For many people, having a beautiful smile is just as important as having a healthy smile. Even with proper alignment and good hygiene, there may still be irregularities in your teeth that keep you from feeling your best and brightest. Stains, discolorations, gaps, or teeth that seem too large or too small can have a big impact on your confidence and even how you interact with other people.
Cosmetic dentistry addresses more than just the appearance of your smile; it can also improve the function and structure of your mouth, teeth, and jaw. By repairing chipped or cracked teeth and evening out your biting surfaces, cosmetic dentistry can prevent future damage and uneven or excessive wear and tear to your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can address problems like:
Chipped teeth. In addition to drawing unwanted attention to your smile, chipped teeth can also attract tooth decay and further damage to the tooth’s structure.
Gaps between teeth. Sometimes there may still be gaps between your teeth even after orthodontic treatment. Your teeth may be too narrow to completely fill your dental arch, or they may just be positioned in a way that prevents a seamless smile. With options like veneers and bonding, cosmetic dentistry can help close small gaps without the need for additional orthodontic work.
Teeth that look too small, too big, too long, or are misshapen. Unevenly shaped teeth or teeth that seem disproportionate to your mouth can affect the aesthetics and symmetry of your facial appearance.
Staining. Some staining, discoloration, and yellowing of the teeth is normal for most people, especially as they age, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Cosmetic dentists offer professional whitening treatments that can virtually eliminate even years of staining.
With cosmetic dentistry services from Bright Now! Dental, you can finally have the stunning smile you’ve always dreamed of having, with treatment options like:
Dental veneers are often used for teeth that are chipped, irregularly shaped, or very heavily stained. Veneers are thin caps of porcelain that are applied to the front of your teeth and can be made in a variety of shades, just in case you don’t want the thousand-watt smile of a Hollywood movie star. To apply the veneers, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the teeth, then makes an impression that is sent off to a lab to create a custom veneer. The veneer is fixed to your teeth with a special dental cement. With proper care, veneers can last for many years.
Many patients prefer veneers to bonding or teeth whitening because they last longer, are resistant to future staining, and can address multiple issues at once.
Bonding is a quicker, more affordable alternative to veneers to correct small imperfections on your teeth. Bonding is the application of composite resin–a tooth-colored material–to the surface of the teeth. The composite can be used to fill a crack or chip in the tooth, or it can be carefully laid and shaped along the edge of a tooth to make it appear longer or wider. When the procedure is complete, you will not be able to tell where the natural tooth ends and where the bonding material begins.
Even great dental hygiene and routine cleanings can’t always prevent the stains that occur with aging, or that you’ve accumulated from a lifetime of drinking coffee, wine, or dark soda.
During in-office whitening–sometimes called chair-side whitening–a dentist applies a strong bleach solution to your teeth, then shines a specialized UV light on your teeth to activate the solution. This process can be repeated up to three times during a single appointment, and can make your teeth up to 10 shades whiter.
At-home or take-home whitening trays consist of custom-made trays and a specialized bleach solution provided by your dentist. Because they are stronger and more effective, these kits yield far better results than over-the-counter whitening kits and you can do it in the comfort of your own home.
Cosmetic dentistry services are not typically covered by dental health insurance plans because they are considered elective or optional. However, many dentists, including Bright Now! Dental, offer flexible financing options that help you afford the cosmetic treatments you want or need.
In-office whitening treatments are more expensive due to the need for custom trays. Professional strength take-home whitening kits cost significantly less.
Dental bonding isn’t the best option, but can be a quick fix. Costs vary and may need to be replaced every five to ten years. They are also more susceptible to chipping or staining.
Porcelain veneers are among the most expensive cosmetic dental treatments, costing up to $800 or more per tooth, but they last longer and are more durable than bonding or teeth whitening.
Bright Now! Dental is here to help you find your most beautiful smile. With plenty of easy-to-find retail locations, expanded scheduling options–including evenings and weekends at some offices–and flexible financing and payment plans, we’re your family’s choice for quality, comprehensive dental care. Whether you just need a routine cleaning or want a brighter, more brilliant grin, Bright Now! Dental you covered. We even offer specialty, orthodontic, and emergency dental services, so you can receive all the professional dental care you need at one convenient location. Visit us here to find the location nearest you or call us today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
