Cosmetic Dentist: What Are The Available Options?

Chances are you have probably seen the ads that offer to improve
your appearance with a smile make over and maybe you have even been
tempted to have something done but you are unsure what your options
are. Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way since the days when your
only options were dentures or to live with bad looking teeth.Many of
the improvements of cosmetic dentistry are obvious and have helped
lure many patients back into the dentist chair who were unsatisfied
with what was available to help them in the past. For example it
wasn't that long ago when fillings were obvious- they were the dark or
gold spots that showed up every time you opened your mouth. There was
no hiding your cavities or dental work. Times have changed and today
there is a significant improvement in what is available to patients
who can now opt for fillings that are designed to blend in and be
almost invisible.These are called inlays/outlays and they are as easy
to put in as the old fillings were. These are indirect fillings made
from porcelain or composite material that are shaped and formed to fit
in a dental lab and then adhered in place, much like a dental veneer.
So instead of having the dentist fill the hole from decay on the spot,
inlays/outlays are sent out to the lab to be shaped to your personal
tooth.Cosmetic dentistry can do more than cover up bad fillings
though. If you look in the mirror and think you would have a beautiful
smile if it just weren't for those years of smoking or drinking wine,
coffee or colas that have stained your teeth, there are two options.
You can try teeth whitening or veneers. Teeth whitening is one of the
most common cosmetic procedures in the dentist office and it can be
done at home once the cosmetic dentist makes your teeth whitening tray
customized to your teeth. Another option is veneers. Veneers are made
of a composite or porcelain material and adhesively bonded to your
existing teeth to create a perfectly white smile.If you have missing
teeth you may not need dentures, but you probably need dental implants
that will put the missing teeth back in your mouth to not only make
your smile complete but also to stop bone loss and keep your other
teeth in place as well.Cosmetic dentistry isn't just about looking
good, although it is a definite immediate side effect of having work
done. A full mouth reconstruction can correct your bite and correct
the structure of your muscles, bones and teeth, which can all help to
prevent bone loss, gum disease and other issues that will greatly
impact your health down the road.