Aesthetic dentistry refers to dental treatments that aim to improve the appearance of your teeth, as well as their function and health. There are several procedures that fall under this umbrella term, each targeting specific problems that can occur with your teeth over time, such as discoloration, spacing, missing teeth, and many more.
These procedures aim to make your smile look like you want it to look, whether it’s to correct cosmetic flaws or simply maintain your current appearance. If you’re considering aesthetic dentistry, here are some of the most common ways it can improve the look and function of your teeth.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to treatments used to make teeth appear more attractive. Cosmetic dentists use a range of treatments such as tooth whitening, dental implants, bonding, crowns, and veneers. By correcting defects in your smile caused by broken or chipped teeth or missing teeth, you can create a better appearance that boosts your self-confidence and improves overall health.
According to a survey by Consumers Digest, almost all Americans want a brighter smile. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said they wouldn’t mind going under the knife for cosmetic procedures if it meant having straighter teeth without unsightly gaps between them.
Teeth whitening
Aesthetic dentistry offers many options if you’re looking to whiten your teeth. Our dentistry practice offers several different types of whitening treatments, such as in-office bleaching using a hydrogen peroxide gel, take-home trays with custom-made syringes filled with gel, and overnight trays. All whitening procedures can be completed in one visit or multiple sessions. Whitening is most effective when done on healthy gums that aren’t inflamed or infected.
Dentists will first thoroughly clean your teeth to remove any leftover particles or residue from food. Next, apply a light coating of bleaching gel onto your teeth. As you wait for it to work, you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation on your gums—which is normal—but if it becomes painful, ask your dentist to adjust your treatment.
Dental implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can help. Dental implants are placed into your jawbone by a surgeon during a simple surgical procedure, then left to heal for several months. Once healed, crowns are attached to them in order to replace your missing teeth. This is all accomplished without having any teeth removed in most cases! Dental implants provide natural-looking tooth replacements that can last for years or even decades.
Before dental implants can be placed, your jawbone needs to be prepared by a dentist or oral surgeon. This is done through a process called osseointegration, which involves making tiny cuts in your jawbone and applying surgical screws that will prepare it for tooth placement. The surgery itself is minimally invasive; however, you may experience some pain after surgery while your body heals. To help with discomfort, some patients choose to take prescription painkillers.
Dental veneers
Like a fresh coat of paint, dental veneers can transform your smile from dull to dazzling. Dental veneers are natural-looking shell-like coverings that are bonded to teeth for cosmetic purposes. Once you apply them, your dentist will shape, file, and polish them until they fit seamlessly with your existing enamel. They’re ideal for covering chips or stains on your teeth because they come in a wide range of shades.
Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are a bit more durable than composite ones, but both materials last for many years before needing replacement. To achieve an aesthetic appearance, your dentist will take molds of your teeth so they can fabricate custom veneers that blend seamlessly with your smile. The procedure typically takes two visits to complete. The first visit is used to make impressions of your teeth and apply temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent set to be fabricated by a dental lab. During your second visit, you’ll have them permanently bonded onto your teeth using special adhesives.
Tooth-colored fillings
Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving your teeth, which means making them look nicer, helping them to function better, or both. Tooth-colored fillings are one way to help your teeth achieve both beauty and functionality. These fillings blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, so no one will know you’ve had work done if you don’t want them to. They also strengthen weak spots on your teeth and leave you with a healthy smile that looks as good as it feels. Just because something is cosmetic doesn’t mean it can’t be functional too!
Speak to your dentist
Would you like to know more about this type of dentistry? If so, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more. You never know how it can help restore your smile and boost your confidence all at once. Reach out today to discover how aesthetic dentistry could be a solution for you.
Request an appointment here: https://stellarsmilesinc.com or call Stellar Smiles at 5612252070 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Aesthetic Dentistry in Boca Raton, FL.
Recent Posts
Many patients wonder about the differences between an Invisalign® dentist and an orthodontist when considering Invisalign treatment. While both professionals can offer Invisalign services, there are important distinctions between the two that may affect the treatment process. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right provider to ensure optimal results and a smooth experience.The…
You probably have many questions if your dentist has recommended a full mouth reconstruction. Read on to learn more about the procedures typically involved in full mouth reconstructions. There are a variety of reasons why you may be concerned about impending treatments. Many of these procedures are invasive and time-consuming. Different cosmetic dental procedures are…
Dental bridges offer a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. A missing tooth, whether caused by injury, decay, or other dental issues, can impact the health and appearance of your smile. Fortunately, dental bridges can help restore your oral health. Here are five benefits of choosing dental bridges as your tooth replacement option.Dental…
You should call an emergency dentist if you have a mouth sore. Most mouth sores are harmless and they usually go away on their own after a few days or remain unchanged. However, if your mouth sore does not go away after about a week, you should contact a dentist. Some sores can be serious…