Unhappy with your smile? Wish you could improve imperfections and love your smile again? A visit to a cosmetic dentist could be the solution you want. Dental professionals can perform several services designed to enhance the appearance and functionality of the teeth. In doing so, we enjoy a beautiful smile and better self-esteem.

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures address numerous concerns that may affect our teeth and smile, including discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and missing teeth. From veneers to dental implants, treatments improve aesthetic and functional performance, allowing patients to love their smiles.

Some cosmetic procedures are more popular than others due to their immediate, effective, and long-lasting results. Which services do cosmetic dentists perform more than others? Glad you asked. Learn about the most popular procedures as this Portland dentist explained to me in this blog.

1.   Teeth Whitening

Unquestionably the most requested cosmetic procedure dentists perform, teeth whitening addresses tooth discoloration issues using a bleaching agent that removes stains and discoloration to lighten and whiten the teeth up to 10 shades.

Our teeth become discolored and stained from everyday activities like eating and

drinking certain foods, smoking, ineffective oral care, and other factors. These issues cause the teeth to become yellow or brown, or leave them stained and spotted.

Discoloration issues can affect our confidence and how others perceive us. Remember, our smile is the first thing others see when they meet us. Tooth whitening ensures you present a beautiful, healthy, confident smile. 

Discolored teeth affect our confidence and how other people perceive us. Whitening reverses the problems and gives back confidence.

A whitening procedure is performed in the office or DIY with take-home kits. In-office whitening treatments provide immediate results, while DIY kits provide gradual results over time.

The non-invasive procedure can dramatically improve the teeth’s appearance with results lasting up to one year. Remember, however, proper oral hygiene is essential for the most effective outcome.

2.   Veneers

Dental veneers are another commonly requested cosmetic procedure. This one addresses issues such as chipped and cracked teeth.

A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain. It is custom-made to cover the front surface of the tooth, protecting it from further damage while hiding cosmetic issues that can affect confidence and self-esteem.

Veneers look like natural teeth and offer a long-lasting solution to dental imperfections. When properly cared for, veneers can last 15 years or longer.

3.   Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently implanted into the gums and cannot be removed. They look and feel more like natural teeth, and help preserve bone structure.

Using dental implants over dentures is a wise idea.  There is no worry they’ll fall out of your mouth when you’re in front of a group of people, no realignments to worry about, and little to no discomfort after the short adjustment period.

Properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost of dental implants. Expect to spend between $10,000 – $20,000. It generally takes about one year to complete dental implant procedures.

4.   Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is another procedure used to address minor dental imperfections. This service adheres, or bonds, tooth-colored materials to the affected area. It’s a quick, effective, and pain-free solution to various issues, including discoloration, gaps, chips and cracks, and stains.

Bonding lasts several years, but wear and tear can occur. It generally needs to be replaced more frequently than veneers. It is inexpensive and provides results in one visit, however, making it an ideal solution for many patients.

5.   Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the final procedure we’ll discuss today, but not the last service available. Also called caps, crowns are custom-made to fit over your teeth to treat various concerns, including tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, fillings, to cover spaces and gaps, and to correct poorly shaped teeth.

Several types of dental crowns are available, each designed with different advantages. Ceramics, metal, composite, and porcelain are the three major types. Ceramic crowns are the most popular materials used for crowns.

Ceramic crowns match the natural color of your teeth. They chip less than other materials but may wear down faster.  Metal crowns are made from metal alloys, including gold. They can replace molars and work well for people who grind their teeth. Metal crowns are resistant to cracking, but can cause allergic reactions in some people. Composite crowns are crafted from synthetic resin and designed to look like your own teeth but offer the shortest lifespan of all the materials. It is often the most affordable material for crowns. Porcelain crowns are durable, stain-resistant, and look natural. They are more expensive than other crowns and are more likely to chip and crack.

Crowns require two dental visits. At the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth for crown placement by removing a layer of enamel. A temporary crown is then placed over the affected tooth. The dentist also takes an impression of your teeth to match your other teeth to ensure an accurate fit.

At the second visit, the dentist places the crown over the affected tooth and adjusts the shape and color after it is in place, if necessary. It takes time to adjust to wearing a crown, but the procedure is pain-free. You’ll be back to work and living life the following day!

The Bottom Line

No matter how well we care for our teeth, problems can occur, especially as we age. These issues impact how we smile and feel about ourselves. Luckily, cosmetic dentists ensure we do not suffer. Their list of services is long and includes the popular procedures above. Do not spend another day wishing you had a new smile when cosmetic dentistry has a solution. Schedule your appointment today.

Issues with the teeth can affect our smile and how we feel about ourselves. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists offer numerous procedures to improve imperfections and increase our confidence. We’ve discussed five popular services above, although many others are available. If you aren’t happy with your smile, do not spend another day wearing a frown; schedule an appointment with your dentist!

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