If you’ve been watching movies that have come out recently, you may have at some point wondered why so many of your favorite actors seem to have flawless smiles. The reason is cosmetic dentistry, and while some of these treatments were invented for costumes on Hollywood sets, the past few decades have seen them become more accessible to the general population. Here are a few common cosmetic dental treatments and why they are so popular these days.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental treatment that can address a wide range of flaws in a smile. These thin shells that look just like natural tooth structures are designed to be cemented over a patient’s flawed teeth, covering up imperfections like chips, cracks, and stains. In some cases, they can even be used to address alignment issues like gaps or crowding. While they used to require at least two appointments to be placed, many dentists today use advanced technology to produce customized veneers in the office that can be placed in a single visit.
Dental Bonding
If you have minor dental flaws like cracks, gaps, or stains that you’d like to cover up, dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that involves no anesthesia. During this treatment, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the flaw, filling it in and shaping this putty-like substance so that it matches the contours of your tooth. This is a particularly affordable cosmetic treatment that can be completed in minutes during a routine dental appointment.
Teeth Whitening
Many people would love to have brighter smiles, and professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can leave your smile up to ten shades whiter. These non-invasive procedures involve no anesthesia and can be completed in about an hour at your dentist’s office or over two weeks with a take-home kit. These treatments deliver results far superior to those of similar products you can buy at a store or pharmacy.
Cosmetic dentistry has allowed many patients to enjoy more ideal smiles. Consulting with your dentist can determine if any of these procedures are right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Tristan J. Parry earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Ohio State University before completing residencies in mini periodontics and mini pedodontics. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor awarded to fewer than 7% of general dentists in the United States. His office in Summerfield, NC offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule a cosmetic dental consultation, contact the office online or dial (336) 728-6153.