Cosmetic Dentistry Options in Your Area

How do you rate your smile? Many people have some things they would like to change, from brighter teeth to a straighter smile. However, those same people often lack awareness about cosmetic dental options in their area. If you are one of the many who wonders, “How can cosmetic dentists near me help improve my smile?” then you should read on to learn about the many different options available to you. Many of these procedures are non-invasive, giving you a fast solution if you want a smile that is just a little bit more dazzling than what you have now.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most basic but popular cosmetic experiences that you can get through your local dentist office. The whitening process works similarly to the strips and products that you can buy over the counter, but is much more effective and much less likely to have unpleasant side effects, since it is administered by a professional. While certain over the counter whitening products use dyes or bleaches that are not healthy for your tooth enamel and may even contain allergens if you have certain health issues, your dental office has the advantage of knowing your medical history and will never use something that might have harmful side effects. While the exact results may vary, you can usually expect whitening procedures to provide a notably brighter hue after a matter of weeks.

Dental Bridges

As you get older, your jaw can change. This could be a result of wisdom teeth growing in, your facial muscles shifting as you age, or certain dental conditions that cause your gums to swell. The changes to your facial structure sometimes affect the spacing between your teeth. When a gap appears in your teeth that is too small to cover with a dental implant, a bridge is the next best solution. In other situations, you might opt for a less expensive and less invasive bridge option as a prelude to a more serious surgery such as the insertion of a dental implant. Cosmetic dentists work with you to choose the style of bridge you want and to make sure that the selected solution fits your mouth properly. They can also provide advice to help minimize the change to your bite and make sure that your new bridge doesn’t affect eating, drinking, or speaking in any adverse way.

Invisalign Braces

Dentists usually suggest braces for adolescents, as their bodies are still developing and can thus be effectively shaped by the metal braces put into their mouths to align their teeth. Adults can sometimes benefit from braces as well, especially if they needed orthodontic work done as children and didn’t get it for whatever reason. Unfortunately, few adults are happy with the idea of walking around with a mouth full of metal for a period of months or years. Thankfully, cosmetic dentists have a solution in the form of Invisalign braces. These braces are made of sturdy but clear plastic which helps to adjust the teeth and jaw in order to straighten a crooked smile. While Invisalign braces do cost more than traditional braces, they are often covered at least partially by insurance and can be a bargain for adults looking to improve their smiles.

Dental Implants

In extreme situations where a tooth needs to be extracted or in dental emergencies where a tooth has been knocked out, dentists might recommend the use of dental implants to keep your smile looking great. A dental implant involves the insertion of a titanium screw into the jawbone, which then fuses with the bone itself during the healing process. A high-quality prosthetic tooth then gets added to the screw, usually crafted of porcelain or a similar durable material. Although the recovery time for this procedure ranges from weeks to months, it serves as a seamless way to keep your smile intact if you have lost a tooth.

From simple whitening to dental implants, cosmetic dentists can help solve many issues with your teeth and smile. If any of these procedures sound like something that you might benefit from, you should discuss the possibility with your dentist. A little bit of work might brighten your smile for years to come.