Seeing your dentist every six months is necessary to keep your teeth and gums in good health. However, there’s more to dentistry than just cleaning and restorations. If you are not happy with your smile or want to improve your aesthetics, you should consider cosmetic dentistry. In this post, we are discussing top procedures before you decide to see a cosmetic dentist in Downtown Chicago.
Common procedures
Let’s start by discussing some of the common cosmetic dentistry procedures –
- Teeth whitening: If you have stained or discolored teeth, you may benefit from teeth whitening. While in-clinic whitening is more effective, you may also get home kits, which are great for mild to moderate staining. Your dentist will decide what would work best for you. All types of teeth whitening procedures use some bleaching agents.
- Invisalign® Clear Aligners: If you have moderate orthodontic concerns, you can consider Invisalign as an alternative to metal braces. These clear trays are removable and offer better comfort, allowing you to get straighter teeth without worrying about your looks. Also, you can continue to eat the foods you like and brush and floss as usual.
- Dental Veneers: Veneers are custom, thin shells that are bonded to the frontal part of your teeth to improve appearance. If you have discolored or chipped teeth, this could be the ideal option to get an enhanced smile. Veneers require removing a part of the enamel; therefore, discuss the pros and cons with your dentist.
- Dental crowns: A crown is designed to encase a tooth, adding both strength and aesthetic value. You can get a crown for a damaged tooth or after root canal therapy. Crowns are made in a lab and customized for each patient. A crown can also help fix other concerns, like the appearance of a filling. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can last for as long as 15 years.
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is placed inside the gums to work as a base for replacement teeth. The procedure gives you a permanent and effective solution for lost or missing teeth, and it is possible to replace an entire arch of teeth with just two dental implants. Implants are considered a much better option than dentures.
Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, most smile concerns can be addressed without complications. Of course, you have to understand that not all procedures are for everyone. Meet a reliable cosmetic dentist, discuss your goals, and they can offer better advice based on available treatments.
