If unsightly blemishes make you feel frustrated about your smile’s condition, you’re not alone. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has estimated that over six million Americans undergo cosmetic dental procedures every year. You might assume that these services are only available to the rich and famous, but thanks to ongoing developments in dental technology and techniques, today, they’re more accessible than ever.
But what is cosmetic dentistry, anyway? Essentially, it refers to any dental work intended to improve your appearance more than your oral health. If you’re unsure what that involves, keep reading to learn more about three popular treatments!
Option #1: Teeth Whitening
The quality of your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and if yours is riddled with stains, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons. Thankfully, teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to enhance your grin.
Although it’s possible to find over-the-counter whitening products, they often contain bleaching agents that are too harsh and cause sensitivity. Meanwhile, your dentist has access to professional-grade gels that mitigate potential discomfort. Plus, they use custom-fitted trays for accurate applications to give you optimal results.
Option #2: Veneers
You might benefit from veneers if you’re tired of seeing chips, cracks, discoloration, or slightly crooked or gapped teeth in the mirror. These thin prosthetics made of durable porcelain cover the fronts of your pearly whites to hide imperfections. They’re a versatile solution that can mask one or several problems simultaneously. Plus, they can be customized to match the shade, size, and shape of your natural teeth, so no one can tell the difference once they’re bonded in place.
It’s worth noting that your dentist must remove a small layer of enamel for these to line up flush against your gums. Because this material doesn’t regenerate, it’s considered a permanent change, so you’ll need veneers or another restoration to safeguard your smile. Thankfully, these shells can last 15+ years and protect the underlying teeth from harm.
Option #3: Dental Bonding
Another great way to mend imperfections in your mouth is with dental bonding. During this non-invasive procedure, your dentist applies color-matched composite resin directly to your pearly whites to repair minor breaks, cracks, and stains. It can also be used to bulk up teeth that are overly small or misshapen. Then, they use a special ultraviolet curing light to harden it as it bonds with your enamel for seamless results.
As you can see, there are many simple and effective cosmetic services that upgrade your grin to boost your confidence.
About the Practice
The Little Rock Family Dental Care team is dedicated to providing a wide range of services from three convenient locations to help families build happy, healthy smiles. With multiple general dentists and various specialists on staff, there’s no problem too simple or complex for them to tackle. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns, then use state-of-the-art equipment to devise and deliver accurate, long-lasting solutions. If you’re interested in cosmetic treatments, you can request a consultation on the website or call (501) 514-9205.