5 of the Most Common Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Our smiles are important to us, and when something happens that affects the appearance of our smiles, like a chipped or missing tooth, we can feel self conscious. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry has a multitude of options to help you correct almost any problem and restore your smile to brilliance. Below are five of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry.

1. Invisalign®

Instead of using traditional bracket and wire braces, Invisalign® straightens your teeth by using custom made clear aligners. For around the same cost as braces, Invisalign® offers a discreet way to get the smile you deserve. If you’ve been curious about Invisalign and have been looking for a dentist that provides “Invisalign® near me,” consider contacting McKenzie Family Dental for a free consultation.

2. Whitening

Certain foods and liquids (like coffee and red wine) have a tendency to cause discoloration to teeth, and even the best whitening toothpaste only provides so much relief. That’s because toothpastes can only get to surface stains, which doesn’t target overall discoloration. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures for that reason. Professional teeth whitening penetrates the enamel to wipe out staining at the core of the teeth. There are different types of whitening procedures–some can be done with just one session while others may require continued visits to achieve the desired results.

3. Veneers

Veneers are ideal for correcting imperfections on one or more teeth. Veneers are porcelain shells that are permanently attached to the front of your tooth in order to correct problems like a chip, small size or discoloration to create a consistent smile. Some forms of veneers are more complicated to attach than others but there are different options. No-prep veneers are the most simple, with minimal prep needed to adhere them to your tooth, while other forms may require the damaged tooth to be ground down to accommodate the veneer.

4. Implants

Implants are essentially replacements for missing or severely damaged teeth. The there part procedure will require some surgery. First, a fixture is implanted into your mouth, which functions like an artificial root. Next, something called an abutment is adhered to the fixture–this will make sure the final part, the dental prosthetic, is properly attached to the fixture. The prosthetic is what is visible and looks just like a real tooth. Prosthetics are custom designed to match the shape and color of your other teeth, leaving you with a natural smile.

5. Bonding

Bonding is a procedure that, like implants, corrects damaged teeth, but in less severe cases than those that require implants. Dental bonding consists of applying a strong material to the existing tooth to fill in the chip or crack. Bonding can also be used to correct discoloration or to lengthen a tooth that’s smaller than the rest.

Your specific dental needs will determine the type of cosmetic procedure that may be right for you. If you feel like you’re a candidate for cosmetic dentistry, then the first step is to get in touch with an experienced professional to answer your questions and help you navigate the process. Get in touch with McKenzie Family Dental in Hannibal, Missouri to get started on your journey to your perfect smile.