Many people are anxious about showing their smiles due to frustrating and distracting blemishes like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness, and this may make it difficult for them to socialize or distinguish themselves at work. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry is a fascinating field of oral health treatment that includes procedures designed to enhance the appearance of a smile. Here’s a quick look at a few effective cosmetic dental treatments and how you can find out if you’re an excellent candidate for them.
Direct Bonding
Direct bonding is an incredibly popular cosmetic dental treatment because it can address mild cracks, chips, stains, and gaps in minutes during a routine dental appointment, and it does so in such a noninvasive and painless way that it does not normally require anesthesia. To perform this treatment, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the targeted defect, shape the putty-like material until it is flush with the shape of your tooth, and harden it with a specialized UV light. This creates a durable and beautiful restoration that can last for several years with excellent care.
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
Dentists have used crowns to repair damaged or misshapen teen for centuries, but these appliances have traditionally been made from metals that make them conspicuous when the patient grins. Thankfully, modern crowns are often made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain, which allows them to blend in perfectly with the rest of the smile. These devices are so lifelike that casual observers will not be able to tell that they are not natural dental structure.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
Virtually anyone can be an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry as long as they are free from oral infections like cavities and gum disease. If a person has these issues, they can usually become an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry after receiving appropriate restorative treatments to resolve any infections. Your dentist will be happy to help you understand which cosmetic treatments you may benefit from and how you can become a suitable candidate during your consultation at their office.
Don’t let troublesome dental defects detract from the beauty of your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to achieve a gorgeous grin as well as excellent oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Albert Kim earned his dental degree at the NYU College of Dentistry and takes great pride in providing excellent oral healthcare to the lovely community of Richmond. His office offers a range of services including preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry may be able to help you, contact his office on the web or dial (832) 220-9324.