Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on the appearance of teeth, gums, and bites. In addition to enhancing smiles, cosmetic dentists also improve dental health by treating areas that affect a person’s ability to chew and speak comfortably and effectively.
Many procedures available in cosmetic dentistry are considered elective treatments because they are optional and not required to have optimal oral health. That said, we at the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry can perform any one of these cosmetic dental treatments in a day or over a few appointments to improve the look and health of a smile dramatically.
One standard cosmetic treatment is porcelain veneers, which can hide aesthetic flaws in one procedure. For example, crooked teeth can be made to look straight with veneers to create a more uniform appearance. Similarly, small gaps between teeth can also be made to look smaller with veneers. Veneers can also cover chips, cracks, and other minor damage that can detract from the smile’s appearance.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Improved Appearance
Your smile will be transformed into a straighter, whiter, brighter set of teeth. Patients with poor self-images are pleasantly surprised by what they see in the mirror after these treatments.
Better Function
Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean and maintain. So, it is essential to address misalignment to maintain oral health. You may also experience some discomfort while chewing or speaking due to misaligned teeth.
Increased Self-Confidence
While cosmetic dentistry may not change who you are, it can improve your outlook on life by giving you a beautiful new smile. Knowing that you look good makes you more likely to feel confident in social and professional situations.
Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Crooked teeth are difficult to clean and are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease than straight teeth. To address this, orthodontic treatments are great for correcting crooked teeth as well as bite issues. Orthodontics can also improve the function of your smile and make eating easier. Some patients also see an improvement in their speech and chewing ability with orthodontic treatment.
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells placed over your teeth to hide chips, cracks, and other imperfections. Veneers can make misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth appear straight and can also help to close any gaps between teeth as well.
Composite fillings are made with a tooth-colored resin material that blends in with your natural teeth. While amalgam fillings were once the only option, many patients now choose composite fillings because of their natural appearance. They can also fix cavities, replace old metal fillings, and repair chipped or broken teeth. Your dentist can tell you which option is right for you during your consultation.
Do you want to improve your smile's look and your overall quality of life? If so, we invite you to visit the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the Woodlands at 1733 Woodstead Ct Suite 204, Woodlands, TX 77380, or call (281) 367-5256 to consult with our dentist about cosmetic dentistry procedures.
