If you’ve noticed some teeth problems, you may want to visit your dental practice. You may even think you should get cosmetic dentistry in Houston. Still, it’s not always easy to know if you qualify for the latter. How are you supposed to know if cosmetic work is right for you? Well, your local dentist can answer that question. Here’s a summary of the problems cosmetic dentistry best solves and typical examples of its treatments.
First, Assess Your Smile Flaws
First, look at your smile flaws to know whether you need aesthetic dental work. More specifically, recognize the dental problems you want to correct. Whether you qualify for cosmetic dentistry will depend on what those are.
After all, the field has specific goals and methods. It’s geared toward improving the appearance of your teeth. That said, cosmetic dentistry is suited to correct the following:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Misshapen or misaligned teeth
- Tooth gaps
If the flaws needing correction include these and similar issues, you’d likely be a good candidate for cosmetic dental treatments.
Next, Consider the Ideal Treatment
Now that you know the problem you want your cosmetic dentist to solve, you can settle on the treatment choice that best suits you. Take a look at the common cosmetic procedures below.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin porcelain layers placed on teeth’s front surfaces. Once bonded, they cover up a given tooth’s imperfections — chips, cracks, stains, etc. As a result, you and others will only see beautiful, life-like porcelain instead of the original surface.
Because veneers match the natural color of your teeth, they seamlessly blend in with the rest of your smile.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is when a cosmetic dentist uses approved ingredients to bleach your tooth enamel white. It thus erases tooth stains that aren’t easily removed through brushing.
Your dentist will start by applying a bleaching agent to your teeth’s surfaces. They may direct a special light onto the teeth to activate the bleach. After about an hour, your smile should be whiter by eight to ten shades.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is when a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to damaged teeth to hide various flaws. Said flaws are usually chips, cracks, or even fractures.
The treatment is well-known for being fast, affordable, and effective. With proper oral care, the results can last for a decade!
As you can see, cosmetic dentistry can treat many dental issues to enhance your smile’s looks. Talk to your dentist to confirm whether the treatments above or other options would help your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani is one of the top dentists in Houston, TX, having graduated with her DDS from the University of Texas at Houston. Her primary focus is cosmetic dentistry, but her office incorporates all phases of general dentistry, from teeth cleaning to smile makeovers. She also lectures nationally to dentists on the Snap-On-smile procedure. Dr. Alani currently practices at her self-titled clinic and can be reached at her website or by phone at (713)-621-5141.