Even if you’re the type of person that hates going to the dentist, you might have heard about cosmetic dentistry. But it can be hard to know what a cosmetic dentist does or when you might need to see one. A Columbia, SC cosmetic dentist can smooth down your smile, change your look, or even restore teeth. In this article, we’ll talk about what cosmetic dentistry is and how it’s different from regular dental care.
The term “cosmetic dentistry” refers to any dental treatment that keeps people’s natural teeth or the appearance of their teeth in top condition no matter what the reason is for a cosmetic treatment. You should consult a cosmetic dentist when you want your teeth to look as beautiful as possible, but you’re not dealing with any major dental problems. Here are some of the cosmetic treatments that a cosmetic dentist might be able to provide for you.
- Teeth whitening
Want your teeth to be a brighter shade? A cosmetic dentist can help you do it. They may check to see if you need general dentures, but they can also adjust the color of your teeth. This can be done by touch-ups, removing existing stains, and bleaching newly drilled composite resin teeth. Teeth whitening makes your smile look brighter and more attractive.
- Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front of your teeth to cover imperfections and give you a better smile. Many people get dental veneers to correct chipped or discolored teeth, gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, or even misaligned bites. A cosmetic dentist can help you find the right veneers for your smile and make sure that they fit well with your existing smile.
- Dentures
If a major dental problem has made it necessary for you to lose your natural teeth, you might need to have dentures instead. A cosmetic dentist or a general dentist might provide these. Dentures are custom made to look like your real teeth, and a skilled cosmetic dentistry professional can even make them look more natural with the help of smile design.
- Composite filling
A cosmetic dentist can also fill in any spaces between your front teeth with a composite resin filling. This will cover up any marks and make your smile look more attractive. Composite resin is used because it won’t shrink over time or turn yellow like regular fillings do.