Aesthetic Dentistry Can Improve the Look and Function of Your Teeth

Aesthetic dentistry refers to dental treatments that aim to improve the appearance of your teeth, as well as their function and health. There are several procedures that fall under this umbrella term, each targeting specific problems that can occur with your teeth over time, such as discoloration, spacing, missing teeth, and many more.

These procedures aim to make your smile look like you want it to look, whether it’s to correct cosmetic flaws or simply maintain your current appearance. If you’re considering aesthetic dentistry, here are some of the most common ways it can improve the look and function of your teeth.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to treatments used to make teeth appear more attractive. Cosmetic dentists use a range of treatments such as tooth whitening, dental implants, bonding, crowns, and veneers. By correcting defects in your smile caused by broken or chipped teeth or missing teeth, you can create a better appearance that boosts your self-confidence and improves overall health.

According to a survey by Consumers Digest, almost all Americans want a brighter smile. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said they wouldn’t mind going under the knife for cosmetic procedures if it meant having straighter teeth without unsightly gaps between them.

Teeth whitening

Aesthetic dentistry offers many options if you’re looking to whiten your teeth. Our dentistry practice offers several different types of whitening treatments, such as in-office bleaching using a hydrogen peroxide gel, take-home trays with custom-made syringes filled with gel, and overnight trays. All whitening procedures can be completed in one visit or multiple sessions. Whitening is most effective when done on healthy gums that aren’t inflamed or infected.

Dentists will first thoroughly clean your teeth to remove any leftover particles or residue from food. Next, apply a light coating of bleaching gel onto your teeth. As you wait for it to work, you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation on your gums—which is normal—but if it becomes painful, ask your dentist to adjust your treatment.

Dental implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can help. Dental implants are placed into your jawbone by a surgeon during a simple surgical procedure, then left to heal for several months. Once healed, crowns are attached to them in order to replace your missing teeth. This is all accomplished without having any teeth removed in most cases! Dental implants provide natural-looking tooth replacements that can last for years or even decades.

Before dental implants can be placed, your jawbone needs to be prepared by a dentist or oral surgeon. This is done through a process called osseointegration, which involves making tiny cuts in your jawbone and applying surgical screws that will prepare it for tooth placement. The surgery itself is minimally invasive; however, you may experience some pain after surgery while your body heals. To help with discomfort, some patients choose to take prescription painkillers.

Dental veneers

Like a fresh coat of paint, dental veneers can transform your smile from dull to dazzling. Dental veneers are natural-looking shell-like coverings that are bonded to teeth for cosmetic purposes. Once you apply them, your dentist will shape, file, and polish them until they fit seamlessly with your existing enamel. They’re ideal for covering chips or stains on your teeth because they come in a wide range of shades.

Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are a bit more durable than composite ones, but both materials last for many years before needing replacement. To achieve an aesthetic appearance, your dentist will take molds of your teeth so they can fabricate custom veneers that blend seamlessly with your smile. The procedure typically takes two visits to complete. The first visit is used to make impressions of your teeth and apply temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent set to be fabricated by a dental lab. During your second visit, you’ll have them permanently bonded onto your teeth using special adhesives.

Tooth-colored fillings

Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving your teeth, which means making them look nicer, helping them to function better, or both. Tooth-colored fillings are one way to help your teeth achieve both beauty and functionality. These fillings blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, so no one will know you’ve had work done if you don’t want them to. They also strengthen weak spots on your teeth and leave you with a healthy smile that looks as good as it feels. Just because something is cosmetic doesn’t mean it can’t be functional too!

Speak to your dentist

Would you like to know more about this type of dentistry? If so, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more. You never know how it can help restore your smile and boost your confidence all at once. Reach out today to discover how aesthetic dentistry could be a solution for you. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.novelsmiles.com or call Novel Smiles at (703) 942-8882 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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