Regular trips to the dentist are one of the most important steps that anyone can take to keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Even though these trips should be made every six months for most patients, there are the occasional periods in which an individual is on the search for dental services that will allow them to restore the appearance of their smile. Even those that are extremely protective of their teeth and gums may begin to experience discoloration or even damage to their teeth, and these patients will make perfect candidates for some of the most advanced cosmetic dentistry treatments.
One of the most common treatments that individuals will seek out from a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. The teeth whitening industry has become extremely popular in recent years because of advances in the field that now allow these treatments to be more affordable and effective than ever. These treatments only work for those that have staining on the outer layers of their teeth, also referred to as extrinsic staining. External staining will usually happen because of the foods that one eats or wear and tear that has taken place throughout their lifetime.
Nearly all professional teeth whitening treatments begin by placing a peroxide solution on the upper and lower teeth. Many will also use a specialty lamp that allows this solution to release oxygen molecules at a very high rate. These molecules will penetrate deep into the enamel and lift some of the toughest stains. As an alternative to home whitening kits, these professional options can often be carried out in as little as an hour and will lead to a smile that is as much as 8 shades brighter.
For more severe discoloration on the inside of teeth, cracks, chips, or gaps in the smile, dental veneers are another common choice. Modern dental veneers are made of either porcelain or a very durable composite and they are created custom for every single individual. In just two short visits, the patient will have their teeth measured and then the veneers applied to the front end of their teeth.
In order to keep the veneers secure, a powerful bonding agent and curing light is used to allow the dental veneers to settle as quickly as possible. The dentist will then be able to verify the perfect size, shape, and color of the veneers so that they identically match the natural teeth. When in place, individuals will only need to refrain from biting hard objects and keep up with all their basic hygiene habits to keep their veneers bright and their mouth healthy.
Anyone that would like to quickly and painlessly enhance the appearance of their smile should contact an experienced dental specialist to see which of these options may be perfect for them.
Dr. Elyson and Dr. Assili offer various cosmetic dentistry treatments for improving the appearance of teeth. Cosmetic dental treatments can help create a more beautiful, elegant smile.