A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving a person’s smile to boost their confidence and help them achieve their desired look. From crooked teeth to unsightly blemishes, many problems are fixable due to the hard work of cosmetic dentists. Here are a few of the ways in which a cosmetic dentist can revitalize the look of your smile.
Understanding cosmetic dentists
Cosmetic dentists are professionals whose procedures center around the visual, aesthetic appearance of the mouth. They may conduct treatments targeting the teeth or gums to enhance someone’s smile and help them feel less self-conscious. Things that a cosmetic dentist commonly does include the following.
Teeth whitening
Whitening treatments can be a turning point for people who are uncomfortable smiling due to the shade of their teeth. In-office teeth whitening utilizes a carefully crafted solution applied to the teeth and a specialized light or laser to brighten the teeth by multiple shades, and it can be done in a single visit.
A cosmetic dentist can also help patients pursue at-home whitening if in-office treatments do not align with their goals or budget. The dentist will take a mold of the patient’s mouth to create customized trays that hold a whitening solution. The patient can use these at home with occasional check-ins with the dentist to achieve a gradual whitening.
Gum contouring
Some people are self-conscious about their smile because they feel that their teeth are too small or that they have a “gummy” look. Cosmetic dentists can reshape the gumline to create a consistent appearance that accents the teeth in an aesthetically pleasing way. In certain cases, they may also transplant tissue from a donor area (such as the top of the mouth) to the gums if the gumline is receding, to make the smile more vibrant and natural.
Gum contouring typically lasts for the rest of a person’s life because the gum tissue will not regress from its new, more appealing state. About a week after the procedure, most people feel like their usual selves.
Blemish control
Life happens, and it can leave your teeth with cracks, chips, crookedness, gaps, or stains that do not respond to whitening. Cosmetic dentists can apply veneers or dental bonding to hide these blemishes, creating a smooth and natural-looking tooth cover.
Veneers can change the perceived shape or sides of teeth to close gaps and hide discoloration. Bonding can fill in unsightly textures and uneven edges to facilitate a uniform smile. Since these options are customizable, the cosmetic dentist can adjust the shade of the restorations to match your existing teeth so the new feature blends in without notice.
Explore cosmetic options
Your smile is one of the first things that a stranger will notice about you, but there is no reason to be self-conscious. If your smile is not up to par with your personal goals, a cosmetic dentist can help. Contact our team to explore your cosmetic dentistry options and discover the many choices that can revitalize your smile and leave you beaming with confidence.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hemingwaydds.com or call Julie A. Hemingway, D.D.S. at (805) 409-2358 for an appointment in our Santa Barbara office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Santa Barbara, CA.
Related Posts
Dental bridges are a common treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist. This is because they can do so much to improve your smile and make you feel confident about yourself. If you have been looking for a cosmetic dentist, be sure to ask them about dental bridges. A cosmetic dentist can do so much with…
Cosmetic dental services can help improve the color of your teeth. Teeth start white, but they pick up stains as a person's life goes on. Some of these stains come from the coloring agents in the foods and beverages that we consume, while habits like using tobacco products cause others.Teeth can also become discolored as…
If you suffer from uneven teeth, cosmetic dental services can help straighten your bite and improve your confidence in your smile. Straight teeth improve more than just appearance; they can also improve overall dental health as pieces of food get stuck more easily between crooked teeth. In addition, straight teeth are easier to clean with…
Your insurance provider might cover cosmetic dental services depending on if they are deemed elective or essential. Most dental insurance providers cover essential treatments that help restore or keep your mouth healthy, but you are typically on your own when it comes to elective treatments that your insurance provider does not deem necessary. Fortunately, many…