Teeth Whitening and Other Common Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can recommend various treatments to improve the appearance of teeth. Most cosmetic treatments are elective and not intended to restore function; however, they help patients attain a beautiful and confident smile.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance a patient's smile by improving the teeth's appearance regarding:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Alignment
  • Size
  • Spacing

Every mouth has different proportions and presents unique dental challenges. The success of all aesthetic dental procedures relies on the artistry and experience of the cosmetic dentist.

What are common cosmetic dental treatments?

Over the past decades, advances in dental technology have made various cosmetic treatments more accessible to the general population. Treatments once considered luxuries are now routinely administered.

Whitening

A cosmetic dentist can address stains and discoloration of the teeth caused by food and drink or tobacco by coating the teeth with a gel containing a bleaching agent. Oxygen molecules in this substance penetrate the enamel and dentin layers, deactivating and removing stain-causing molecules. It is necessary to use a protective shield to keep the gel from potentially irritating the gums. Some dentists use heat and light to help the gel penetrate the dentin layer. Teeth whitening can successfully restore a patient's natural dentin color, but it is not suitable for brightening sensitive, thin, broken, or artificial teeth.

Veneers

Thin porcelain laminates or veneers can effectively improve the appearance of teeth that do not respond to whitening or have chips and cracks. This treatment can also address gaps between teeth. The cosmetic dentist polishes away some of the tooth enamel to ensure that the veneer is on the same level as the surrounding teeth. Choosing the veneer's shape, color, and size to complement the patient's smile requires careful consideration. Once this is determined, the dentist attaches the lab-made laminate to the tooth's surface. Veneers can dramatically improve a smile by covering a portion of a tooth, an entire tooth, or multiple teeth.

Bonding

Individual teeth that require minor cosmetic adjustments can be excellent candidates for bonding. This simple treatment can occur within one hour. The dentist scrapes away a small amount of enamel and coats the exposed surface with an adhesive substance that helps a resin tooth-shaped cover bond with the natural tooth. The resin is soft and malleable, allowing the dentist to adjust its shape and size to blend well with the surrounding teeth. Bonding relies on a skilled hand and an artistic eye to give a tooth cover a realistic appearance.

Contouring

Natural teeth with minor size and shape imperfections can benefit from simple contouring. This treatment can also improve the appearance of teeth that overlap or have minor chips. A dentist sands away portions of the enamel before reshaping and polishing the natural teeth. The dentist must take great care when outlining the intended shape and removing parts of the teeth because the procedure is irreversible. This treatment can sometimes eliminate the need for braces for simple cosmetic problems.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Teeth Whitening in Hemet, CA

Conclusion

Recent advances in dentistry have made smile-enhancing procedures widely available. Most patients find that a cosmetic dentist can make significant improvements that are quick and painless.

Request an appointment or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at 951-707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

Recent Posts

The Key Differences Between A General And Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist focuses on the appearance of a patient’s smile, while a general addresses oral health and function. Though their priorities differ, both play important roles in maintaining the smile. Understanding these differences helps patients determine which type of care matches their needs.A general dentist is a primary care provider for oral health who…

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.Over time, teeth can…

Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right For You

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The custom-fit shells can improve your looks. Each one can even provide support for your teeth. Here are the questions to ask your cosmetic dentist to find out if getting veneers will be a good decision for you.These thin shells go…

Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC.

Share
Published by
Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC.

Recent Posts

Preventative Dental Care for Avoiding Tooth Loss

Preventative dental care such as visiting the dentist is a huge cause of anxiety and…

4 days ago

The Key Differences Between a General and Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists offer treatments aimed at enhancing appearance, including the following:.

6 days ago

Preventative Dental Care – Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are very important in preventative dental care. Every patient wants their dentist to…

1 week ago

Preventative Dental Care – Important Oral Hygiene Instruction Tips

Preventative dental care is one of the most important ways to take care of your…

2 weeks ago

What Is Endodontics? A Guide To Saving Teeth From the Inside Out

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to saving teeth by treating problems inside the…

2 weeks ago

Preventative Dental Care to Prevent Tooth Decay

The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is with preventative dental care. Everyone wants…

2 weeks ago