Cosmetic Dentistry: 5 Types to Enhance Your Smile

June 11 2020 by Mills Haven Dental

Years ago, a rumour spread that cosmetic dentistry was only for the wealthy. We associated perfectly straight teeth with A-list celebrities and the idea of correcting our smiles was unimaginable to most of us. We believed we simply couldn't afford it.

But cosmetic dentistry isn't exclusive or out-of-reach.

Improving your smile is more affordable, accessible, and attainable than ever.

Keep reading to learn about FIVE different kinds of cosmetic dentistry that can enhance your smile.

Bonding

Bonding is a very simple process to make minor repairs to your teeth. A material called composite resin is used to cover up chips or cracks, improve the look of discolouration, or fill in that little gap that's been bothering you. Resin can be adjusted to match the colour of your natural teeth (bonus).

This simple solution can have a huge impact on your confidence, but it can also help improve your bite if a chip or crack has been causing you grief.

Veneers

Dental veneers are shell-shaped attachments that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They've been around a long time, and there's a good reason for it. Veneers can drastically improve your smile and porcelain veneers look like the real deal.

Porcelain veneers are known to be easy to take care of and can be completed in 2-3 visits to your dentist.

Learn more about porcelain veneers here.

Crowns and Bridges

There are two reasons to consider getting dental crowns or bridges:

You need to restore or strengthen your existing teeth, or;
You need to replace missing teeth.

A crown acts as a little cap that is cemented over your existing tooth. They're a great solution if you have teeth that are starting to decay or fall apart but can still be saved.

Bridges, on the other hand, act as a bridge (surprised?) between two teeth with a gap of missing/removed teeth in between them. Dental bridges can be permanent or removable; when they're removable, they're sometimes called partial dentures.

Learn more about crowns and bridges veneers here.

Implants

If you've suffered tooth loss, then dental implants might be the best choice for you.

Implants are like artificial roots that are made of titanium and then drilled into your jawbone. Once in place, your jawbone will heal around the implant which then allows us to screw on an artificial tooth.

We know, that sounds a little scary, but dental implants are considered one of the safest and longest-lasting solutions to replace missing teeth. We're big fans.

Before considering implants, you and your dentist will need to discuss your oral health history. Dental implants are not always suitable for people who have osteoporosis, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the jaw.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening! Over time, your teeth are bound to lose some of their shine. A simple tooth whitening procedure by your dentist can give you immediate results for a brighter smile.

We have no doubt that you've walked down grocery aisles with dozens of kinds of toothpaste, strips, trays, and mouthwashes that all promise a whiter smile.

Although these products have advantages such as affordability we gotta warn you that they do come with risks. These home solutions have been connected to tooth sensitivity, like sharp pains when drinking cold liquids.

If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, we recommend you stop using any tooth whitening product from your local drugstore ASAP. If discomfort persists, give us a call right away.

Next Steps for a Great Smile

Mills Haven Dental is in Sherwood Park and ready to serve you all your cosmetic dentistry desires! We'll explore the different options of cosmetic dentistry and find the right solution for you.