Do you want to improve the look of your teeth? Any dental work that improves the look of gums, teeth, or your bite is called cosmetic dentistry. These services can include changes in teeth color, size, shape or alignment or a total smile makeover. Utley Dental provides many cosmetic services at the office. If you are a candidate, here are a few of the ways Dr. Utley can make your smile sparkle.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be one of the simplest ways to improve the look of your smile. This can be accomplished through an in-office bleaching process. If you are not a candidate for teeth whitening, then the dentist may recommend a different cosmetic procedure to improve the aesthetic appeal of your teeth.
Bonding
When a tooth has a minor crack or decay, sometimes bonding is used to repair that tooth. Bonding is when an enamel dental composite is put onto the surface of a tooth and sculpted into place by the dentist. Then the enamel is hardened and polished. Another way to use bonding is by using inlays and onlays, which can be made of other materials like gold or porcelain. Inlays and onlays can be alternatives to crowns.
Veneers
Veneers are used to change or enhance the shape of teeth, close any gaps, or change the color of the teeth if whitening is not an option. Veeners are wafer thin, custom made porcelain laminates that are cemented directly to the existing teeth. Veneers can also be made using the composite resin material used for fillings. Many times, dentists use a mold of your teeth to ensure the veneers create the look, shape and proportion that makes up a pleasing smile.
Cosmetic Contouring
When dentists refer to cosmetic contouring, they essentially mean that they are reshaping the teeth. This is usually used to improve minor imperfections like unevenness, small chips, worn out areas, or slight overlaps in the teeth. Even though only a small amount of enamel is removed, contouring is not for everyone.
Smile Makeover
Sometimes your smile needs a major revamp! When a total smile makeover is considered, then all available processes like cosmetic contouring, veneers, bonding, inlays and overlays and other procedures are considered to come up with a complete plan for a dazzling smile. The dentist will consider many factors including the alignment of your teeth, the shape of the teeth in relation to your face shape, and the desired color to create a natural looking smile that looks great with your features.
Factors to Consider
Before any procedure is recommended, the dentist will need to complete an evaluation of your oral health and suitability of the procedure. Since cosmetic dentistry can be elective, it is important to have your teeth evaluated for decay or other problems which might impact the longevity of your dental work. If you are desiring teeth whitening in addition to more cosmetic work, it is important to do the whitening first as any fillings, veneers, crowns or inlays and onlays will not whiten after they are done. It is best to match the dental work to a shade of white that you desire. Periodontal disease can also impact the longevity of your cosmetic dental work. If your gums or underlying bones are unstable, then the dental work that you have can become damaged. It is important to evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and gum line.
Results
Your teeth can be restored or even improved through cosmetic dental work. If you are thinking about improving the look of your smile, make sure to ask Dr. Utley about the different procedures available to make your smile one to remember. If you have any questions, make sure to schedule a consultation with Utley Dental today.