Everyone loves a gorgeous smile. Bright, straight teeth make a person look young and vibrant. One study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows that an attractive smile will make you appear more intelligent, successful, and friendly. Men and women of all ages, as well as teenagers, can choose from non- or minimally-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures to quickly achieve a sensational smile. Here’s a rundown on some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Bonding – Cosmetic tooth bonding involves adding composite resin to tooth structure to improve shape and color. Bonding can close gaps, make teeth look brighter, correct chips, and smooth rough edges. The one-visit procedure takes minutes, and the results last for years.
Veneers – For a significant smile transformation, known as a smile makeover, porcelain veneers are the gold standard. Each veneer is custom designed and handcrafted to look natural and beautiful. Some patients choose porcelain veneers over braces for teeth straightening. As an upgrade to bonding, veneers can last ten years or more with proper care. They’re stain resistant, as well. Veneers usually require two or three appointments.
Clear Braces – Teens and adults may not have to wear traditional metal braces for orthodontic treatment. Modern orthodontics has given us clear braces and clear, removable aligners. These procedures often take less time than traditional braces, and they are inconspicuous, so patients maintain a mature, sophisticated image.
Teeth Whitening – An independent study by Kelton Research shows that after teeth whitening, job candidates are more likely to land a position at a higher rate of pay. Depending on the nature of your staining and your level of sensitivity, your cosmetic dentist may recommend chairside bleaching, home whitening, or a combination of these procedures. In-office whitening takes an hour, and home whitening yields optimal results in about two weeks.
White Restorations – People no longer have to worry about metal crowns and amalgam fillings destroying their all-white smile. Today, Zirconia, all-porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide strength and durability, even for restorations on back teeth. In some cases, for teeth that do not show in a smile, precious metal crowns are still the best option. As for fillings, composite resin tinted to blend perfectly with tooth enamel provides a reliable restoration that looks natural. The composite resin used for fillings is the same material used in cosmetic bonding. Patients with metal crowns and fillings should talk with their dentist about replacing old dental work with tooth-colored restorations. White crowns generally require two visits, unless your dentist has CAD/CAM crown capability, and white fillings are placed in a single visit.
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