Cosmetic Dental Care
Sometimes it’s more than just about the health of your teeth and gums. General dentistry takes care of problems like tooth decay, dental exams and cleanings, and gum disease. Now that you’ve tackled the really serious health issues, it’s time to put the sparkle back in your smile with cosmetic dental care treatments and procedures.
Some popular types of cosmetic dental procedures include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
Teeth Whitening Treatments
Having some level of tooth discoloration is extremely common among adults. Stains can be caused by:
- Drinking coffee and dark-colored beverages
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Old age
There are a number of professional teeth whitening treatments available, but most of them rely upon the application of a whitening gel, typically containing hydrogen peroxide. This professional strength gel is often used in conjunction with a special light that intensifies its effects.
Although professional teeth whitening is highly effective, it is not uncommon for the patient to begin experiencing tooth discoloration again at some point. Those individuals sometimes “cut to the chase” and opt for porcelain dental veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental care that help to correct minor aesthetic imperfections of the teeth like stains and chips. A dental veneer is a thin shell attached to the teeth, and porcelain is the most popular type due to its outstanding stain resistant properties, as well as its strength and durability.
Getting your new porcelain veneers is a very simple process. During your first appointment, your dentist will form an impression of your teeth for the creation of a mold that will be sent to a dental laboratory. Once the lab has used this mold to create your porcelain veneers, your dentist will attach them during a follow-up appointment.
Porcelain is great for repairing minor cosmetic problems with the teeth. And porcelain naturally resembles the color and translucence of natural teeth. It is also known for being virtually impervious to stains.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a type of cosmetic restoration used for completely covering a damaged tooth. In addition to helping strengthen teeth that have been damaged, dental crowns can help to enhance teeth aesthetics and alignment. Dental crowns are commonly used on top of dental implants.
Ceramic or porcelain crowns are available that closely match the color of your natural teeth. Some other materials used in crowns include metallic alloys, gold and acrylic. Metal alloys are often stronger than porcelain and can be used for back teeth. Porcelain can even be bonded to metal to provide both strength and attractiveness.
Some reasons why you might get a crown include:
- Prevent a tooth from fracturing
- Fix a fractured tooth
- For the attachment of a bridge
- Covering a dental implant
- Protecting a tooth following a root canal procedure
Schedule Your Consultation
If you would like to further explore your cosmetic dental care treatment options, contact our cosmetic dentist today. At Lexington Smile Studio, we offer a variety of dental services to assist every unique smile. Call (781) 861-7645 or request an appointment online.
