Teeth Whitening and Other Common Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can recommend various treatments to improve the appearance of teeth. Most cosmetic treatments are elective and not intended to restore function; however, they help patients attain a beautiful and confident smile.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance a patient's smile by improving the teeth's appearance regarding:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Alignment
  • Size
  • Spacing

Every mouth has different proportions and presents unique dental challenges. The success of all aesthetic dental procedures relies on the artistry and experience of the cosmetic dentist.

What are common cosmetic dental treatments?

Over the past decades, advances in dental technology have made various cosmetic treatments more accessible to the general population. Treatments once considered luxuries are now routinely administered.

Whitening

A cosmetic dentist can address stains and discoloration of the teeth caused by food and drink or tobacco by coating the teeth with a gel containing a bleaching agent. Oxygen molecules in this substance penetrate the enamel and dentin layers, deactivating and removing stain-causing molecules. It is necessary to use a protective shield to keep the gel from potentially irritating the gums. Some dentists use heat and light to help the gel penetrate the dentin layer. Teeth whitening can successfully restore a patient's natural dentin color, but it is not suitable for brightening sensitive, thin, broken, or artificial teeth.

Veneers

Thin porcelain laminates or veneers can effectively improve the appearance of teeth that do not respond to whitening or have chips and cracks. This treatment can also address gaps between teeth. The cosmetic dentist polishes away some of the tooth enamel to ensure that the veneer is on the same level as the surrounding teeth. Choosing the veneer's shape, color, and size to complement the patient's smile requires careful consideration. Once this is determined, the dentist attaches the lab-made laminate to the tooth's surface. Veneers can dramatically improve a smile by covering a portion of a tooth, an entire tooth, or multiple teeth.

Bonding

Individual teeth that require minor cosmetic adjustments can be excellent candidates for bonding. This simple treatment can occur within one hour. The dentist scrapes away a small amount of enamel and coats the exposed surface with an adhesive substance that helps a resin tooth-shaped cover bond with the natural tooth. The resin is soft and malleable, allowing the dentist to adjust its shape and size to blend well with the surrounding teeth. Bonding relies on a skilled hand and an artistic eye to give a tooth cover a realistic appearance.

Contouring

Natural teeth with minor size and shape imperfections can benefit from simple contouring. This treatment can also improve the appearance of teeth that overlap or have minor chips. A dentist sands away portions of the enamel before reshaping and polishing the natural teeth. The dentist must take great care when outlining the intended shape and removing parts of the teeth because the procedure is irreversible. This treatment can sometimes eliminate the need for braces for simple cosmetic problems.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Teeth Whitening in Maitland, FL

Conclusion

Recent advances in dentistry have made smile-enhancing procedures widely available. Most patients find that a cosmetic dentist can make significant improvements that are quick and painless.

Request an appointment or call Maitland Square Dentistry at 407-337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.

Related Posts

4 Reasons Why You Should Visit A Cosmetic Dentist

If you are not happy with your smile the way it currently looks, you should consider visiting a cosmetic dentist. Contemporary cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your gums, mouth, teeth, and complete smile. The multi-billion dollar industry is steadily growing in popularity as more people seek to gain confidence in their smiles.There…

Ask A Dentist: What Are Some Cosmetic Dentistry Options?

Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of services that improve the person’s smile by addressing cosmetic imperfections with the teeth, gums, jaw alignment, and more. It is helpful to have a good understanding of the more common services that are generally offered by cosmetic dentistry practices to determine if treatment is right for your needs.Every cosmetic…

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Are Veneers Considered Cosmetic

While veneers are technically considered cosmetic treatments, a cosmetic dentist may describe additional benefits to getting them added to the teeth. Dental veneers can both improve the look of the smile and help keep teeth healthy. These thin, customized shells cover the front of the teeth and can be customized to match the color of…

David Hazan, DMD, B. Eng

Share
Published by
David Hazan, DMD, B. Eng

Recent Posts

Can a Dental Filling Be Replaced?

Due to the frequent pressure from eating and drinking and tooth clenching and grinding, all…

1 day ago

How to Prepare for Your Dental Crown Procedure

A dental crown can save a tooth that is in danger of extraction. Dental crowns…

3 days ago

How Common Is Dental Crown Replacement?

The time and effort that go into fitting a dental crown suggest a permanent restoration.…

2 weeks ago

Is a Dental Crown Recommended for Dealing with a Cracked Tooth?

A dental crown is a versatile restoration that can be used to address a wide…

3 weeks ago

What To Do About a Loose Dental Crown

Teeth that are severely decayed or fractured may benefit from dental crown, which cover the…

3 weeks ago

What Can Dental Crowns Do for Your Oral Health Issues?

Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile…

4 weeks ago