A cosmetic dental procedure can do many things, including improving your smile and, by extension, your overall appearance, which can subsequently improve confidence and self-esteem. Since the word cosmetic usually refers to a product or treatment to restore or improve one’s physical appearance, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that many dental patients believe that cosmetic dentistry is limited to simply superficial or “skin deep” improvements to your teeth. While cosmetic dentistry can significantly alter the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dental procedures can also restore your smile to its original state, improving your mouth and your overall health.

The following are common cosmetic dental procedures that can be used to correct, refine, improve and restore your natural smile:

Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a cap that completely covers the portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. Dental crowns come in many different materials, including stainless steel and other metals, and are used for many different purposes, such as to hold together a broken tooth or one that has been worn down. A crown may also be necessary to cover or support a dental bridge or implant.

Dental Veneers: A dental veneer is similar to a crown in that it is designed to cover the visible portion of a tooth. However, unlike crowns, dental veneers are extremely thin, custom shells that are specifically made to improve the appearance of teeth. A dental veneer, usually composed of porcelain or a similar composite material, are bonded to teeth and are often used to fix less-severe forms of tooth damage such as staining, worn and chipped teeth, and to improve alignment and fill gaps between teeth.

Dental Implants: Dental implants do not refer to artificial teeth or dentures – instead, they refer to an artificial root connecting the jaw to a denture or bridge. As implants allow artificial teeth to more closely resemble real teeth, and feel more like the genuine tooth to a patient, an implant can be a more durable and permanent solution to counteracting tooth loss.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, refer to procedures that either restore or improve the natural white color of teeth. Teeth whitening refers to various procedures that seek to restore the natural hue of healthy teeth, while tooth bleaching specifically refers to procedures that move beyond restoration to actually improving the original coloring of the teeth.

It’s important to remember that cosmetic dental procedures do more than simply improve the appearance of your teeth – simply put, teeth that fit better together work better together, and restoring your teeth can improve your smile, your bite and your physical comfort. A restored, brightened smile can also make anyone look younger and healthier, so why wait? Schedule a consultation today!