What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

A person’s smile is one of the first things most people notice when meeting someone new. A warm smile can make all the difference in someone’s day or help make a good first impression. But for those who feel insecure about their smile, it can be hard to convey your feelings if you’re focused on covering your teeth up.   Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dental work that serves to improve the appearance of your teeth. It is ideal for people who, for one reason or another, would like their smile to look different than it currently does.   If you’ve trained yourself to smile without showing your teeth, hate having your picture taken, or simply wish you could have a different smile, cosmetic dentistry is something you may want to explore. Cosmetic dentistry can mean a lot of things, so keep reading to learn about all of your options before committing to anything permanent.

Teeth Whitening

Yes, teeth whitening is considered cosmetic dentistry! While you can purchase teeth whitening kits at the store and it may not seem like an actual dental procedure, teeth whitening by a dental professional is an extremely common form of cosmetic dentistry.   If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, having a cosmetic dentist do it for you is the way to go. It’s quick, easy, and far more effective than any product you can buy to whiten your teeth on your own.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a great option to address a number of cosmetic dental issues. Chipped, cracked, discolored, or misshapen teeth can all be fixed with this simple procedure.   Using a material known as resin, cosmetic dentists can apply the bonding to the exterior of your teeth to give them a completely new look. A chipped tooth can be made to look as though nothing ever happened; a misshapen tooth can be molded to match your other teeth, and a discolored tooth can be covered to match seamlessly with the rest of your smile. The best part about composite bonding is that it is all applied to the outside of your tooth, so it is relatively pain-free. 

Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for dental issues where no other option is viable. If you are missing one or more teeth or have tried other cosmetic dental procedures without success, you may want to consider opting for a dental implant.   Dental implants are the biggest commitment of the options on this list, so this procedure should be carefully considered before going through with it. It involves your cosmetic dentist placing a screw into your jaw and affixing the dental implant to it. This option is more invasive than others, so it is not completely pain-free, but as a permanent solution, it is well worth it to finally have your missing teeth addressed for good.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You?

Cosmetic dentistry may not be for everyone, but if you’ve always hated your smile or wished that something about it was different, it may be something to consider. There are many options that can help address your biggest insecurities and have your smile looking better overnight. If you’re ready for a change our Swampscott, MA, team of dentists is ready to help- contact us today for an appointment!