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Some dentists specialize in areas like orthodontics or prosthetic teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is not officially recognized as one of these specialties, so any dentist can just claim they are a cosmetic dentist. It’s no surprise, then, that there may be some confusion as to what exactly cosmetic dentistry is. Essentially, it refers to any service designed to improve the way your smile looks. Let’s talk about five common cosmetic dental treatments and how they can help you.
Teeth Whitening
As one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services, teeth whitening can provide truly transformative results. Professional whitening involves the use of a bleaching gel that is exponentially more potent than any product you can find in stores. It deeply penetrates the tooth enamel, breaking up stubborn stains. Most dentists offer custom take-home kits as well as quick, in-office whitening treatments.
Veneers
If your teeth have more extensive flaws than just stains, veneers can usually help. Once these thin porcelain shells are bonded to the fronts of imperfect teeth, your smile will instantly look leaps and bounds better. Each veneer is customized to complement your surrounding teeth and facial features, ensuring natural results. Plus, veneers can last for up to 20 years with good oral hygiene.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Like veneers, cosmetic dental bonding can completely transform your smile. This procedure involves applying a special, tooth-colored resin to your teeth to fix flaws like discoloration, cracks, chips, and even small gaps. Bonding doesn’t last as long as veneers do, but the results still look great, and it’s typically more affordable.
Six Month Smiles
Straightening teeth with traditional braces takes an average of two to three years, and the metal brackets and wires are immediately noticeable. Nowadays, patients with mildly to moderately crooked teeth can shift their teeth much more quickly and comfortably with Six Month Smiles. This treatment uses tooth-colored wires and clear brackets to even out your pearly whites in as little as six months. Additionally, they don’t cast a spotlight on the fact that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Gum Recontouring
In some cases, the problem with a person’s smile lies not with their teeth, but with their gums. Uneven or excess gum tissue can make your smile look disproportionate or awkward. Luckily, gum recontouring can help. With a highly precise dental laser, your dentist can trim the unnecessary gum tissue to create a symmetrical, attractive smile.
Explore Your Cosmetic Dentistry Options!
As you can see, there are plenty of cosmetic dental treatments available to give you a confident smile! If you have any questions about which of these services is right for you, just reach out to your cosmetic dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti studied dentistry in her native India before moving to the United States and earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine. In her 20 years of experience in the dental field, she has taken numerous post-graduate courses through her membership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. At Happy Smiles, she provides all of the cosmetic dental treatments listed in this post and more. To find out which one is best for you, contact Dr. Ponnaganti through her website.