Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental treatments that are carried out with the primary goal of improving the appearance of your smile. Whether you have one or many issues with your teeth that you would like to address, there is absolutely a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help you achieve the smile that you have been dreaming of.
We are delighted to be able to offer a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry service at our dentistry practice in Bedford, TX. The following represent some of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry treatments available.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the simplest forms of cosmetic dentistry treatment. It can be used to cover small imperfections in the front faces of the teeth, such as chips, cracks, and stains. The process uses a tooth-colored composite resin that is plastered onto the teeth and then molded to achieve a proper fit. Once we are happy with the thickness and coverage of the bonding resin, it will be hardened using a special light. It can then be polished to a high shine so that it matches the rest of your smile.
The entire process usually takes around half an hour and can be completed in just one visit to our offices. You will be given specific instructions on caring for your freshly bonded teeth, which will help keep them in excellent condition.
Dental Veneers (Laminates)
Dental veneers (also known as dental laminates) are another very popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. The veneers themselves are wafer-thin shells of dental ceramic that are attached to the outer enamel of the teeth. Each veneer is bespoke, created specifically for the tooth that it is to cover. This ensures a perfect fit, and that the veneer does what it is supposed to do, whether this is cover stains or other imperfections, add thickness to a thin tooth, add height to an undersized tooth or close gaps between them.
Most types of veneer require a little of the natural tooth enamel to be removed so that they can be fitted. This is done under local anesthetic and temporary veneers are fitted until your customized versions are ready to be placed.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that moves teeth and the jaw into new and improved positions using a series of bespoke plastic aligners. These sit over the top of the teeth like a mouthguard, except that they place gentle force onto them to cause them to shift. Patients progress through the series of aligners, wearing each for a minimum of 22 hours a day. Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning, meaning that there are fewer compromises needed. Patients also prefer them because they are made from transparent plastic, meaning that they are virtually invisible, especially when compared to the brackets and wires of braces.
Exactly how long your Invisalign treatment program will take will vary depending on how committed you are to follow the instructions regarding their use, and of course, the extent of the movement needed to bring your teeth and jaw into alignment.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a dental specialism that refers to the positioning of the teeth and jaw. Misalignment and bite problems are very common, and orthodontic solutions are the only way to resolve these. Conventional orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces. These are a metal device, worn on the teeth, that exerts pressure on them, causing them to move. The brace itself is made from a series of brackets (placed onto each tooth), wire (that passes through the brackets) and elastics (which help with positioning the brace). The design of braces has improved a great deal, and it is now possible to have ceramic rather than metal brackets which are far less obvious. However, patients still find cleaning their teeth around the braces very tricky, and you must still make considerable compromises about what you eat to avoid damaging your brace.
Teeth Whitening
People with whiter, brighter teeth are generally considered to be healthier, happier, more attractive and more successful, and as such, the demand for teeth whitening has skyrocketed in recent years. As such, teeth whitening is the single most requested cosmetic dentistry procedure in the world. Despite there being many products that state that they have the ability to whiten your teeth, experts believe that professional whitening carried out by a board-certified cosmetic dentist is far superior and produces better, more consistent and longer-lasting results. The process uses a special whitening agent that is pasted onto the teeth and then activated using a special light. This light triggers a chemical reaction that causes the whitening agent to lighten the tooth color. Exactly how many sessions of whitening a patient will need is subjective, and we recommend that you speak to our team who will be happy to make a recommendation.
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is a name given to a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures that are carried out with the sole purpose of improving the appearance of your smile. Every smile makeover is unique to the needs and desires of the patient, and our dedicated team would be delighted to have the opportunity to create a smile makeover package just for you.
If you have further questions about any of the cosmetic dentistry procedures listed here, or if you would like to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your smile, please get in touch by calling our Bedford, TX dental office today on (817) 571-1667.
