5 Cosmetic Dental Treatments To Consider -

More than ever, people are looking to have a whiter and brighter smile. Gone are the days when you only went to the dentist when you had a toothache. Now, dentistry is just as important as fashion when trying to look your best. Having a healthy, confident smile can do a lot for your self-esteem. If you do not love your smile and want to change it for the better, there are many cosmetic dental treatments available from dentists like Brad Dixon DMD. They are more comfortable than ever, and many can be completed in one or two visits.

1. Crowns

Crowns are full-coverage caps that are placed on teeth for restorative or cosmetic reasons. You may remember your dentist recommending a crown for a broken tooth or one with a bad cavity. Crowns do strengthen teeth that are damaged, but they are just as useful as a cosmetic treatment. One thing to consider, though, is that crowns are a permanent restoration. Once you have a tooth prepped for a cap, you have to keep a cap on it forever since some of the tooth structure is gone.

2. Veneers

Veneers are similar to crowns in that they can change the shape, color and contour of a tooth, but in general, veneers require less tooth structure removal than crowns. This is because unlike a full-coverage crown, a veneer simply covers the front surface of the tooth. Just like with crowns, though, veneers are considered a permanent restoration. Once some of the tooth structure is removed, you will need to keep a veneer or crown on the tooth forever. However, it can help you get the bright white smile you have always dreamed of.

3. Whitening

Patients used to shy away from teeth whitening treatments because of the sensitivity that could accompany them. However, bleaching solutions for teeth are more gentle and effective than ever. There are many formulas that cause little or no post-treatment sensitivity. There are a number of whitening options available, including in-office treatments, custom trays, whitening strips and whitening toothpastes. The specific product that you need will depend on your unique dental needs, so a consultation with your dentist is always recommended before trying any type of teeth whitening on your own.

4. Crown Lengthening

If you feel that you have a gummy smile, you might benefit from a crown lengthening procedure. The part of your tooth that you can see when you smile is considered the “crown” of the tooth. In some cases, the gums can be removed around a tooth to expose more of the white part of the tooth. This can be a good option if your teeth look too small when you smile. This can be done for top or bottom teeth and can be done in conjunction with a crown restoration procedure.

5. Clear Braces

Orthodontics play a huge role in the beauty of a smile. A straight set of teeth is envied by most people, and gone are the days where unsightly braces had to be worn by everyone who wanted straighter teeth. Now, clear retainers can be used to move the teeth into correct alignment. Dentists take molds of the patient’s teeth and then make a plan for moving the teeth into the desired position. Custom trays are made, and the patient usually changes the trays every two weeks so that the teeth can be gradually moved into a straight, beautiful smile.

If you are looking to become your best self this year, consider taking care of some dental needs that you may have been putting off for a while. It can change your entire appearance and give you the confidence boost that you have been needing. When considering these types of treatments, it is best to set up a personalized consultation with a dentist to find out what options are best for you. With the right treatment plan, you can be on your way to having the smile you have always dreamed of.