Exploring Non-Invasive Options With a Cosmetic Dentist

Curious about cosmetic dentistry? Read on to learn more. A cosmetic dentist helps patients achieve the smile of their dreams. While they can perform many surgical procedures to accomplish large changes, like replacing an entire dental arch with beautiful prosthetic teeth, many of their services are much less intensive. Plenty of non-invasive options exist if you would like to improve your smile without significant dental work.

Cosmetic dentists can provide non-invasive treatment

Cosmetic dental professionals spend a large portion of their time on non-invasive procedures. In fact, many of the most common treatments are also some of the simplest.

Teeth whitening

Patients who are self-conscious about the shade of their teeth may opt for either in-office or at-home teeth whitening. In-office treatments can be done in about an hour and may lighten the teeth by up to eight shades. This simply requires the patient to sit in a chair and wait while a light activates the peroxide solution the dentist paints on the teeth.

At-home whitening uses strong whitening compounds (stronger than those found in stores) inside a custom tray. The dentist will take a mold of the patient’s teeth to create a personalized whitening device, which can be inserted at home anytime.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding reshapes the teeth using a tooth-colored material. It is similar to the resin used to fill cavities, and dentists shape it in the same way. Patients who have experienced a damaged tooth, such as one that is cracked or chipped, can resolve this aesthetic issue using dental bonding. It is applied directly to the tooth, molded, and then hardened, so patients can leave the office with a fully restored smile.

Veneers

Veneers are shells that rest on the fronts of teeth, covering up any discoloration or stains. The dentist will strip a very thin portion of the enamel from the front of the tooth (otherwise, the teeth might look unusually big) so the veneer can sit on top.

You have likely seen veneers before without realizing it; many celebrities boast attractive smiles thanks to veneers. They are installed on an outpatient basis and allow you to choose not only your tooth shape but also the shade.

Aligners

Some cosmetic dentists also provide alignment assistance for patients whose teeth are crooked or have gaps. Clear aligners are one of the most common options. These require a dental mold, which creates an impression of the patient’s teeth.

From there, the dentist will create aligner trays that gradually exert pressure and push the teeth back into position. This non-invasive option only requires patients to return to the office from time to time to check on progress, because they can switch the aligners out themselves.