Enhanced Aesthetics: 3 Ways Your Dentist Can Perfect Your Smile

One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your grin and if your teeth have imperfections, it can leave you feeling anxious or self-conscious. Fortunately, your dentist can resolve several aesthetic issues with cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re longing for brighter or unblemished pearly whites, they have solutions to help. How do you know, though, which treatments are best for you? Keep reading to learn about 3 popular procedures to decide what direction to take!

Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening

Years of eating and drinking dark foods and drinks can leave your once-sparkling grin looking like a shadow of its former self. Teeth whitening is a cost-effective and non-invasive way to remove years’ worth of stains. Although there are many options available over the counter, they often contain abrasive ingredients that cause tooth sensitivity.

Meanwhile, your dentist has access to professional-grade ingredients that get better results while minimizing potential discomfort. In many cases, they can lighten your smile by up to 8 shades in a single, hour-long appointment. If you don’t have the extra time then ask if they offer take-home kits. Many providers can send you home with customized trays and a high-quality bleaching product so that you can get incredible results from your own home.

Treatment #2: Veneers

If you thought having perfectly flawless teeth was only an option for the rich and the famous, think again! Your dentist can use porcelain veneers to conceal various imperfections including chips, cracks, discoloration, and minor gaps and misalignments. These durable covers are made of ceramic that’s color-matched to your natural shade and then bonded to the front surface of your teeth.

It’s important to note that your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from your pearly whites for veneers to line up flush against your gums. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate making it an irreversible change. Your teeth will need veneers, or some other restoration, in place moving forward to shield them from harm. Thankfully, these resilient shells are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist additional staining and chipping and can last 15+ years with the right care.

Treatment #3: Direct Bonding

If you’re not ready for the tooth preparation required for veneers, then you might benefit from direct bonding. This procedure involves placing a small amount of putty-like composite resin to your tooth. Your dentist molds this into the ideal shape and then hardens it in place using a special light. It bonds with the surface and generally lasts 5-10+ years if maintained properly. The material is customized to match the hue of your natural smile and can be used to mend or mask problems like small breaks, fractures, small gaps, and misshapen teeth. The entire process from start to finish can often be completed in a single visit which makes this a convenient alternative to veneers.

By upgrading your grin, your dentist can alleviate any anxiety you have about the way it looks. They’ll work with you to address any flaws so that soon, you’ll feel confident enough to show off your newly perfected smile!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Stapleton has almost two decades of experience providing a wide range of services to patients of all ages. He first graduated from the University of St. Thomas and then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Since then, he has enhanced his skills with ongoing courses at Spear Education and the Dawson Academy. Now, he uses state-of-the-art technology to offer the most contemporary solutions to provide individualized solutions that meet your dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (952) 448-2868.