6 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Might Be Right For You
Are you happy with the way your teeth look? Are there some problems that need to be corrected? Along with helping your teeth to be in better shape, there are a number of cosmetic procedures that a Barrie dentist from Barrie Smile Centre might recommend. Here are some examples of the more common procedures that may apply to you.
Tooth Whitening or Bleaching
Your teeth are basically sound and even. The one thing you would like to change is the dull appearance. Over the years, your teeth have yellowed to the point that you hate for anyone to see you smile. That’s why most of your smiles these days are with closed lips.
Tooth bleaching or whitening is the answer. This procedure can be done in the comfort of your dentist’s office. It may take several treatments in order to restore the look of your teeth, depending on how yellow they happen to be. Remember that you can purchase kits to use at home, but they will take longer to achieve any results. Another benefit of opting for cosmetic dentistry services rather than a home kit is that a professional is monitoring the effect on your teeth and gums.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the ways to help fill in tiny gaps between teeth. One of the benefits of bonding is that it helps to maintain an even proportion for each of the teeth. When the work is done by a Barrie dentist from Barrie Smile Centre, the bonding seals the gaps and ensures your smile looks great.
Crowns and Veneers
If you have teeth that are cracked, chipped, or not quite even, a combination of crowns and veneers will eliminate the problem. The veneers help to add strength to damaged teeth and prevent the cracks from expanding. Adding a crown also helps to distribute the pressure along the top of the tooth when you bite and chew. In many cases, this combination will last for years.
Keep in mind that it’s necessary to remove some enamel before applying the veneers. This is to ensure that they adhere to the tooth properly. Once this procedure is done, it cannot be undone. Fortunately, proper care of the veneers will allow you to enjoy a decade or more of excellent service before they need to be replaced.
Braces and Aligners
When you have a few crooked teeth, a professional offering cosmetic dentistry services will likely begin by determining if there is any crowding. Should the dentist find an extra molar or other type of tooth, it can be extracted. Once that’s done, braces or some other type of aligner can be used to slowly shift the remaining teeth into a more natural position.
There are several options to consider. With braces, there are designs that are mainly metal and fit on the front and back of the teeth. Others fit on the back of the teeth. There are also clear aligners that gradually straighten and bring your teeth into proper alignment. Your dental professional can go over each option and help you determine which approach would work best.
Dental Bridges
There are times when saving a tooth is not possible. It’s in your best interest to have the tooth extracted and then think about how to fill in the gap. If two or more teeth need to be removed, it pays to talk with your Barrie dentist from Barrie Smile Centre about dental bridges.
The bridges are designed to fill in space left after two or more teeth in a row are removed. Most designs call for anchoring the bridge to the teeth on each side of the gap. There are bridges that are designed to be permanent. With this approach, a small amount of the tooth on each side is removed and crowns are prepared. Once the bridge is in position, the crowns are added to the anchor teeth and help to hold it in place.
A removable bridge works much in the same way. The difference is that metal loops slip over the anchor teeth and make it possible to take the bridge out for cleaning or when you go to bed. With both options, the bridges are custom designed so they match the surrounding teeth in size, shape, and shade of white.
Dental Implants
If you’re not crazy about the idea of bridges, dental implants are an option. Implants effectively fill in the space left by those now missing teeth. The body of the implant fills the socket where the tooth root used to reside. A cap that’s shaped to blend in with the surrounding teeth ensures that the look is perfectly natural.
Along with enhancing your smile, the implant prevents shrinkage and shifting of the jaw bone. That’s because the implant fills in the empty space in the gum. Instead of the lower part of your face taking on a shrunken look, you maintain your natural profile.
These are only some of the cosmetic dentistry services that can improve your dental health while enhancing the appearance of your teeth. If there’s something about your smile that you don’t like, talk with your dentist today. The solution may be quicker, easier, and more affordable than you think.
Barrie Smile Centre
370 Bayview Drive Suite 121
Barrie, ON
L4N 7L3
Canada
(705) 315-3000
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