Dental Cosmetics

Dental Cosmetics Tonawanda, NY

While most people are not born with a perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry advancements can help people get the beautiful smiles they have always wanted. These procedures can correct discolored, chipped, misaligned, or otherwise imperfect-looking teeth. Patients can choose from various techniques to restore and enhance their teeth, gums, or overall smile.

 

These procedures can help anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their smile. Dental cosmetics can help you enjoy the confidence and freedom to smile freely. Our team at Bison Dentistry provides cosmetic dental services in Tonawanda and the surrounding area. Call us at (716) 696-1951 to schedule an appointment and learn more.

What to Know About Dental Cosmetics

Cosmetic dentists work to improve the smile’s appearance rather than focusing solely on dental health as a general dentist does. However, cosmetic dentistry is not considered a separate specialty by the American Dental Association. All cosmetic dentists have trained as general dentists, while some may have completed additional training as prosthodontists or orthodontists.

 

Although many cosmetic dentistry options are available, people should choose the right one based on their current situation and goals. It is also essential to conduct thorough research and have realistic expectations. People interested in receiving treatment should understand the benefits, risks, and costs of any procedure before deciding. Speak with a cosmetic dentist for more information and guidance on which services may offer the best outcomes.

“Cosmetic dentists work to improve the smile’s appearance rather than focusing solely on dental health as a general dentist does.”

Dental Cosmetics Restorative Options

Many cosmetic procedures are considered restorative as well. Restorative procedures replace damaged or missing teeth and are more aimed at improving function and oral health. These options aim to return a smile to its former form and function and prevent future oral problems. Some popular restorative procedures that also improve teeth cosmetically are:

  • Bonding: This procedure involves using tooth-colored resin to repair a damaged tooth. Bonding corrects decayed, damaged, or misshapen teeth. It provides cosmetic and functional restoration for minor damage.
  • Crowns: These tooth-shaped caps fit over a damaged tooth. They imitate the size, shape, strength, and appearance of natural teeth. Crowns can also cover implants or anchors for bridges.
  • Implants: An implant replaces the root of a tooth. It may hold a crown or dentures in place. Dental implants are a permanent and robust replacement for missing teeth.

“Cosmetic dentists can perform procedures that serve restorative as well as aesthetic purposes.”

Exclusively Cosmetic Procedures

Other dental cosmetic procedures serve purely cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles. Some common purely cosmetic procedures include:

  • Enamel Shaping: A cosmetic dentist can shape the enamel to improve its appearance. People with crooked, overlapping, irregular, or damaged teeth will often get enamel shaping. Patients will commonly combine enamel shaping with other treatments like bonding.
  • Teeth Whitening: Teeth become stained over time from consuming foods and drinks, smoking, or taking certain medications. People can choose between getting teeth whitening under the supervision of a dental professional or at home using less effective over-the-counter products. Some professional teeth whitening options are tray-based tooth whiteners and in-office bleaching.
  • Veneers: When getting a veneer, a patient will have a small amount of enamel shaved down to improve the tooth’s appearance. A wafer-thin ceramic shell replaces the shaved enamel. A bonding material then attaches the ceramic shell to the tooth and allows normal tooth function.

“Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of visits will depend on the type of procedure and the patient. Some patients can achieve their goals through a few visits, while others require more. Ask questions during the consultation to find out how many visits your treatment plan will entail.

Some cosmetic dentistry treatments will last longer than others. For example, teeth whitening is not permanent, and patients will eventually need to receive additional treatments. Many dental cosmetic procedures can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, like dental restorations.
The veneer itself will not decay. However, the natural parts of your teeth still can. Veneers do not increase or decrease your likelihood of getting cavities as long as they are properly cleaned and maintained.
The risk of staining will depend on the kind of dental cosmetics received. While the porcelain in veneers is not likely to stain, bleached teeth can stain easily from certain foods and drinks. It is important to follow care instructions and schedule regular exams and cleanings with a dentist to maintain your treatment.

Tooth whitening does not damage the enamel or any other part of the mouth permanently when done correctly. Enamel is considered the hardest tissue in the body. This treatment can cause temporary tooth sensitivity.

Request Appointment

Name(Required)

How Does One Become a General Dentist

A general dentist is a professional in a position of enormous trust. A dentist’s duties include diagnosing and sometimes treating conditions of the mouth to ...
Read More →

How a General Dentist Treats Cavities

Among the most common dental problems that a general dentist treats are cavities. Most people will experience this form of tooth decay at some point ...
Read More →

Ask a General Dentist: What Happens to Your Tooth After Extraction

Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including: Bacterial decay Accidental breakage Overcrowding Impaction Most patients ...
Read More →

What if a General Dentist Does Not Treat an Abscessed Tooth

A general dentist is frequently called upon to diagnose and treat dental abscesses. Failure to get treatment for this infection can have serious health consequences. ...
Read More →

Why Your General Dentist Recommends Regular X-Rays

Want to know more about x-rays? Talking with a general dentist is the best place to start.
Read More →

Long-Term Problems Caused by a Missing Tooth

Gum disease is responsible for most adult tooth loss, so people who fail to get a missing tooth replaced are likely to lose more teeth.
Read More →