If you have elements of your smile that you’re just not happy with, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry can make your teeth more beautiful, changing their shape, size, shade, and even repairing damage. It can also help reshape your gums so that they’re more proportionate to your mouth, making your teeth look larger and more even. Here’s how you can tell if one of these procedures are right for you.
Do I Qualify for Cosmetic Dentistry?
While there are many reasons you may want cosmetic dentistry, the first question you need to ask your dentist is if you qualify for it. This can be easily determined by assessing your oral health. First, you will need a full examination. If any cavities, gum disease, or other oral health conditions are present, you may be required to treat those first before proceeding with a cosmetic treatment. Once you’ve been given a clean bill of health, you can then discuss your options, such as what problems you’d like corrected, and what your budget will allow.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the sky is very often the limit. Here are a few common procedures, and what they can fix.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to change their color and shape. They can also fix minor chips and uneven edges and fill in any unsightly gaps.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
Metal-free dental crowns can replace older metal-based crowns that may be showing a black line around the gums due to gum recession. Today’s crowns are made with composite resin and other materials that are not metal, so even though they are still durable and functional, they look a lot more natural than their predecessors.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding uses the same material your dentist uses in resin composite fillings to repair teeth that are damaged by chips or cracks. This makes them not only look whole again, but they are also fully functional, so you can use them to eat your favorite foods. While you still do need to be careful (no restoration is as strong as your natural teeth) you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy tooth that looks great, too!
Professional Whitening
Professional whitening can be done right in your dentist’s office and can erase up to eight shades of discoloration in about one hour. For those patients who prefer to take things a bit slower, your dentist can provide you with a take-home whitening kit that will have the same results in just a few treatments that can be done from anywhere.
Remember, if your mouth is healthy, you are likely a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need bonding, whitening, or a new set of veneers, your dentist has plenty of options that will make you smile!
About Dr. Emanuel
Dr. Carole Emanuel thought she wanted to be a dental hygienist at a young age, but her father encouraged her to reach for the stars and become a full-fledged dentist. Today, thanks to his guidance and wisdom, Lakewood patients have a practice they can call home and a skilled and compassionate dentist they can trust.
Whether you need a root canal, a regular cleaning and exam, or you’re looking to improve your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Emanuel and her team are here to help.
To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 303-986-0090.