What do you think of when you hear the phrase “cosmetic dentistry”? If you picture bright smiles and Hollywood personalities, you’re about halfway there! Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments that are all aimed at one goal: helping your smile look its best. Here’s a closer look at what counts as a cosmetic treatment and some examples that you could find at your local dental office.
The Basics: What Makes a Treatment “Cosmetic”?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental treatment primarily focused on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, or overall smile. While that definition makes it sound like these treatments are purely about vanity, that’s not really the case. Many cosmetic procedures still offer functional benefits, even if appearance is their primary goal.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Cosmetic procedures come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the more common ones that dentists can usually provide in their offices:
Veneers
Veneers are slim shells of dental-grade porcelain that fit over the front surface of your teeth. They’re custom-made for your smile, addressing a wide range of imperfections at once, like chips, stains, gaps, and misshapen teeth. Because they’re built to your exact specifications, they offer some of the most dramatic and versatile results of any treatment on this list.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most well-known cosmetic treatments, professional teeth whitening can lighten teeth significantly in a single office visit. It’s a faster, safer, and more effective option than anything available over the counter.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to correct small imperfections like minor chips, cracks, or gaps. It’s typically the most cost-effective cosmetic option and can usually be completed during a single appointment.
Metal-Free Restorations
When a tooth needs both structural repairs and a natural appearance, metal-free crowns are a fantastic solution. While technically a restorative treatment, tooth-colored dental crowns blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, so they can drastically improve the appearance of your smile.
Smile Makeovers
For patients with multiple issues they’d like to fix, a smile makeover combines several cosmetic and restorative treatments into one cohesive plan. This creates a total smile transformation that can improve your appearance, your confidence, and the quality of your daily life.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. However, the right treatment for you depends on your goals, your budget, and the specific concerns you’d like to fix. To figure that out, a cosmetic consultation is the best next step. Together, you and your dentist can choose the options that make the most sense for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Alejandro Lamas earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine—one of the top dental schools in the country. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Lamas provides personalized cosmetic dentistry at Plantation Dental Studio and Implant Center that will be sure to make you smile. Call (754) 701-0386 to schedule your cosmetic consultation today.