subject: How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help You Achieve A Perfect Smile [print this page] If you are one of the millions of people that are unhappy with the coloring or shape of your teeth, you should consider talking to your Las Cruces dentist about cosmetic dentistry. As time has gone on and dental techniques and technologies have become more and more advanced, cosmetic dentistry has become a very effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. Today, there are a variety of different cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening. The quickest and most effective way to do this is to have your dentist perform the procedure in a single appointment in his or her office. He or she will use a combination of whitening gel and a special light or laser to significantly whiten your teeth in a procedure that will take between one and two hours. If you do not want to spend the money on an in-office procedure, your dentist can also provide you with a customized take-home whitening kit. He or she will take an impression of your teeth in order to create a set of whitening trays that will fit in perfectly to your teeth. You will fill them with whitening gel and wear them on your teeth for about an hour. After doing this every day for approximately two weeks, your teeth will have become much whiter.
Dental Veneers
Another way that you can improve the appearance of your teeth is through the use of dental veneers. Veneers are thin custom-fitted shells of tooth-colored material that are directly attached to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. To put them in, your dentist will begin by removing about millimeter of enamel from the front of your teeth. An impression will then be taken of your teeth in order to create a set of veneers that will fit in perfectly to your bite. After waiting a few weeks, your dentist will permanently attach your veneers. Once put in, they will cover any small gaps and give your teeth a very nice color.
Dental Crowns
If you have a single tooth that is chipped, cracked or otherwise disfigured, your dentist may solve the problem with a dental crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is directly installed on top of your tooth to improve its size, shape, strength and/or appearance. To put a crown in, your dentist will first reduce the size of your tooth in order to ensure there is enough room for it. An impression will then be taken in order to create your permanent crown. Once it is ready, your dentist will permanently cement the crown in place, where it will both look and function like any of your natural teeth.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Las Cruces.
