A person’s smile comprises many parts, each contributing to the overall aesthetic, including teeth alignment, whiteness, smoothness, and shape, and a cosmetic dentist specializes in all these areas. They can help a patient improve their smile’s appearance so they can confidently show off their pearly whites to the world.
However, many people do not realize that a cosmetic dentist would be a good fit for them because they do not know what services this dental professional can provide. Here is an overview of their most common procedures to get you started.
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the aesthetic appearance of the teeth rather than their function. This means the performed procedures are intended to make a person’s smile more appealing and beautiful. The services provided include the following.
Whether in the office or at home, cosmetic dentists have access to more powerful teeth whitening solutions than what patients can buy over the counter. During an in-office whitening, a peroxide-based solution is applied to teeth and then activated using a special light. This process usually takes an hour or less, and patients can enjoy teeth that are multiple shades whiter afterward.
Those who do not want to dedicate time in the office or want a more flexible option can opt for at-home whitening. The cosmetic dentist will take a mold of the patient’s mouth and teeth to create custom-fitted trays, ensuring optimal coverage of the whitening agent. Then, patients wear the trays at home to whiten their teeth while they enjoy hobbies or other activities.
Those whose teeth are stained in ways that do not respond to whitening may benefit from veneers. These tooth-colored shells sit on the front surfaces of the teeth, hiding any imperfections. Most veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed for installation, so once a person gets veneers, they will need to keep wearing them. Veneers can cover issues like stains and small cracks.
If a person is self-conscious about the shape of their teeth due to chips, cracks, or the width and length, they can pursue dental bonding. The dental bonding agent looks just like the enamel of a natural tooth, and the dentist can change the shape and surface to be more appealing. Sometimes, cosmetic dentists use dental bonding to make gaps between teeth appear smaller and more natural. Dental bonding can be removed at any time, so it is not a permanent commitment.
People who experience a “gummy” smile (or its opposite, a receding gumline) can benefit from gum contouring. Depending on the patient's needs, the cosmetic dentist will either remove excess gum tissue or graft it from other locations in the mouth to add to the base of the teeth. This can make the smile more natural by controlling how big or small the teeth appear.
If you do not feel confident about your smile, you have options! A cosmetic dentist can help you explore the many options available to change your smile and achieve a more confident look. Contact our cosmetic dentist today to schedule an appointment where we can discuss your oral condition and the options that might work best for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.fairfaxdentalcenter.com or call Fairfax Dental Center at (703) 246-1507 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Fairfax, VA.
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