Are you embarrassed by your smile? Do you dislike the gaps between your teeth, the stains left behind from years of drinking coffee, or the minor chips that developed as a result of eating your favorite hard candy? Fortunately, there are many ways you can say goodbye to imperfections and hello to a new and improved smile. A cosmetic dentist in Castle Rock is here to share 7 unique treatments that will not only enhance your appearance but also boost your confidence.
What is the Purpose of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe various treatments that are used to address the aesthetic aspects of a person’s smile. Unlike restorative services that focus more on an individual’s oral health, cosmetic solutions are meant to fix stains, discoloration, minor gaps, chips, cracks, and even misshapen teeth.
Considered to be an art form, many dental professionals who undergo advanced training in cosmetic dentistry are capable of transforming smiles by changing the color, size, shape, and alignment of a person’s teeth. As a result, an individual can begin to feel more confident in their appearance, which can positively impact their personal and professional lives.
Which Treatments Fall Under the Cosmetic Dentistry Umbrella?
Every dentist offers different types of cosmetic services, but the most common options include:
- Veneers: These are thin, porcelain coverings that are customized to fit snugly over the surface of your teeth. Capable of covering a multitude of flaws (i.e., chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, minor gaps, misshapen teeth, minor misalignment), they are durable, stain-resistant, and can last a decade or more before needing to be replaced.
- Teeth Whitening: To blast away stains, your cosmetic dentist can offer teeth whitening services. Whether you choose in-office treatment or a customized take-home kit, you can watch as your smile brightens quickly, allowing you to say goodbye to the yellow stains and hello to whiter, brighter teeth. With in-office treatment, you can see results in as little as one hour. With a take-home kit, it typically takes about two weeks to achieve desired results.
- Direct Bonding: For minor flaws and imperfections, direct bonding can be an ideal solution. Non-invasive and more affordable than veneers, your cosmetic dentist can easily shape and sculpt a small portion of composite resin onto the surface of your tooth, effectively covering the flaw and leaving you with a new and improved smile.
- Metal-Free Restorations: When decay and damage leave your smile looking lackluster, you don’t have to rely on traditional amalgam to fix the problem. Instead, metal-free restorations can be created to blend in seamlessly with your smile while offering the protection it needs.
- Invisalign: Metal braces and wires are not the only orthodontic solution anymore. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can watch as your smile gradually moves into alignment, allowing for a more subtle form of treatment that produces results much quicker than traditional braces.
- Six Month Smiles: Six Month Smiles offers an even quicker way to straighten your teeth with most individuals achieving their desired results in just six months. This tooth-colored bracket and wire system is more discreet than metal braces and only focuses on those teeth that are most visible.
- Smile Makeovers: No smile is too far gone thanks to smile makeovers. Combining two or more treatments, your cosmetic dentist can create a customized plan that is designed to address multiple issues and leaves you with a beautiful smile that improves your appearance and quality of life.
With so many options available, it can be hard to determine which solution(s) is right for you. By scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist, you can be well on your way to enjoying a flawless smile once and for all.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is an experienced dentist who offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments that are designed to create fully transformed, beautiful smiles. From veneers and teeth whitening to metal-free restorations, direct bonding, orthodontics, and smile makeovers, he and his team at Cowlitz River Dental have a solution that is right for you. If you would like to learn how Dr. Kennington can help you feel more confident in your smile, contact our office at (360) 703-9092.