Cosmetic dentistry is focused on giving your teeth a more attractive appearance. It uses several approaches to make your teeth straighter, whiter, and more even. Having a good-looking smile is more important than just looking good. It improves your confidence, thus positively influencing your social interactions. Cosmetic dentistry offers several treatments like teeth whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers, and making over your whole smile, all meant to enhance oral aesthetics.
If you want to enhance your smile, we invite you to explore cosmetic dentistry’s possibilities. Contact the Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry team and schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward a radiant and confident smile.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Several cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to enhance your smile’s beauty and function. Several cosmetic dentistry procedures, from simple fixes to significant smile changes, address various cosmetic issues and effectively address most smile concerns. Let us look at each of them:
Teeth Whitening
Whitening teeth is still one of the most popular and simplest ways to improve your smile. This treatment mainly focuses on stains that settle on the teeth. Extrinsic stains come from external factors like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, but intrinsic stains are inside the teeth and are typically caused by aging, some medications, or injuries. Professional teeth whitening relies on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents to remove stains from enamel and give you a brighter smile.
The main types of professional teeth whitening are:
- In-office laser teeth whitening
- Take-home kits provided by dental professionals
When laser teeth whitening is done in a dentist’s office, the results are usually noticeable, instant, and often achieved in only one session. A strong bleaching gel is put on the teeth during the process, and a special light or laser speeds up its impact. The procedure is safe because your dentist directly oversees your bleaching, helping prevent irritation of your gums. Alternatively, when you choose a professionally made take-home whitening kit, the trays are designed to fit your mouth, and the gel is less intense. Therefore, you can whiten your teeth at your own pace at home. Because it is a slower process, the results are outstanding, and you have more control over the whitewashing.
Picking the best type depends on how fast you want results, your lifestyle, and individual sensitivity. When conducting teeth whitening, professionals use precautions to protect your mouth’s enamel and other tissues.
Teeth whitening candidates often have healthy teeth, gums, and extrinsic or minor intrinsic staining. Other options might be needed if someone has bad internal staining, gum disease, or numerous dental restorations. Although each person’s results differ, many patients report a noticeable improvement. Your whitening results can last up to two years if you maintain good oral hygiene and avoid staining foods and drinks.
You can expect to experience temporary sensitivity, which is common. It can be handled using sensitive toothpastes or by changing the time between treatments.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells explicitly made to cover the front of your teeth, changing their look. You can use these cosmetic solutions to treat multiple issues, including chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, very dark stains that are hard to clean, and mild misalignments. Veneers even out your smile, making it symmetrical and attractive, and can often change your whole smile.
Dental veneers can be either porcelain or composite.
Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory using top-quality ceramic. They are famous for being durable, easy to clean, and appearing just like the natural enamel on your teeth. Though you may need two or three visits for porcelain veneers, they have a long life and can last 10 to 15 years or more if well taken care of.
Resin veneers or composite veneers are made and attached in one appointment using resin that is the same color as your teeth. Even though they are less expensive and easier to place than porcelain, they are not as tough, more likely to pick up stains, and usually last for only 5 to 7 years. Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneers that fit over your teeth and may require little or no preparation.
In traditional porcelain veneer treatment, you will first discuss your goals with the dentist, and then they will remove a minimal amount of enamel from the teeth to allow for the veneers. After that, impressions are sent to a lab so your custom veneers can be fabricated. During this time, the dentist could place temporary veneers. When the permanent veneers are ready, a strong dental adhesive is used to attach them to the tooth firmly. With composite veneers, dentists apply resin to the tooth, shape it to the desired form, and cure it with a light.
Dental veneers are helpful because they address several imperfections simultaneously, have a natural appearance, and resist stains, especially if porcelain is used. However, they are not without drawbacks. Some of the common disadvantages include the following:
- Their irreversibility (traditional veneers)
- They can cause sensitivity
- They require extra care
If you clean your teeth properly and visit the dentist regularly, your veneers could last many years. Furthermore, good results with veneers depend on the skill and artistry of the dentist, so they are a worthwhile investment for your smile.
Invisalign® and Clear Aligners
Invisalign and similar clear aligners have completely changed orthodontics by providing a subtle, comfortable way to straighten teeth discreetly. They use a set of custom-made transparent trays that gradually move teeth into the proper positions. They work well to correct problems like crowded teeth, spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Clear aligners are most attractive because they are practically invisible, making them a favorite among adults and teens who want to improve their teeth without the obviousness of braces. As well as making teeth look better, clear aligners give you the advantage of removing them, which makes dental care, like brushing and flossing, much simpler during treatment. They can be more comfortable than traditional braces since they do not have wires or brackets.
At the start, your dentist will review your dental health and could also use 3D scanning of your teeth. Advances in technology let your dentist or orthodontist plan your treatment and show how your teeth will move throughout the process. The best results are achieved when aligners are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, except for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth.
How long treatment will take depends on how severe the case is, but it is usually between 6 and 18 months. Notably, the treatment will be successful and efficient only if you keep wearing your aligners as your doctor instructs.
Retainers are best suited to keep your teeth in their new position after completing active treatment. Clear aligners use the latest technology to give you a reliable and attractive way to correct your teeth.
Dental Bonding
Cosmetic or dental bonding is often used conservatively to fix minor problems with teeth. It requires a special composite material to be applied to the tooth, shaped, hardened, and polished until it looks like the rest of the tooth. The treatment is often applied to:
- Repair chipped teeth
- Fix cracked teeth
- Reduce small gaps between teeth
- Improve tooth shape or size
- Mask slight discoloration
Most patients find dental bonding quick and straightforward because it is often done in one office visit. When the resin shade matches your natural teeth, the dentist gently etches the tooth’s surface to help the bond last longer. After that, a conditioning liquid is spread over the surface, and the resin is applied. After forming the resin into the proper shape, the dentist uses a special light to harden it. After that, the bonded tooth is shaped and polished to make the finishing result look natural. Because dental bonding is minimally invasive, less of your healthy tooth structure is removed.
Dental bonding is a good option because it costs less than veneers, requires little tooth removal, and the results can be seen immediately. It does not take very long to complete.
However, dental bonding is generally less durable and stain-resistant than porcelain veneers or crowns. While dental bonding usually lasts between 3 and 10 years, it is more likely to chip or get stained than veneers.
Achieving a natural and attractive result depends on the dentist’s ability to choose the right color and sculpt the resin.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the best and most attractive way to replace missing teeth, and they are the top choice in restorative dentistry.
An implant is a titanium post that doctors place in the jawbone as a root for the new tooth. When the abutment is joined to the bone, it is held in place, and then a custom-made crown is put on top to match the rest of your teeth. Even though dental implants are mainly used for restoration, they also make your smile look better and healthier.
Dental implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Your custom crown is designed to look like your other teeth in shape, color, and size, creating a uniform and complete smile. Besides filling a space, implants are vital for preserving the face’s structure. A missing tooth causes the bone underneath to break down. Dental implants help maintain the jawbone, stopping it from shrinking, so your face does not sag as you age. This long-term preservation keeps bones intact, thus preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting, which could cause crookedness and more problems with the appearance.
Most people find that dental implants last a very long time, sometimes for life, if properly cared for. They last a lifetime, function like natural teeth, and help you chew and speak confidently.
Although the procedure requires surgery and time for the implant to fuse with the bone, the excellent results achieved by qualified dentists make them reliable for both oral health and aesthetics.
For those planning a full smile makeover where missing teeth are a factor, dental implants will help you achieve perfect form and function.
Gum Contouring or Lifting
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or a gum lift, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile by correcting issues with the gum line. People with excessive gum tissue, sometimes called a gummy smile, or those with teeth that are not evenly spaced, may find this procedure helpful. Gum contouring aims to make the gums and teeth look even and balanced, so the teeth are visible and in proportion.
While performing the procedure, the dentist removes any extra gum and reshapes the gum line with a dental laser. With laser gum reshaping, people can expect less bleeding, less pain, and faster recovery since the laser closes the blood vessels during treatment. Once the gum tissue is removed, it will not grow back.
A local anesthetic is generally used so that the patient feels comfortable during the procedure.
The effects of gum contouring are immediate, helping the smile look better and more balanced. Moreover, recovery is usually fast, and any minor discomfort can be treated with pain relievers you buy at the store.
Additional Factors to Consider During Your Smile Transformation
Cosmetic dentistry involves more than choosing a procedure. It requires you to think about different factors to help you achieve a satisfying final result. Selecting the appropriate person, planning finances, and understanding future support are crucial to being well-prepared.
Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Choosing the best cosmetic dentist is crucial to achieving your desired smile. Your dentist will guide you through the process and use his/her knowledge, experience, and artistic eye to determine the outcome.
A dentist trained in cosmetic dentistry and with experience is the best choice. Be sure that the dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This membership signals dentists are committed to quality and continuous learning in cosmetic dentistry.
Before deciding, look into the doctor’s qualifications, read patient reviews and testimonials, and examine their before-and-after photos. These resources provide helpful information about the dentist’s skills, consistency, and patient satisfaction.
The initial consultation is essential. It allows you to:
- Judge the dentist’s communication
- See if the dentists truly understand your aesthetic goals
- Observe their use of the latest dental and digital smile design tools
Avoid dental clinics that use aggressive sales tactics, lack transparency, or are reluctant to provide detailed explanations or references. Your dentist should make you feel confident and focus on what is best for you.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry and Financing Options
Cosmetic dentistry costs could vary widely, depending on the type of treatment, the materials needed, the dentist’s skills, and where you live.
A teeth whitening procedure is usually less expensive than having multiple veneers or implants during a smile makeover. You should ask your doctor to provide a detailed treatment plan that includes costs during your visit.
It is worth noting that purely cosmetic dental treatments are usually not covered by dental insurance, since they are not deemed medically necessary. However, if a cosmetic dentistry procedure addresses a health issue, for example, a dental crown fixes a broken tooth, a portion of the cost could be covered. To help make cosmetic dentistry affordable, you can use various financing options, like CareCredit. It offers low- or no-interest payment plans. Furthermore, most dental offices offer in-house payment plans. It is best to talk with the dental office’s financial coordinator to determine what is available to you.
The Smile Makeover Process
A complete smile makeover is organized to handle several cosmetic issues and bring about a beautiful, balanced smile. The process begins with a detailed first meeting, where your dentist listens to your goals, discusses your expectations, and checks your teeth, gums, bite, and face.
The use of advanced technology helps in the planning of your smile makeover. This includes taking digital X-rays and high-quality photos and often using special digital smile design software. This technology lets you view different outcomes and join the design process to meet your desire.
Using the assessment and your input, your doctor will create a detailed plan showing the treatment order, the timeline, and the costs.
When your makeover involves several stages, you could use temporary restorations first to try out your new smile so you can still make changes before the permanent ones are implemented. Because this method focuses on patients, every detail of your smile makeover is carefully prepared and carried out for reliable and satisfying results.
Taking Care of Your Teeth After a Cosmetic Dental Procedure
Investing in cosmetic dentistry helps you feel confident and keeps your mouth healthy, so it is important to care for your smile after the procedure to preserve it for a long time. Even though cosmetic dental work is made to last, how well you care for it will significantly affect its lifespan.
The basics of dental hygiene are the same:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day to get rid of food and plaque around your gums
For specific cosmetic dental procedures, you need to follow additional care tips. For example:
- To make teeth whitening last longer, avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks, and remember to have occasional touch-ups.
- To prevent staining your dental bonding, avoid highly pigmented foods and habits that can chip the resin.
- Porcelain veneers are strong, but patients should use soft toothpaste and handle their teeth gently to keep them from being damaged.
- For clear aligners, both the aligners and your mouth should be cleaned regularly.
- Continue with regular dental visits after cosmetic dentistry, as your dentist and hygienist can supervise your restorations and provide needed cleaning.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, you will need a custom night guard. It will help protect your cosmetic restorations from too much force.
- Choosing a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking and eating right, helps keep your improved smile looking great for years.
Following your dentist’s recommendations helps you to keep your beautiful smile for a long time.
Find a Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
Apart from making your smile look better, cosmetic dentistry supports your confidence, health, and happiness. Think about how wonderful it would be to have a smile matching your bright, even, and attractive personality. Do not let your dental imperfections stop you from being yourself around others.
Are you ready to enhance your smile and feel more confident? Book a consultation with Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry now to learn how our team can give you the smile you have always wanted. Contact us at 818-878-7300.