If you have ever considered enhancing the look of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry may before you. Cosmetic dentistry refers to the changes made to boost your overall smile through various treatments, implants, and cosmetic procedures.
It can be tough to make a big change like cosmetic dentistry. You’ll want to ensure you’ve done your homework before making any drastic changes to your smile. That’s why you must learn about the different types of cosmetic dentistry available.
Let’s cover some of the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry and where you can go in Eugene, OR, for comprehensive dental care.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking to improve the brightness of your smile, teeth whitening may be a great option. Also known as “teeth bleaching,” teeth whitening can help improve teeth discoloration and remove stains often caused by food, drinks, and aging. Teeth whitening can be done at home or at your dentist’s office. Most dentists recommend in-office teeth whitening procedures since they can help determine the best method and level of whitening specific to your needs.
Veneers
A veneer is a custom-made shell of porcelain or composite material cemented to the front side of your teeth. Your dentist may recommend veneers to help treat various dental conditions like mildly crooked teeth, and tooth discoloration and help cover spacing between teeth. Installing new veneers requires your dentist to remove your tooth enamel, making the change permanent and irreversible. Porcelain veneers are the most durable and can last up to 15 years, making them a good choice for long-term smile correction with little maintenance.
Bonding
Dental bonding can also improve the appearance of broken, chipped, or stained teeth. This cosmetic procedure involves molding a tooth-colored composite resin to your tooth that is then hardened and polished to give a natural-looking shine. Like veneers, dental bonding can help close gaps between teeth, hide severe discoloration, and even change the shape of your teeth. Dental bonding can also be completely reversible, unlike veneers, since it doesn’t require removing your enamel.
Crowns
Dental crowns, or “caps,” can be used to not only help restore severely damaged teeth but also to improve their appearance cosmetically. A crown is custom-made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-porcelain to fit over your whole tooth. In cosmetic dentistry, crowns can help treat poorly shaped or decayed teeth and restore their structural integrity.
Bridges
Common dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and injury can each result in losing teeth and your confidence. A dental bridge can help to fill the gap for one or more missing teeth to help improve their appearance and function. The dental bridge is installed by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors and then filling the gap with false teeth that attach to the crowns.
Implants
Like dental bridges, dental implants are devices designed to replace missing teeth. Dental implants use a titanium screw to replace the root of missing teeth, which acts as an anchor for artificial teeth like dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. Dental implants are permanent and can help to improve the appearance of your smile, speech, and chewing ability.
Orthodontics
Straight teeth are often associated with good oral health. An orthodontist can prescribe orthodontic treatment with braces to help fix the appearance of cosmetic dental issues like overbites, crossbites, or buck teeth. Braces can come in many forms, with the most common types being brackets, traditional bands, and invisible aligners.
Improve Your Smile in Eugene, OR
If you are interested in exploring which cosmetic dentistry options are right for you, Dr. Ari Binder and his friendly team at 360 Dental in Eugene can help. With his extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Binder will provide you with the best options and treatments to help enhance your smile and restore your confidence.
To schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Binder, call us today at (541) 689-1645 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you create the smile of your dreams!