When you see your smile in photos, videos, or in the mirror, are you satisfied? If you don’t love the look of your smile, there’s no reason to settle. That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. This form of dentistry focuses on improving the look of your beam to give it a gorgeous, brag-worthy glow. Read on to learn about the different cosmetic dental treatments and how they can improve the look of your smile.
Treatment #1: Porcelain Veneers
These thin shells are made from dental-grade porcelain and were first created to temporarily improve the smiles of movie stars. Today, they are accessible to most and can last upwards of 15 years with proper care. Veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel, which is the outermost part of the tooth. This allows them to adhere to the teeth without looking bulky or out of place. Veneers can correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including chips, gaps, discoloration, misshapen teeth, cracks, and minor alignment problems.
Treatment #2: Metal-Free Dental Restorations
Traditional dental restorations like fillings and dental crowns were made from metal. This could create issues for people who were allergic to this material. Some even contain mercury, which is linked to a range of health issues, such as anxiety, depression, poor brain function, heart disease, and impaired development in infants. Metal-free restorations not only eliminate these issues but also use tooth-colored material that’s much more realistic.
Treatment #3: Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is another treatment that uses tooth-colored material. A composite resin is attached to the teeth to cover up the same issues as porcelain veneers. The procedure can be completed in about half an hour and offers quick, realistic results. Though bonding is much cheaper than porcelain veneers, it’s not nearly as durable. This means that you’ll save a lot of money initially but will have to have your smile touched up more often.
Treatment #4: Teeth Whitening
Many companies offer over-the-counter whitening strips, trays, kits, and toothpaste. Though these may seem like a quick, cheap, and easy way to lift stains, these kits aren’t the best idea. They often offer lackluster results and may cause irritation to the sensitive tissues in your mouth. Many dentists offer professional whitening services that are much safer and more effective. The results also last a lot longer, which means you can spend more time loving your new smile and less time touching it up.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways that you can use cosmetic dentistry to fix issues with your smile. if you think any of the above treatments may be a good fit for you, reach out to your dentist so you can be on your way to a beautiful beam!
About the Practice
Stone Street Dental is led by Dr. Alison K. Garrad and Dr. Gregory H. Duncan. Along with their team of Greenville oral health professionals, they specialize in all things related to teeth. They offer a range of cosmetic treatments to improve the look of your smile, including metal-free restorations, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening. If you’re interested in making an appointment with Stone Street Dental or want more information on cosmetic dentistry, call their office at (903) 455-6075 or visit their website.
