Life is better when you can laugh and smile anytime your soul is happy. However, having dental issues can cause you to feel shy and keep you from sharing your smile with the world. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry services, you can stop covering your mouth when you smile and throw caution to the wind.
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The Difference between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist
Although you are likely to find both, there is a difference between a Riverside cosmetic dentist and a general dentist. A general dentist is focused on preventing and treating dental illness, while a cosmetic dentist deals with the overall appearance of the teeth.
The good news is that all dentists receive the same basic training and can help you manage your dental health and aesthetic appeal.
What Procedures Can You Get From a Cosmetic Dentist?
Patients need a cosmetic dentist when they have a:
- Misshapen tooth or teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Missing tooth or teeth
Everyone with these issues can see improvement at a cosmetic dentist’s office. Your cosmetic dentist would deny you treatment only if you have advanced or extensive cavities or gum disease that must be treated first.
In such a situation, your cosmetic dentist will address the dental disease to get you healthy before pursuing cosmetic avenues. Some cosmetic services you can get include:
Teeth Whitening
Drinks like coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks can stain your teeth over time despite daily brushing. This is why teeth whitening can dramatically lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile. Some cosmetic dentists offer at-home treatments for teeth whitening procedures.
Dental Bonding
If you’ve taken a strong bite of something hard or bumped into something face, you may get a few cracked teeth. A trip to the cosmetic dentist will get dental bonds, a tooth-colored composite resin, to conceal the cracks and craze lines.
Left unattended, these dental cracks can cause the tooth to break or harbor dirt causing visible discoloration.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are medical-grade ceramic shells moulded in the shape of a tooth. They are attached to the front part of your teeth to cover up dental flaws you may not be comfortable with. The best part about porcelain veneers is that they are stain resistant and can last up to 10 years.
Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring is shaping your teeth to achieve a certain shape, size, and profile. Although tooth contouring can be done in one sitting, you only have so much enamel to carve through, so this is not always the best option.
Gum Contouring
A person can have too much gum. This can cause the individual to have a gummy smile. The best way to manage this is by getting gum contouring to remove excess gum and create a balanced smile.
Restorative Dental Procedures
Most services offered at the cosmetic dentist are cosmetic in nature. However, some cosmetic dentists offer restorative dental treatments which repair teeth and improve function. Some restorative dental services have the added effect of improving the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic Dentist FAQ
Will veneers fix crooked teeth?
There is a chance that veneers can slightly fix crooked teeth since they go over the teeth. However, veneers cannot be used to correct very crooked teeth. Veneers are usually a great way to get you that sparkling smile.
Can I fix my gummy smile?
A gummy smile is most probably caused by an overgrowth of the gum tissue. Suppose this is the case for you; you can get laser treatment to remove the excess gum tissue.
Do tooth whitening therapy damage my tooth enamel?
The answer to this query depends on the initial state of your enamel. If you have regularly used chemicals that weaken the enamel in the past, then it may already be in a compromised state. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the enamel and gums if used too often.
How can I fix a chipped or broken tooth?
Minor chips or breaks can be easily fixed using dental bonding, while larger cracks may need veneers to keep debris out of the cavity and hide the imperfection. If the break is substantial, your dentist may need to shave the tooth down and cap it with a crown to protect the sensitive root and prevent further breaks.
Can a cosmetic dentist fix my overbite?
Yes, a cosmetic dentist is trained and equipped to help patients resolve overbites, among other dental issues.
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
Dentists always aim to keep the patient comfortable throughout any procedure. All cosmetic dentistry procedures are safe and painless because your dentist can use a variety of treatments to numb your gum.
