A smile is one of the greatest expressions we can share, but in order to feel confident about sharing a smile, we need to feel confident about the appearance of our teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone is naturally blessed with a kilowatt grin. Teeth can be twisted, crooked, or gapped, damage, discolored or stained, and these are just some of the cosmetic imperfections that cause people to be unhappy with their smile. Unfortunately, when you dislike an aspect of your appearance, especially something as obvious as your teeth, it can have a detrimental effect on your self-esteem which can then impact other areas of your life, including your career and personal relationships. Fortunately, there is no need to live with the effects of an imperfect smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is the name given to the types of dental procedures that are predominantly requested because of their ability to improve the esthetics of your smile. However, it is worth noting that some cosmetic dentistry treatments have some functional benefits too.
We are pleased to offer a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry service, with treatments carried out right here at our dental offices in Corunna, MI. Some of the procedures that we can perform include the following:
Veneers are a highly effective way of covering fairly minor cosmetic defects with the teeth. Every veneer is a wafer-thin shell of porcelain, designed specifically for the tooth that it is going to cover so that it looks completely natural. Veneers sit over the top of the natural enamel of the teeth, hiding imperfections such as chips and stains. Veneers can also be used to add thickness or height to teeth that seem undersized or to close small gaps that may have opened between the teeth.
Veneers require several dental office visits. The first is to take impressions of the teeth so that your veneers can be designed and created, and the second is to apply them. In the case of traditional veneers, a little of the natural tooth enamel must first be removed before placing the covering. This is done using a local anesthetic, but as enamel cannot regenerate means that you will always need a veneer on the prepared tooth. However, there is also a newer variety of veneers called ‘no-prep’ since their slightly different design means that there is no need to remove any natural enamel from the teeth before the veneer can be placed.
Crowns are largely thought of as being purely functional in nature, but they can have cosmetic benefits too – provided you pick porcelain or porcelain fused to metal (pfm) crown. These crowns can be used to both cover or hold together an existing damaged tooth, but with a lifelike alternative that so closely resembles your natural teeth that nobody knows any different.
Crowns are also bespoke, designed specifically for an affected tooth. The process to design and fit the crown isn’t dissimilar to that for veneers. Impressions are used to design your customized crown, while your tooth is then prepared, and the restoration fitted.
Dental bonding is a popular alternative to veneers, as well as teeth whitening. The treatment is used to cover minor imperfections such as stains and discoloration and involves placing a special resin over the tooth and molding it so that it fits properly and covers the aspects of your teeth that cause you the most concern. It is then hardened using a special light, before being polished to match your existing teeth.
Teeth whitening is one of the most requested elective dental treatments in the world. White teeth are considered healthier, more attractive and more desirable than those which have yellowed with age or become discolored. Obtaining whiter teeth is possible thanks to whitening treatments that use a bleaching agent placed onto the teeth to lighten them. There are various types of teeth whitening available, with in-office whitening using professional products deemed the most effective and long-lasting.
These treatments represent just some of the cosmetic dentistry services that we offer. Why not schedule a consultation to see how we can help you transform the appearance of your smile? Call our dental offices in Corunna, MI today!