A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter teeth to overall smile improvement, cosmetic dentistry has something to offer just about everyone. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, here is some key information to help you decide if it is right for you.
Overview of cosmetic dentistry
Any dental treatment where the key goal is to improve how teeth look can fall under cosmetic dentistry. Furthermore, cosmetic dentistry is not an official dental specialty but an area of dentistry concerned with improving the smile's appearance. Therefore, any dentist who offers cosmetic dentistry services can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. For this reason, we recommend seeking a cosmetic dentist who appears to invest in additional training and certifications in cosmetic dentistry and one with ample experience in the procedure one is interested in.
Popular smile-enhancing procedures
Here is a closer look at smile-enhancing treatments specific to cosmetic dentistry. Though a cosmetic dentist can recommend restorations like crowns, inlays, and teeth straightening treatments for cosmetic reasons, the following treatments are solely cosmetic. These procedures are available individually or as part of a smile makeover plan.
Teeth whitening
A leading reason people see a cosmetic dentist is the desire for whiter teeth. Professional teeth whitening can take several forms. Some cosmetic dentists offer in-office whitening treatments that are sometimes enhanced with lasers or a special light. However, most dentists offer a take-home system with custom-made trays and a professional whitening solution.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a versatile procedure that can fix tooth imperfections. The dentist applies a tooth-colored cosmetic resin to the teeth, shapes it, and hardens it with a special light. This procedure can fix minor chips and cracks, create a more aesthetically pleasing tooth shape, and even cover discolorations that do not respond to teeth whitening.
Dental veneers
These thin tooth-colored shells cover the parts of the teeth that are visible when a person smiles. A dentist can solve several cosmetic issues by placing a set of these porcelain or composite-resin veneers over the natural teeth. Dental veneers can create a smile uniform in tooth color, shape, and size. In addition, a set of veneers can make a smile appear straighter.
Who is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Almost anyone who wants to improve some aspect of their smile is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. However, the teeth and gums need to be healthy. The patient also needs to commit to taking good care of their teeth. It is important that the patient has realistic expectations of the final results and follows the dentist's preparation and aftercare guidelines.
Let us help you enhance your smile
Those looking to improve their smile should consider seeing a cosmetic dentist. Our team provides a range of cosmetic services to people in Culver City and the surrounding area. Call us today to learn more.
Request an appointment or call Culver City Dental at 310-272-5405 for an appointment in our Culver City office.
Recent Posts
Cosmetic dentistry can treat worn-down teeth. Using dental crowns can enhance your smile and oral health. Many people choose to have crowns or caps for their worn-down teeth. Caps have a high level of durability and aesthetic quality. If you want to know how cosmetic dentistry uses crowns to restore worn teeth, here are the…
Are you considering undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to enhance your smile? Continue reading to learn more about one of the most common smile-enhancing procedures: teeth whitening. Under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry, there are multiple approaches to teeth whitening. Having a thorough understanding of each option can be helpful.Below is an overview of teeth…
Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums,…