Are you happy with the current appearance of your smile when you look in the mirror? The main concern of your dentist is the health of your teeth and gums, but the way you feel about your appearance matters too! When you look at the different areas of dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is its own category. It is used to help patients achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile. Continue reading to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and some of the services it includes.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and smile. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is usually following along the lines of symmetry and harmony to maintain a healthy-looking, even, and aesthetically please smile. This includes eliminating flaws, like chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, discoloration, gaps, overcrowding, gumminess, and more.
Which Services Are Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?
There are various services out there that can improve the appearance of your smile. Here are some of the common ones.
Tooth Recontouring
This is a simple, quick way for your dentist to help you achieve a more even smile. If you have small chips or overlaps in your smile, or your teeth vary in length, tooth recontouring can be completed. This is when your dentist carefully analyzes your teeth and removes a small amount of enamel using dental tools to achieve the desired shape and size.
Teeth Whitening
Whether you enjoy coffee, wine, or cigarettes on a regular basis, discoloration is likely to follow. Fortunately, even some of the most stubborn stains can be lifted with professional teeth whitening from your dentist.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If you have small cracks, chips, or gaps in your smile, cosmetic dental bonding can be used to correct them. For this procedure, your dentist will sculpt composite resin to your tooth to form it to perfection.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed on the front facing surfaces of the teeth to mask imperfections. For this procedure, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Then, impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab. In just a couple of weeks, you will be showing off a beautifully enhanced smile!
Invisalign
If you are struggling with misalignment issues, Invisalign is a great way to achieve a straighter smile without taking away from your appearance in the meantime. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into their new, rightful locations. The best part: they are nearly invisible!
If you’re unhappy with how your smile looks, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can discuss your concerns and put together a plan to help you achieve pearly whites that you are proud to show off!
About the Author
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University. Since then, he has taken many of hours of continuing education focus on a variety of subjects, including cosmetic dentistry and complex surgeries. Currently, he is affiliated with the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Dallas County Dental Society. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in Carrollton, visit his website or call (469) 694-3766.