In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we can now improve our teeth and smiles with treatments that are quick, painless, surprisingly affordable, and more effective than ever.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

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• Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth

• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth

• Improve or correct bites

• Lighten or brighten the color of teeth

• Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth

• Replace missing teeth

• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

 

Remember, your smile speaks before you even say a word. Make sure it’s saying what you want it to with cosmetic dental services from Dr. Smith.

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Veneers

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If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers can be a simple option.  Veneers are thin coverings that are place over the front (visible) portion of the tooth.  Veneers are made to look like natural teeth.  Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of issues, such as:

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• teeth that are stained and can't be whitened by bleaching

• chipped or worn teeth

• crooked or misshapen teeth

• uneven spaces or a large gaps between front teeth

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Veneers are made of either porcelain (lab made) or composite resin material (in office).  Dr. Smith can help you choose which material would be best for you.

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Teeth Whitening

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Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.

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How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

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Does whitening work on all teeth?

No, which is why it’s important to talk to Dr. Smith before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.

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What are the options for teeth whitening?

Talk to Dr. Smith before starting. If you are a candidate, there are three ways to put the shine back in your smile:

 

Whitening Toothpastes
All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth.  Look for the ADA Seal for safe whitening toothpastes that have special chemical or polishing agents to provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these types of ADA Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

 

In-Office Bleaching
This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

 

At-Home Bleaching
Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. You may also use a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist would use in the office.

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