If you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about having an imperfect smile, you might be happy to learn that you have many cosmetic dentistry treatment options that can provide you with the smile of your dreams. From the Invisalign clear teeth-straightening system to dental implants with porcelain crowns, your cosmetic dentist can correct nearly any dental imperfection.
What Is a “Smile Makeover”?
As the name suggests, a smile makeover is not simply one cosmetic dental treatment, but a combination of treatments designed to make over your entire smile. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health needs and listen to your aesthetic concerns before suggesting a smile makeover treatment plan that will help you accomplish your goals.
Smile Makeover Treatment Options
The following are the most popular treatment options used in smile makeovers. Again, your dentist will recommend the treatment options that will best help you reach your aesthetic and oral health goals.
- Invisalign. This is a nearly invisible way to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth.
- Teeth whitening. This can be performed either in the office or at home.
- Tooth-colored fillings. White fillings are a great way to replace outdated, unsightly metal fillings.
- Dental bonding. Using a dental bonding solution, your dentist can conceal a small dental imperfection, such as a chip on the tooth or a slight gap in between teeth.
- Porcelain crowns. A crown is placed on top of a prepared tooth, to bolster damaged or decaying teeth or to conceal dental imperfections, such as cracks or chips.
- Porcelain veneers. These are placed over the front surface of a tooth or teeth to improve dental imperfections, such as deeply set stains, cracks or chips.
- Dental implants. Once dental implants have healed, they provide a strong, durable foundation for overlying crowns, bridges or dentures.
Find Out More
If you are tired of feeling embarrassed about your dental imperfections, consider undergoing a smile makeover. Contact your dentist for more information about transforming an imperfect smile into a healthy, radiant one.
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Cosmetic Versus Restorative Dentistry
Perhaps you have heard the terms “cosmetic dentistry” and “restorative dentistry,” but are not sure what they mean or how they are different from one another.
Cosmetic dentistry refers to a dental treatment that corrects an aesthetic oral concern. For instance, patients with discolored or stained teeth might pursue in-office teeth-whitening treatment. Given that the goal of teeth whitening is a cosmetic one (i.e., enhancing the appearance of the teeth by improving their color), this treatment can be considered a cosmetic dental treatment.
Restorative dentistry refers to a dental treatment that restores proper oral health and function. For example, patients who are missing many teeth might not be able to speak or chew properly. This can lead to a host of medical problems, such as periodontal (gum) disease or even malnutrition. Their dentist may recommend that they get dental implants with bridges or dentures to promote sound oral health and restore full oral and dental function.
It is important to note that sometimes a restorative treatment also provides cosmetic benefits, and vice versa.