subject: How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile [print this page] For many people, smiling can actually be a source of embarrassment or shame. If you are one of the millions of people that are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, it may be time that you talked to your dentist about a cosmetic procedure. Over the years, cosmetic dentistry has made some tremendous advancements to the point where your dentist has several effective options to improve the appearance of your teeth today. Don't hesitate to talk to your West Chester dentist today if you are unhappy with your smile.
Dental Veneers
One common way to improve the appearance of your smile is with dental veneers. Veneers are thin customized shells of tooth-colored material that are directly attached to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. To install veneers, your dentist will first need to remove about millimeter from the enamel on the front of your teeth to make room for your veneers. He or she will then take an impression of your teeth to create veneers that will fit perfectly to your teeth and send them to a dental lab. When your permanent veneers arrive from the lab, your dentist will do a final check for coloring and fit and then permanently cement them into place. Once put on, your veneers will give your teeth a bright, natural color and cover up any small gaps in your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Another popular cosmetic method is to receive teeth whitening treatment. The quickest and most effective way to do this is to have your dentist perform the procedure in a single quick appointment in his or her office. By using a combination of whitening gel and a special light or laser, your dentist is able to significantly whiten your teeth in an appointment that generally takes between one and two hours. If you do not want to spend the money on an in-office whitening procedure, your dentist can also provide you with a take home whitening kit. He or she will take an impression in order to create a customized set of whitening trays for you. When you are at home, you will fill the trays with whitening gel and wear them on your teeth for about an hour. Your teeth will become much whiter after doing this every day for approximately two weeks.
Dental Crowns
If you have a single tooth that is discolored or otherwise unsightly, your dentist can use a dental crown to restore your smile. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed on top of a tooth to improve its shape, size, strength and/or appearance. To put a crown in, your dentist will first have to file down the tooth to make room for your crown to fit. After taking an impression and creating the crown, your dentist will then permanently cement the crown into place.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in West Chester today.
