The focus of a cosmetic dentist is on improving the overall appearance of the smile. To achieve this goal, dental professionals employ a variety of common treatments.
Some patients seek cosmetic dental procedures due to accident, illness, or trauma that has affected the appearance of the smile. Others want to change the appearance of the mouth to match a particular aesthetic. A cosmetic dentist can recommend a treatment or combination of treatments to achieve the desired outcome for the patient.
Smoking, drinking, plaque buildup, and aging can all cause the teeth to change color over time. Additionally, some people are not happy with the natural color of the teeth. For these patients, teeth whitening procedures can remove stains and discoloration and give the smile an overall whiter appearance. A cosmetic dentist can perform an in-office teeth whitening procedure or provide the patient with a whitening kit to use at home.
Tooth shaping can be used to repair chipped, poorly aligned, or uneven teeth. It is also sometimes used to shorten the teeth for patients whose teeth appear unusually long. When teeth are shaped, the dentist removes small portions of the tooth enamel with a drill or laser.
In a dental bonding procedure, the dentist applies putty to one or more teeth to correct fractures and chips. Bonding may also be used to fill small cavities or to cover discolored teeth. This treatment is often provided in conjunction with tooth shaping to give teeth a uniform and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.
Some people have more gum tissue than others. Excess gum tissue can give teeth an unusually short appearance. Gum contouring involves removing a portion of the gums using a laser. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, but symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Dental veneers are a thin porcelain shell that can be attached to the front surface of teeth. Veneers are used to cover teeth with chips, gaps, or stains and may also be used to make slightly crooked teeth appear straight. However, veneers can not correct severely crooked or crowded teeth.
Dental implants are metal posts that are placed in the jaw to replace missing tooth roots and capped with crowns to replace missing teeth. Implants can improve the appearance and function of the teeth by filling in the gaps left by lost or extracted teeth.
A dental crown is a cover or cap that fits over the natural teeth. Crowns can be used to repair damage from disease or trauma or to cover a natural tooth that is not aesthetically pleasing to the patient.
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Cosmetic Dentist in McLean, VA
The appearance of a person's smile can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. By utilizing one or more of these common procedures, a cosmetic dentist can help patients improve the look of the smile and boost satisfaction with the person's overall appearance.
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