There are many services that can improve the look of your smile while, at the same time, protect your teeth and provide other important functions. While some procedures can improve your smile purely for aesthetic reasons, such as tooth whitening, many dental procedures serve a dual purpose. If you’re unhappy with the look of your smile, you may be surprised by the many cosmetic dentistry offerings available today.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, your teeth can become discolored from what you eat and drink, from smoking, and even from your oral health habits. Many individuals opt for teeth whitening either in their dentist’s office or at home. Carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient in most teeth whitening solutions and can be effective at lifting yellow, brown, or orange-tinted stains. Some of the options that you can use include:
- Trays with a whitening solution
- Strips with a whitening gel that sticks to your teeth
- Whitening toothpaste
It’s important to avoid DIY teeth whitening options like activated charcoal, baking soda, lemon, or other abrasive or acidic options as they could actually damage your enamel. To safely and effectively whiten your teeth, talk to your dentist about the options that will work best for you.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are broken, worn down, or discolored. Additionally, they can fill in gaps between teeth. Veneers are made out of either porcelain or composite resin and can quickly change the look of your smile. Additionally, they can protect teeth from damage or decay. Veneers are durable, long-lasting, and a great option for improving the look of your smile.
Placing dental veneers is a minimally invasive process. First, your dentist will remove a small amount of the original tooth to prepare it for the veneer. Then, they will place the veneer on your tooth using a special adhesive. Porcelain veneers are typically crafted by a laboratory and are made to match the appearance of your existing teeth. In some cases, individuals get a full set of veneers that might be several shades lighter than their original smile. Composite veneers are molded to the shape of your tooth right there in your dentist’s office.
Crowns, Bridges, Implants, Inlays, and Onlays
These dental procedures are typically used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. While you might not consider them to be cosmetic procedures, they can fix gaps in your smile and improve the look of broken or chipped teeth.
- Crowns – Dental crowns cover an existing tooth that might have been damaged by an injury or decay. They can be made to match the look of your existing teeth and are incredibly durable.
- Bridges – If you’re missing a tooth, a bridge can fill the gap. Bridges are attached to crowns that cover the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Dental implants – Implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that involve a post that is screwed into the jawbone and a crown.
- Inlays and onlays – Similar to both fillings and crowns, inlays and onlays replace tooth structures that might have been lost due to decay.
Reach Out to Columbia Smiles for Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Columbia Smiles offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services in our Howard County dental practice. If you’re ready for a smile that makes you feel confident, our team can help. During an initial consultation, we’ll learn more about the smile you desire and together will develop a treatment plan to help you look and feel your best. Discover why we’ve been voted “Best Dental Practice” by Howard Magazine 19 times. Reach out to our team at 410.690.4855 or connect with us online today.
