A smile is often one of the first things people notice about you. Having a beautiful, healthy smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression. But if you’re not happy with your teeth, you may be hiding your smile instead of showing it off. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile of your dreams. Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. Although cosmetic dentistry procedures are typically elective rather than necessary, you can often use them to correct dental problems that affect the health and function of your teeth. This article looks at the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments a Downtown DC cosmetic dentist can offer.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover your teeth’ front surface. They are made from porcelain or composite resin material and can be used to change the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth. Veneers are ideal for correcting chipped, cracked, stained, or slightly misaligned teeth. You can also use them to close the gaps between teeth.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to improve the appearance of your teeth. The resin is applied to the tooth’s surface and then hardened with a special light. Bonding can change the color, shape, or size of your teeth. You can also use it to close gaps between teeth or protect a tooth’s root exposed due to gum recession.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can lighten the natural color of your teeth or brighten teeth that have been stained or discolored. Whitening can be done in the dentist’s office or at home using a whitening kit.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite resin used to restore a tooth damaged by decay or injury. Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings, but they are made to match the color of your teeth, so they are less noticeable.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots placed into your jawbone to support a dental prosthetic, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants come with several benefits, including improved oral health, increased chewing and biting force, and improved appearance.
Crowns
A dental crown is a “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, or function. Crowns are made from porcelain or composite resin material and can be used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, injury, or wear. Crowns are also used to support a dental bridge or cover a dental implant.
To summarize, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures, but the most common are veneers, tooth bonding, tooth whitening, inlays and onlays, dental implants, and crowns. If you’re not happy with your smile, talk to your dentist about the different cosmetic dentistry options.
