What Can A Cosmetic Dentist Do For You?

A smile can be your most attractive attribute. Smiling is an excellent way to show that you're friendly, which can help you connect with others. If you're embarrassed by your smile, you may need the services of a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists specialize in helping patients achieve beautiful smiles. Here are four things that a cosmetic dentist can do for you.

1. Whiten your teeth.

Stained, yellow teeth are a common complaint. In fact, it's natural for your teeth to become discolored as you get older. Tooth enamel thins with age, which allows the pigmented layer of dentin beneath to show through. A cosmetic dentist can combat this effect with teeth whitening services. In-office teeth whitening involves the use of peroxide whitening fluids to lighten the color of your teeth. Teeth whitening can remove stains and lighten your teeth by several shades.

2. Repair surface damage to your teeth.

Healthy teeth are strong, but they are not impervious to damage. You can damage your teeth by accidentally biting down on a bone, being involved in an accident, or getting hit in the mouth. Some tooth damage is major and requires reconstructive work, but other damage affects only the surface of your teeth. Chipped or cracked teeth may not cause you pain, but they can be embarrassing. A cosmetic dentist can repair cracks and chips in teeth through a process of dental bonding. Dental bonding uses composite resin to restore areas of missing tooth enamel.

3. Hide uneven teeth and small gaps between teeth.

Your teeth may not be perfectly even. It's normal for some people to have ridges on the surface or bottom of their teeth, although this trait is less common in adults. If you dislike the shape of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can help by installing dental veneers, which are thin pieces of porcelain that can be permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers can also be placed to hide small gaps between teeth.

4. Offer orthodontic treatment.

Most people aren't born with perfectly straight teeth. Tooth misalignment can cause pain or difficulty chewing, but some patients are bothered by the appearance of crooked teeth, regardless of physical problems. If you have an overbite or crooked teeth, a cosmetic dentist can help. Many cosmetic dentists offer orthodontic treatment through minimally invasive techniques, such as Invisalign. When you choose orthodontic treatment, you can have straight, even teeth in approximately 18 months.