Are you concerned about the way you smile? You are not alone! Millions of people feel unconfident about how their teeth and gums look, and fortunately, there are cosmetic treatments available for most problems. You should see a general dentist every six months, but cosmetic dentistry is elective. You and your cosmetic dentist in Plymouth will discuss and decide what treatments to consider to enhance your smile. In this post, we will discuss more about procedures, advantages, and beyond. 

What issues can cosmetic dentistry fix?

People often seek cosmetic dentistry treatments when they don’t like the shape, size, and appearance of their teeth. There are procedures to fix issues like gapped teeth, misaligned bites, and stained teeth. A cosmetic dentist can also help address other issues, such as gapped, chipped, and cracked teeth.  For instance, if you have missing teeth, you can visit your dentist, who can recommend implants and find the best way to restore and improve your smile. 

What are the common procedures & treatments?

Professional teeth whitening: You can choose between in-office whitening procedures or take-home kits, and both can help address staining and discoloration issues. If you go for in-clinic teeth whitening, your dentist will complete the procedure, and the results are immediate. Take-home kits, on the other hand, require your commitment. You must wear the custom trays with a bleaching agent, as suggested by your cosmetic dentist, for a period of time to see the whitening effects. 

 The procedure requires removing a part of the enamel and preparing your teeth, and the veneers are later fixed to the teeth to reshape the smile. 

Invisalign: While clear aligners are often considered a part of orthodontic care, your cosmetic dentist can also offer the option. Invisalign is the brand name and includes custom plastic aligners, which help straighten teeth and address mild to moderate alignment issues. Invisalign aligners are removable, and unlike veneers, the treatment actually shifts teeth to desired positions. 

Dental implants: Implants are posts that are inserted inside the jawbone (endosteal implants) and work as the base for replacement teeth. You can get crowns, bridges, or dentures on implants, depending on the number of missing teeth. Dental implants are permanent and don’t require extra care. Implant-supported restorations also offer much better comfort. 

There are also other options, such as composite bonding and gum contouring. 

Are the outcomes permanent?

No, no cosmetic dentistry treatment is permanent. Whether you are getting a crown or other restoration, you will need to come back for replacement after a few years. The same is true for teeth whitening, which offers amazing results, but with time, your natural teeth enamel will stain again, requiring a repeat procedure. Only implants are permanent, but even the restorations on implants require replacement at some point. 

How to find a cosmetic dentist?

There are many dental clinics that offer cosmetic dentistry procedures, but make sure to choose one with good reviews. Check the website of shortlisted options to know the treatments and services they offer. Unless you meet a dentist and get an assessment, it can be hard to understand whether they are worth your time. When you meet a cosmetic dentist in Plymouth for the first time, ask questions, check whether they educate you and answer your questions, and if you feel comfortable talking to them. 

Don’t let your smile affect your confidence!