veneers were originally invented as cosmetic enhancements for movies. A dentist in Los Angeles invented veneers for early movie stars who needed different teeth for monster movies. However, some of the stars were so pleased with the look of veneers that they asked the dentist to make veneers to enhance their teeth, and veneers for personal use were born.
Dental veneers are a wonderful solution for adults who have multiple issues with their smiles. Veneers are thin covers for your top or bottom teeth that are usually made from porcelain or resin to look like natural teeth. To place veneers, our dentist will sand your natural teeth a little and cement the veneers directly on top of them.
If you have many broken, discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth, veneers are a great solution. They solve all of your tooth problems in one application. If you take care of your veneers and make regular visits to our dentist, those veneers can last for decades.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns act much like veneers. They cover and protect one tooth rather than all of your teeth the way veneers do. Dental crowns can be cosmetic or preventative. Dentists can use crowns to cover a tooth damaged because of tooth decay, but cosmetic dentists can use crowns to cover a discolored or damaged tooth. There are different types of dental crowns. The most common crown type is the porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns usually cover a metal cap to strengthen and protect the tooth. Crowns can also be made of resin, but they do not last as long as porcelain crowns.
Placing dental crowns over your teeth is a simple procedure. After shaving your damaged tooth down a bit, our dentist may cover it with a temporary crown. The dentist also makes a mold of your natural tooth to create the perfect dental crown. When your permanent crown is finished, our dentist will cement your new crown over your existing tooth. If you take care of your crown, it can last for years.
Invisalign
Many adults who have tooth crowding, spacing issues, or crooked teeth do not want to strap themselves into braces for two or three years because of their busy, public-facing lives. Luckily, there is a solution to many tooth spacing and alignment issues without wearing braces. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that allow you to straighten and space your teeth perfectly without wearing braces.
Invisalign gives adults a great advantage over braces. You are able to remove the clear aligners to brush or floss your teeth, which means your teeth stay healthy. You also remove the aligners to eat, so you can eat whatever you want with no restrictions. Best of all, Invisalign aligners are clear, which means you can wear your aligners without most people noticing anything is different. In general, Invisalign treatment takes less time than treatment with traditional braces and is more cost-effective.
Dental Bonding
What if you have minor issues with some of your teeth that just need a few simple tweaks to get you a perfect smile? Our cosmetic dentist may be able to give you the perfection you are looking for using some simple composite resin and the dental bonding process.
With dental bonding, dentists use the composite material to change the shape or color of a tooth, fix gaps between teeth, or fix minor chips or cracks on one of your teeth. Dental bonding comes in many colors, so the composite resin will match your teeth perfectly. The bonding process is quite simple. Dentists place the bonding agent on your tooth or in between your teeth and then harden the agent with a light. As with many other cosmetic procedures, dental bonding can last for years if you are careful and practice good dental hygiene. If your bonding chips, our dentist can simply replace the bonding.
Teeth Whitening
You may think teeth whitening is a basic procedure anyone can do, but if whitening is done the right way, you can look years younger without cosmetic surgery. While you can accomplish some teeth whitening at home, only a cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth many shades in one visit. Cosmetic dentists can use whitening trays, lasers, and other tools to get your teeth as white as you want them. You will be amazed at how this small change can improve your smile and your outlook. You can have all of your teeth whitened or a few of your teeth whitened so that all of your teeth match.
What Should I Do Next?
If you are sick of the way your smile looks, or you are tired of staring at your teeth and wishing you could change them, it is time to give our dentist a call. Cosmetic dentists love to give their patients a reason to smile again through the use of dental procedures and techniques like crowns, aligners, bonding, or whitening procedures. Not sure what type of cosmetic procedure you need for your teeth? Why not give Desertview Dental Care a call at 623-278-9402? We would like to make you an appointment for a consultation today.
FAQs
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. It can address concerns such as discoloration, chips, gaps, uneven edges, worn teeth, or misshapen teeth while also supporting healthy function.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
A good candidate for cosmetic dentistry is someone who wants to improve the look of their smile and has healthy teeth and gums or is willing to complete any needed dental care first. At Desertview Dental Care, our dentists will evaluate your oral health, listen to your goals, and recommend treatment options that fit your needs.
What cosmetic dental treatments are available?
Cosmetic dental treatments may include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, crowns, tooth-colored fillings, clear aligners, or other services designed to enhance your smile. Our dental team will explain which options may be appropriate based on your concerns, tooth structure, and overall oral health.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix chipped or uneven teeth?
Yes, cosmetic dentistry can often improve chipped, uneven, or worn teeth. Depending on the size and location of the concern, our dental team may recommend bonding, veneers, crowns, or contouring to create a smoother, more balanced smile.
How long do cosmetic dentistry results last?
The lifespan of cosmetic dentistry results depends on the treatment, your oral hygiene, daily habits, and routine dental care. Brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects can help protect your results and keep your smile looking its best.
Can cosmetic dentistry make my smile look natural?
Yes, cosmetic dentistry can be planned to create a natural-looking smile that fits your facial features, tooth shape, and personal preferences. Desertview Dental Care will work with you to choose treatment options that enhance your smile without making it look artificial. |
