Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Cosmetic treatments can vary depending on the profession of your dentist; Dentists throughout the industry will provide patients with many options to help their patients regain their confidence and their smile back. But for those considering cosmetic treatment, choosing the options that present the best outcomes can be a difficult task. Cosmetic dentistry, however, offers a wide variety of cosmetic treatments to choose from, and by patient standards, sometimes, the most popular choices yield the best results. To outline the options available, we can explain some of the different techniques that specialty dentists typically use to help treat their patients when it comes to their smiles.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Are Available?

• Invisalign – For those looking to realign their teeth, orthodontic dentistry focuses on designing appliances made to straighten teeth over time gradually. Orthodontists, however, have been gradually removing the bulky metal braces from their selections and have begun to offer Invisalign as an alternative solution. These clear braces sit in the front and back of the teeth, don’t have an age limit, and are easily removable for cleaning. Their clear material makes it visually appealing, and it removes the invasive procedure that’s commonly found with traditional braces, making it more appealing for those needing a milder case of teeth straightening.
• Bonding – As one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures, general and cosmetic dentists offer this procedure to fix minor chips and discolorations in the teeth. Bonding can also close the spaces in between the teeth and improve their length and appearance. By using composite resin, the teeth can be protected and secured, especially in cases where receding gums and cracked teeth are present. These procedures take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and the treatment can last up to several years before needing replacement.
• Veneers – Veneers cover up the front of the tooth, and provide an alternative to orthodontic braces, especially if your teeth have enough alignment necessary to be used. Veneers act as a cover for any damage and discoloration present within the front teeth and can be seen as a permanent solution when compared to bonding and Invisalign because dentists will remove parts of the enamel before bonding the veneers to the tooth. Veneers last about ten years and give a homogenous appearance to any smile.
• Contouring – As a less popular, but common cosmetic treatment, teeth, and gum contouring focuses on reshaping the small chips and unevenness found. Contouring teeth is similar to polishing a rough surface, as it aims to remove the imperfection in the teeth through either tooth files or lasers. The same goes for gums contouring, as it focuses on reshaping overlapping, large gums by removing any excess gums from the mouth.
• Whitening – Whitening treatments take up the least amount of time and commitment, and thus have become a popular cosmetic treatment. Advanced teeth whitening systems use whitening gels and LED accelerator lights to speed up the process. These treatments also provide quicker, better results than over-the-counter products cannot provide, as the dentists that provide these treatments often have the best experience in handling teeth.

Have questions about cosmetic treatments? Wish to schedule an dentist appointment with a cosmetic dentist that knows how to treat patients? Then contact Southwest Family Dentistry, located in Lake City, FL, and home to Dr. John Batlle, to schedule an appointment.