One of the first things many people notice about others is their smile. A friendly smile often helps others feel more welcome and at ease when meeting someone for the first time. An easy smile also helps a person appear more confident and content with life. However, for those who may be self-conscious about their teeth, smiling can seem more painful than promising. Fortunately, there are several common cosmetic dentistry procedures that can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth and your smile.
Crowns and Bridges
Two common cosmetic dentistry procedures include crowns and bridges. A crown is like a cap that fits over your tooth, changing the way it looks from the gum line up. Crowns are common fixes for problems such as cracked teeth, teeth that have been severely weakened, or for teeth that are discolored or misshapen. Getting a crown usually requires you to make three trips to the dentist: two visits for preparation and the last for putting in your crown.
A bridge is just what it sounds: a bridge that covers the gap left by a missing tooth. Bridges usually consist of false teeth that are anchored to your surrounding teeth and can help restore your confidence in your smile and even improve your speech. As with crowns, bridges happen in three parts: the first and second visits to prepare the area to accommodate your bridge and the final visit to put your bridge in.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of veneers. Unlike traditional veneers, however, little to no teeth enamel need be removed before this form of cosmetic dentistry is performed. What’s more, lumineers can be removed at a later date. This procedure provides you with a brighter, cleaner smile by covering the surface of your teeth to hide imperfections such as discoloration or uneven looking teeth. Lumineers are custom made and the procedure is painless, requiring no numbing or anesthetics, and won’t leave your mouth sore or tender.
Porcelain Veneers
If you want to give your smile a total makeover, then this is the cosmetic dentistry procedure for you. Porcelain veneers consist of thin shells that are placed over each and every tooth, making teeth appear to be whiter, smoother and more regularly shaped. Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than other kinds of veneers and can last anywhere from eight to ten years before they will need replacing.
Teeth Whitening
If you want to change the appearance of your teeth but don’t want to alter the shape or size of your natural teeth, then the cosmetic dentistry procedure you will most likely benefit from is teeth whitening. Though there are several at-home methods that promise to whiten and brighten your smile, teeth whitening completed by dentists usually provides the best results in a timely manner. Using custom designed trays, your dentist will devise a whitening strategy just for you and supervise the use of whiteners to ensure teeth aren’t damaged.
Conclusion
If the appearance of your natural teeth keeps you from smiling, cosmetic dental work can help you gain confidence and help you improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns, bridges, lumineers, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are simple yet effective ways of getting the smile you have always wanted. Talk with Dr. Roman Shlafer today about which procedure is right for you.