Not everyone loves their smile. But the good news is that if you don’t like your smile, you no longer must accept it as-is. Thanks to many advancements in cosmetic dentistry, there are various options for getting the smile you have always wanted.
You may think of several approaches to getting that perfect smile. Be it braces or whitening, or perhaps veneers, you don’t have to frown when you look in the mirror or at pictures.
8 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
(Some of these categories overlap with restorative, orthodontic, and other dentistry specialties.)
Bonding
This cosmetic procedure repairs decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth. Your dentist will apply a composite to your tooth’s surface and sculpt it to the desired shape. Bonding covers any dental damage and blends in with your other teeth. It is one of the most budget-friendly choices and is excellent if you only have a few teeth to repair.
Bridges
If you are missing teeth or one has been compromised, your dentist may recommend bridgework to add in the missing teeth. Often, your dentist will need to have a dental lab build this custom piece to match perfectly with your other teeth.
Crowns
Sometimes called caps, crowns cover your entire tooth. Made from porcelain or acrylic and then fused to metal, they are strong enough to bite food. Crowns are ideal when teeth are misshapen, have numerous fillings, are badly decayed, or have cracks or chips.
Implants
Implants replace missing teeth. An implant is inserted deep into the jawbone, where it will bond. A special crown goes over the implant.
Aligners or Braces
Whether you choose traditional metal braces or opt for Invisalign, this is one of the most common approaches to straightening teeth. Each option is effective and can achieve the smile you are ready for. Depending on the amount of work you want done, Dr. Khal can help you determine what would be best.
Tooth Reshaping
Tooth reshaping removes small portions of a tooth, making your smile more even. It is common when small chips are at the front of the mouth or when teeth are uneven. It is a great choice when you only want cosmetic dentistry work done and do not have additional dental issues with the tooth.
Veneers
These are thin shells of porcelain placed on the front of your teeth. They are ideal for covering up stained or crooked teeth and hiding gaps and spaces. Veneers look completely natural, so only you and your dental team will know you have them.
Whitening
Beautiful white teeth aren’t only for models and movie stars. If you have stained teeth or just want your teeth to be brighter, the whitening is a great choice. There are several approaches to teeth whitening, but for the best and safest approach, talk to your Linglestown dental staff.
The approach to getting your perfect smile will depend on the desired outcome. Talk to the Linglestown Family Dental staff if you are ready to update your smile. We can assess your dental health and cosmetic dental needs and let you know the best approach. Before you know it, you will have a smile that makes you want to take a selfie!