Why Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help patients enhance a smile beyond what regular cleaning and maintenance contribute. This dental professional can also assist with the repair and replacement of teeth. The services provided depend on the patient's current oral health and long-term goals. Many people seek cosmetic dental work to solve problems that detract from the look of their smiles.

Reasons for visiting a cosmetic dentist

A patient's goals can range from immediate needs such as the restoration of missing teeth to cosmetic concerns that include smile enhancement and whitening.

Repair a tooth

Sometimes a patient cracks or otherwise damages a tooth. A cosmetic dentist can help correct this in multiple ways.

Crowns, which go on top of the tooth, are a fairly common procedure. They can be made of metal, resin, or porcelain. Porcelain crowns in particular are able to match the color of the tooth almost exactly. All crowns are long-lasting and require the same maintenance that real teeth do. In the case of minor damage, a tooth-colored resin can be used to repair and strengthen the tooth.

Replace a tooth

When the damage is more severe, or a patient loses a tooth, replacement is sometimes necessary. A cosmetic dentist may recommend a dental implant, which replaces the root of the tooth in the jawbone. The implant supports an artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural one. If the damage extends to multiple teeth, the dentist may suggest a bridge or dentures with either permanent or removable synthetic teeth that connect to the implants. A bridge is an artificial construction that covers a gap of several teeth.

Enhance a smile

A patient can visit a cosmetic dentist for smile enhancement. Gum reshaping is a common procedure for gummy smiles, which occur when a patient's smile shows too much gum. A skilled dentist can reshape the gums to reveal more of the teeth.

Dental bonding is also a common procedure during which resin is applied to a chipped or misshapen tooth. It can change the form of the tooth and produce a more even smile. A veneer can also cover the front of the teeth, altering the color and contour of a patient's smile. This is often combined with enamel shaping, which changes the shape of natural teeth.

Whiten the teeth

Sometimes a patient may wish for a whiter smile. Cosmetic dentists can recommend a variety of methods depending on what works best for the patient. Special kinds of toothpaste, rinses, and strips can help whiten teeth. A cosmetic dentist might also recommend bleaching gels applied with custom-made trays. These types of whitening are more suited to patients with yellowing teeth than graying teeth. Individuals must also have good oral health for tooth whitening to be most effective.