Common Treatments at a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile. While these procedures are typically elective rather than essential, some cosmetic dental treatments also provide restorative benefits, improving the overall function of your teeth. Understanding these common treatments can help you decide which one is right for you.

Common treatments at a cosmetic dentist

Teeth whitening

Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to aging, consuming certain foods and drinks, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Professional teeth whitening treatments can significantly brighten a person's smile. In a single visit, the cosmetic dentist can remove plaque, tartar, and other debris from the surface of each tooth, restoring its natural appearance. They can then whiten the patient's teeth with a bleaching agent to achieve a lighter shade than their original color. Teeth whitening treatment can be done in the cosmetic dental office or at home with whitening trays.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells typically made of porcelain or composite resin. The cosmetic dentist bonds the veneers to the front surface of the patient's teeth to improve their appearance. This treatment method can treat chips, cracks, gaps, and strains, creating a natural-looking smile with a minimally invasive procedure.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a versatile procedure where the cosmetic dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the surface of a tooth. This treatment can help repair damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. The dentist removes the tooth decay before applying the composite to the tooth and sculpting it into the desired shape. They can then harden it with a high-intensity light. Composite bonding offers restorative and cosmetic benefits, repairing damage while giving the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place.

Dental implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for patients missing one or more teeth that mimics the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. These small titanium posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once they fuse with the surrounding tissue, implants provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Inlays and onlays

Cosmetic dentists use inlays and onlays when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or does not have the tooth structure necessary to support a filling. This technique can help strengthen teeth, restore their shape, and prevent further decay or deterioration. If the tooth has no damage in the cusps, the dentist can use dental cement to apply the inlay directly to the tooth surface. However, when the cusp has significant decay, they can use an olay to cover the tooth's entire surface. Inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory from a composite of porcelain or ceramic.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners offer a discreet and convenient treatment that can correct misaligned, overcrowded, or gaps in teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable and comfortable for patients of all ages. This treatment method can help patients achieve a straightened smile without the hassle of wires and brackets.