Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Enhance Your Smile

Are you unhappy with your smile? Don't worry; cosmetic dentistry can address and fix them. When you choose cosmetic dentistry, you are choosing procedures that are planned and designed to improve the appearance of your smile. These can include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or replacing your metal fillings with tooth-colored ones. Your dentist will help you choose the treatment that's right for your smile. Some patients benefit from a combination of procedures to achieve optimal results. Talk to our dentist about a full smile makeover if you have several issues that are detracting from the beauty of your smile. Here are the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments that enhance our smile aesthetics.

• Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening can brighten your smile up to eight shades! It effectively removes deep stains caused by food and drink, including coffee, wine, soda, berries, and other common staining agents. Most patients find they get the results they want through professional whitening treatments. The dentist performs the procedure in the office using a specialized gel containing hydrogen peroxide and a special light to accelerate the bleaching process. With professional in-office whitening, you can expect fast results that are immediately noticeable. Keep in mind that your at-home care will be a critical part of your treatment, as it will help you maintain the results of your professional procedure. 

• Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are designed to cover the fronts of your teeth. Each veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth and match the surrounding teeth in color and shape. They are typically placed over the course of two appointments at our dental office. 

During the first appointment, we will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth. We will then take an impression of your prepared tooth and send the mold to a dental lab where your veneer will be custom-made just for you. You will wear a temporary veneer until your permanent one is ready. Once your custom veneer arrives, you'll return to our office to have it bonded in place. With proper care, veneers can last for years.

• Dental Crowns

Many cosmetic issues can be addressed through the use of dental crowns, which are custom-made caps that fit over a tooth that has been damaged and is in need of restoration. They are used to cover broken teeth or teeth that are worn down from age or from use. A tooth may also need to be capped in order to hold a dental bridge in place or to cover an implant. The dentist will create the finished crown based on an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit. Your natural teeth will be filed down in order to make room for the crown to be placed over them, then cemented into place for a long-lasting solution.

Depending on the reason for your dental crown, your dentist may recommend different materials for the material of your crown. Metal crowns are strong and durable, but they tend to be a bit more noticeable than other materials. Porcelain is tooth-colored but not as durable as metal. Resin crowns are another option that blends the two materials and can provide the benefits of both. Talk to your dentist to discuss your best options for your customized smile makeover.

It's important to keep in mind that although a crown will conceal any imperfections in your smile, it will not correct them on its own. For this reason, it is important to take care of your oral health by brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and getting regular checkups with the dentist to address underlying problems that can cause damage, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral health will only serve to make your new dental crown look even better!

To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments, schedule an appointment right away with Ideal Smiles of Stamford. We are located at 86 Prospect St Suite 300, Stamford, CT 06901. You can also call us at (203) 359-2222 or mail us at [email protected].