Cosmetic dental treatments have allowed countless people to achieve gorgeous smiles they are proud to show off, and dentists offer a wide range of procedures that can brighten and reshape teeth or conceal unsightly defects. Here’s a brief guide to some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments and how they can enhance your grin and your confidence.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells designed to fit over troubled teeth and conceal frustrating defects like chips, cracks, gaps, or stains, and they can even be used to resculpt and rebuild stubby or broken teeth. These devices can be placed in as few as two appointments, and the entire process is rendered painless with local anesthetics. These devices can completely transform a smile into a beautiful new state.
Teeth Whitening
Almost everyone wants to achieve a whiter smile, and professional teeth whitening treatments can lift stubborn dental stains and brighten a smile by up to eight shades. These procedures deliver results far superior to any store-bought whitening product, and they are incredibly safe because they use customized dental trays that minimize the risk of the gums being exposed to harsh whitening agents. Professional teeth whitening can take the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Traditional amalgam fillings do a great job of restoring the strength and structure of a tooth damaged by injury or decay, but they can be quite conspicuous when you speak or laugh. Luckily, tooth-colored fillings can resolve destructive dental infections while remaining indistinguishable from your natural enamel. These restorations are made from tooth-colored composite resin that bonds readily to your teeth, which can make it easier to address dental damage while removing less enamel.
Don’t let dental flaws make it difficult to smile proudly at work and social gatherings. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to achieve the grin of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. William C. Poe earned his dental degree at USC Dental School and has extensive training in cosmetic, neuromuscular, and orthodontic treatments. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association, and his office in Los Alamitos offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry such as the treatments described here. To schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry, contact his office online or dial (562) 594-5067.