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Cosmetic dentistry is about more than just beautifying the look of your smile. Some procedures that are considered “cosmetic,” such as veneers, can actually restore the function of chipped, fractured, or decaying teeth, thereby improving your quality of life. When it comes to brightening your smile, there are several cosmetic dentistry procedures available to you.
Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, professional teeth whitening is a minimally invasive, relatively affordable way to brighten your smile. There are many at-home whitening products of varying quality and price available for purchase, but the best results are achieved with an in-office professional whitening treatment. During a professional whitening treatment, we use a bleaching agent to whiten your teeth to the desired shade. Multiple visits might be required depending on the color of your teeth, but each session should only take 60 to 90 minutes.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain covers that are bonded in place over your natural teeth. They are used to conceal imperfections such as chipped or cracked teeth, gaps, and teeth that are mismatched in size, shape, or color. Veneers are an ideal solution for people with severely discolored teeth. They can be placed in just two visits to our office (the first to prepare your teeth and take impressions that will be used to custom-make your veneers, the second to bond the veneers in place), and they look incredibly natural. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant, so you do not have to worry about getting them whitened over time.
Enamel Bonding
Enamel bonding entails using the same composite material that is used for dental fillings, and molding it over stained or discolored teeth. The material is bonded in place using a laser or ultraviolet light that hardens it to the teeth. Bonding is a more affordable alternative to dental veneers, but it does not last as long.
Enamel Abrasion
Enamel abrasion is another option for removing discoloration, but it only works for surface stains. With enamel abrasion, we use a fine pumice to buff out superficial stains like the ones you would get from drinking coffee or tea.
Contact our office to learn more about these options for brightening your smile.