Cosmetic Dentistry

A beautiful smile can light up a room and make a great first impression. And while you may not think about it, your teeth play a big role in how others perceive you. For many people, however, their smile is not something they are confident about. Studies have shown that 51% of Americans are self-conscious about their teeth and would like to improve them somehow. If the look of your teeth makes you unhappy, your self-esteem suffers. A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted and boost your confidence.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a professional dental care that focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and overall smile. It involves several procedures, from teeth whitening and shaping to veneers and implants. Cosmetic dentistry is often used to improve a person's smile with gaps between the teeth, as well as chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth. It can also be used to correct a person's bite.

Although the procedures are usually elective, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry go beyond aesthetics. For example, having damaged, decayed, or crooked teeth makes it difficult to eat and speak. In most people, dental imperfections can also affect their self-esteem.

Reasons to see a Cosmetic Dentist

Here are some of the most common teeth problems that a dentist can fix

Crooked Teeth:

People of all ages can suffer from this issue, but it is most common in children and adolescents. There are many ways to treat crooked teeth, but braces are the most common. Invisalign is another option that is becoming increasingly popular because it uses clear aligners that are barely visible.

Gaps in Teeth:

Patients may develop gaps between teeth due to genetics, poor oral hygiene, or thumb sucking. Regardless of the cause, teeth gaps can be very noticeable and embarrassing for some people. They can also make it difficult to properly brush and floss your teeth, leading to other dental problems. Bonding is one way to close small gaps, while veneers or crowns may be necessary to close larger ones.

Stained or Discolored Teeth:

They can be caused by many things, including smoking, certain medications, and even aging. Teeth whitening is the most common treatment for this problem and can be done in various ways, including at-home kits, in-office procedures, or even through special toothpaste and mouthwashes.

Chipped or Broken Teeth:

Chipped or broken teeth can occur for several reasons, including trauma to the mouth or face, clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), and even biting your nails. While not always visible, these chips and cracks can become quite large over time and eventually become very noticeable. Bonding is one way to repair small chips, while veneers or crowns may be necessary for larger ones.

Missing Teeth:

This dental problem is embarrassing and can make eating and speaking difficult. Dental implants are the most common treatment for missing teeth and can provide a natural-looking and functioning replacement.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

There are many different treatments available under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Samani will create a tailored treatment plan depending on your specific needs and goals.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your smile. This process uses bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth, leaving them noticeably brighter. Teeth whitening is safe for most people and can be done in the dentist's office or at home using a kit provided by your dentist.

Veneers

These thin pieces of porcelain are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They're often used to cover up chips, cracks, gaps, or stains that whitening alone can't fix. Veneers are also an option if you have misshapen or slightly crooked teeth. The procedure for getting veneers usually requires two visits to the dentist – one for preparation and one for placement. Porcelain veneers can last for many years with proper care.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin materials that match the color of your teeth. They are used to repair chipped teeth, change the shape of teeth, close gaps between teeth, or make them look longer. Tooth-colored fillings require one office visit for placement.

Crowns

A crown (sometimes called a cap) is an artificial tooth covering an existing tooth damaged by decay or injury. Crowns can also be used on top of implants or to support large fillings when there isn't enough remaining tooth structure left. They are usually made of porcelain, gold alloy, or most commonly, Zirconia.

Implants

An implant is an artificial replacement root placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or crown. Implants can also support an overdenture (a removable denture that snaps onto implant posts).

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment straightens crooked or crowded teeth and helps to correct improper bites. This usually requires multiple office visits over a period of time for cleaning and adjustments.

Invisalign

This orthodontic treatment uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces and may be used to correct the same types of dental problems.