Are you worried about the appearance of your smile? You’re not alone. In fact, the cosmetic dentistry industry reached $5.6 billion as more people started prioritizing their smiles.
Not sure which cosmetic dentistry procedures suit your needs? Read on to learn about the different procedures available in Lexington. After reading this guide, you can talk to your dentist to schedule your first procedure.
Discover the different types of cosmetic dentistry available today!
Veneers
If you recently chipped a tooth, don’t worry; you don’t have to replace it entirely. Instead, talk to your Lexington cosmetic dentist about veneers. Dental veneers are custom-made, porcelain caps designed to cover visual issues.
Your dentist can place the veneer atop the damaged tooth to hide the cosmetic problem. This cosmetic dentistry treatment is ideal if you have:
- Gaps between your teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
If your tooth is chipped or broken, your cosmetic dentist will assess the damage to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment. While this option can camouflage visual problems, it’s not ideal if the damage is extensive. Instead, your dentist might recommend a dental crown.
Nearly 83% of patients who received dental veneers are satisfied with their restorations.
During your appointment, your cosmetic dentist will first file down part of the damaged tooth. This ensures the veneer will adhere to your tooth. Your cosmetic dentist might suggest a local anesthetic to numb any pain you experience.
Ask your dentist if they offer non-prep veneers or need to first create them in a lab. The non-prep option can reduce your treatment duration. With this option, your dentist won’t need to shave off a layer of the tooth first.
With either option, your dentist will customize your veneer to ensure it blends in with surrounding teeth. Your dentist can adjust the size and shape as needed to produce a natural-looking smile.
Then, they’ll use an ultraviolet light to cement the veneer into place.
Dental Implants
If you damaged a tooth in a sporting or car accident, consider cosmetic dentistry treatment options like dental implants.
Your dentist will first need to remove the damaged tooth. Then, they’ll surgically place an implant, which looks like a small screw.
Over the span of a few months, the surgical site will need to heal. This phase, known as osseointegration, ensures the implant is stable. Once the area heals, your dentist will place a dental crown atop the implant.
Osseointegration can take about six months. Talk to your cosmetic dentist for a more accurate schedule.
Your dentist will color-match the crown to ensure it blends in with your smile for stunning, natural-looking results.
You’ll need to give your gums time to heal after the procedure. For example, you’ll need to stick to a soft food diet in the weeks after the implant is placed.
There are different types of dental implants available. For example, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth within an arch. The latter requires all-in-four implants, which can offer additional stability.,
You’ll need a healthy jawbone for this procedure. Talk to your cosmetic dentist in Lexington to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Teeth Whitening
Food, coffee, and wine can cause your teeth to appear discolored over time. Sometimes, brushing your teeth and using at-home whitening kits aren’t enough to brighten your smile. In fact, relying on at-home products can waste valuable time and money.
Instead, talk to your Lexington cosmetic dentist about teeth whitening services.
Determine what type of whitening solution they use before your appointment. Most dentists use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as their go-to bleaching agent.
After applying the bleaching agent, they’ll use a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide.
Your dentist can brighten your smile to improve your entire appearance. Brightening your smile can benefit your dental health by removing bacteria from your teeth and gums. You’ll feel more inclined to maintain your renewed smile by brushing and flossing, further benefiting your oral health.
You can also pair this cosmetic dentistry treatment with other procedures.
Talk to your Lexington dentist to develop a customized treatment plan.
Crowns
Your cosmetic dentist might recommend a crown if you have a damaged tooth. A crown can restore your ability to chew while boosting your self-confidence.
If you have a damaged tooth, don’t delay seeking treatment. Otherwise, you might begin experiencing digestive issues if you’re struggling to chew thoroughly.
If you only need a crown to cover a portion of your tooth, your dentist might recommend an onlay or 3/4 crown.
Dental crowns are made with ceramic, composite resin, or porcelain. Your dentist will determine what material to use based on where your damaged tooth is located. How your gum tissue is positioned can become a factor as well.
Invisalign
If there are gaps between your teeth or your teeth appear crooked, talk to your dentist about Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is ideal for adults who want a discrete tooth-straightening option. These aligners are made from clear plastic, making them nearly invisible when you smile.
You can remove your Invisalign aligners to brush, floss, and eat. Wearing your aligners during meals could cause discoloration and plaque formation.
You’ll need to wear your aligners for about 20 hours a day to see results.
Talk to your dentist to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you have more extensive orthodontic issues, you might want to consider traditional metal braces instead.
Visit Your Dentist to Discuss These Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Don’t let dental issues affect your appearance or self-confidence. Instead, talk to your dentist in Lexington about cosmetic dentistry procedures. They can help you determine which procedure suits your needs and goals.
With their help, you can improve your smile for stunning results.
Want to discuss your treatment plan with a cosmetic dentist? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
