subject: Cosmetic Dentistry- Improve The Appearance Of Your Smile [print this page] From subtle changes to major oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry techniques can treat an array of dental blemishes and problems including teeth that are discolored, chipped, missing or misshaped. General dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on both the appearance and well-being of your teeth, mouth and smile. With advancements in cosmetic dentistry, your dentist in Park Ridge has the ability to transform your smile with everything from advanced teeth whitening and translucent tooth coverings to complete smile makeovers.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Not everyone is born with a perfect smile, but thanks to the development of cosmetic dentistry, people can change their smile into a smile they love. From subtle changes to an entire smile makeover, your Park Ridge dentist can perform an array of procedures to help improve your smile. Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Some common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
*Teeth whitening and bleaching
*Bonding
*Crowns
*Veneers
*Contouring and shaping
Change the Appearance of Your Smile with Veneers
If your teeth are cracked, stained, uneven or chipped, veneers may be the perfect option for transforming the most damaged smile. Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of your teeth. These thin, porcelain shells are custom-designed by your dentist to perfectly cover and match your natural smile to mask most any dental blemish, including stains and cracks. In some cases, veneers are even a viable alternative to braces.
The procedure requires little to no anesthesia and can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of your front teeth. Veneers are commonly used to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve your smile as a whole. Compared to many treatment options, veneers will last a long time, up to 20 years, and correct the alignment of your smile by covering damaged or misshapen teeth.
Tooth Reshaping and Dental Contouring
If you have a minor defect in your teeth that you would like to eliminate, you may be a candidate for tooth reshaping, also called dental contouring. Tooth reshaping and dental contouring are cosmetic dentistry's procedures that deal with subtle changes to the teeth. Sometimes little changes can make a big difference.
Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is a cosmetic dentistry technique that removes small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the shape, length, or surface of one or more teeth. Even a few millimeters of reduction in the right places can really improve the appearance of teeth. The tooth reshaping process can also be combined with bonding, which is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that uses toot-colored composite material to sculpt and shape the teeth.
It is performed using dental instruments and abrasion techniques. Before your tooth reshaping can begin, dental x-rays may be taken before the reshaping and contouring begin to ensure that your teeth are healthy. A sanding instrument is then used to artfully eliminate or minimize imperfections on the surface of the teeth, and sandpaper-like strips may be used to contour the sides of the teeth as well. Finally, the teeth are smoothed and polished for a finished look.
Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their teeth. If you are one of the many people who desire a change in your smile, consult your cosmetic dentist in Islip for more information on your available options. .
