When our parents and grandparents visited their dentist\'s office, the goal was to preserve their teeth. That meant routine cleaning, fillings, and even root canals. Today, the field of dentistry has expanded to include strategies that can improve your smile. A cosmetic dentist can employ the latest state-of-the-art technology and methods to repair damaged teeth, remove stains, and compensate for gaps and other problems with the supporting bone structure. In this article, I\'ll describe 6 common procedures that a cosmetic dentist can perform to help improve the appearance of your smile. #1 - In-Office Tooth Whitening Our teeth become stained over time due largely to the foods and beverages we consume. For example, coffee, red wines, and colored juices can fill the cracks that develop within the enamel, giving your teeth a discolored appearance. Your cosmetic dentist can eliminate the stains by applying a peroxide gel when you visit his office. The procedure takes very little time (often, less than 1 hour) and can be performed without any discomfort. #2 - Bonding In the event that one of your teeth sustains damage or severe decay, and it leads to the deterioration of its structure, a composite solution can be used to restore its appearance. The material is bonded to the tooth\'s remaining structure and then meticulously sculpted to blend in seamlessly. When the procedure is finished, the work is all but invisible, restoring your smile without anyone being able to tell the difference. #3 - Veneers Veneers are used to restore broken or chipped teeth, or those that have been severely discolored. They can help resolve aesthetic problems related to worn enamel, uneven teeth, and odd gaps or spacing. A cosmetic dentist will create an impression of your tooth and a dental technician will carefully build the veneer for a precise fit. The tooth is buffed to ensure a perfect fit and the veneer is bonded with a specially formulated cement. #4 - Smile Makeovers A smile makeover can actually be comprised of several cosmetic dental procedures. The objective is to deliver a comprehensive solution for improving the appearance of a patient\'s smile. To achieve that result, your dental professional may suggest teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers to correct alignment problems. It\'s an involved procedure that takes into consideration such factors as your smile line, the length and proportions of your teeth, and their unique texture. #5 - Crowns And Bridges Crowns are often used to restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth after other procedures. For example, a porcelain crown may be used to cap a tooth on which a root canal was performed. If a portion was removed during the procedure, a crown can help restore the tooth\'s natural function. Bridges are used to compensate for sections of missing tooth structure. Not only do they improve the appearance of the affected area, but they also help restore the biting fit of the upper and lower jaw. #6 - Implants A dental implant replaces a missing tooth. It\'s entirely synthetic (often, the implant is constructed of titanium) and is surgically anchored into the jawbone. As such, it\'s permanent; it cannot be removed like a bridge. Before your cosmetic dentist will insert an implant, he\'ll check whether the surrounding bone has sufficient density to support the anchor. While there are many ways to treat a missing tooth, dental implants are the most durable option available. The Value Of Your Cosmetic Dentist The field of dentistry has expanded to accommodate the growing needs of millions of people. Proper oral hygiene and taking preventative measures aimed at avoiding decay will always be an integral part of general dentistry. However, a cosmetic dentist can offer an additional menu of solutions to improve the appearance of your smile. From whitening to smile makeovers and veneers to implants, your dental professional can provide value in ways that you may be unaware. On your next visit, invest the time to ask them about the work they can perform.
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