2019 has been a tough year for many of us, and here’s hoping for a 2020 turn around. Maybe for you, that means getting into the gym, eating less sugar and less fast food (good for your body as well as your teeth!), or finally practicing meditation. If you spent most of the year embarrassed by your smile, however, afraid there wasn’t much you could do about it, your turn around could come in the form of cosmetic dentistry.
Unlike general dentistry, which diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral healthcare needs, including cleanings, exams, gum care, and root canals, cosmetic dentistry refers to dental treatments which improve the aesthetic value of your smile. If you’re unhappy with the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, there are several different treatments cosmetic dentistry can offer.
Hoping to go into 2020 feeling extra fresh? Here is our cosmetic dentistry guide.
Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the most common complaints patients have about their smile is the shade of their teeth. It’s no wonder professional teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand procedures out there. Staining works like this: contained in all food are staining agents which eventually become trapped in the natural ridges of your enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow. Some foods have more staining agents than others, like coffee, red wine, and cigarettes, but eventually all our smiles become stained. Professional whitening works by using certain chemicals to dissolve these staining agents and pull them from our enamel. While it’s true that whitening products found in the grocery store contain the same chemicals, professional solutions are much more powerful, as dentists and dental hygienists receive specialized training to handle them with care.
Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience that can feel irreversible. The truth is, however, that cosmetic dentistry can give your smile another chance. Dental implants offer men and women an incredibly reliable solution for replacing missing teeth in a way that feels natural. Comprised of two main components, the titanium implant and the crown, dental implants work through a process known as osseointegration, or the process of living tissue and bone becoming integrated with an implant. After the titanium implant is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, the body begins fusing with the implant, creating a connection similar to that of a natural tooth root. When the crown is attached to the implant, the effect is a tooth that is indistinguishable from the others, and will not fall out or require any specialized cleaning.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are sort of like the Cadillac of the cosmetic dentistry world. Their effect can be incredibly dramatic, although they can also be subtle if you prefer. Thin wafer-like shells of ceramic are placed on the visible surfaces of your teeth, changing their shape, size, and color in one procedure. This makes them perfect for anyone concerned about multiple smile issues. Porcelain veneers can last up to twenty years with proper care, making them a lifetime investment.
If you live in Tarrytown or surrounding areas of Westchester County, New York, we can help with the appearance of your smile. Please contact Advanced Dentistry of Tarrytown today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.
