A cosmetic dentist specializes in treating a variety of dental issues. They help patients overcome their insecurities about the look of their smile.

Although the term “cosmetic dentistry” isn’t officially a dental specialty, many general dentists take advanced courses and seminars in cosmetic treatment methods. This allows them to offer a broad range of aesthetic treatments.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular treatment used by cosmetic dentists to replace missing teeth. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth. They also help prevent bone deterioration and support other remaining teeth, preserving the natural look of the smile and promoting good oral health.

The procedure to install an implant involves an initial consultation where the dentist assesses your mouth and medical history. Then, a titanium screw-like implant is surgically drilled into the jawbone. A healing period of several months is needed for the implant to heal and fuse to the jawbone.

After the implant has healed, the dentist attaches an abutment to the post and adds a crown to replace a single tooth or a full set of teeth. The crown is designed to match your other teeth and blend in with the surrounding gums. Implants are long-lasting and last a lifetime with proper care. They also improve the appearance of your smile and make it easier to eat without discomfort.

Dental Bonding

A cosmetic dental treatment, tooth bonding is used to correct small imperfections like chips and cracks, discoloration, and even gaps between teeth. It is a quick and easy procedure that can be completed in a single office visit.

To begin, your dentist roughens the surface of your tooth and applies a conditioning liquid. Then, they apply the composite resin and shape it to match the tooth’s sheen and texture. A curing light hardens the resin and a finishing step smoothes and polishes the surface of your tooth.

While bonding is fairly durable, it is not as strong as your natural teeth and it can be susceptible to staining over time. As a result, it is important to avoid foods that are likely to stain teeth like coffee or red wine after getting tooth bonding. It is also recommended to keep up with a regular oral hygiene routine with consistent brushing and flossing. This will help your smile stay healthy and looking great for years to come.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin covering that masks dental issues like crooked teeth, gaps, short or discolored teeth and other flaws. Cosmetic dentists use porcelain or composite resin to craft these shells that sit on top of the tooth to mimic its natural tooth structure and color.

During the initial consultation, the dentist will assess your oral health to determine whether this treatment is right for you. They will also discuss your smile goals and answer any questions you may have about the process.

On the day of your procedure, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth. They will then create a putty mold from this area, which they will send to a lab for fabrication. Before bonding the veneers, your dentist will ensure they fit comfortably and match your desired shade. They will then use a special cement to secure them in place. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your veneers, which can cause them to break or chip.

Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentists use teeth whitening to remove unsightly stains and lighten the color of a patient’s smile. This procedure is typically safe, fast and effective. Unlike many over-the-counter whitening products, however, professional treatments involve coating the teeth with a bleaching agent that is activated by a special light or laser.

The bleaching agent works by dissolving and removing stain-causing molecules from the surface of the tooth enamel and dentin. Depending on the type of treatment used, the process can last from 30 to 60 minutes per day, for two to four weeks, with some newer products being able to be applied for eight hours at a time.

Although stained or yellowed teeth are usually a matter of appearance rather than dental health, they can make a person self-conscious about their smile and affect their quality of life. For this reason, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available today. However, it’s important to know that not everyone is a candidate for this treatment.