What Cosmetic Dentistry Options Are Available?

Cosmetic Dentistry Selections

Teeth Whitening
This is a form of cosmetic dentistry for anyone who wants picture-perfect white teeth. Although there are at-home teeth whitening kits, it’s always better to have teeth whitening completed by a professional so that teeth are evenly and brilliantly white without risking your tooth or gum health. Teeth whitening can make the teeth several shades whiter depending on your desired outcomes, but it is important to note that stains within the teeth as opposed to on the outer enamel cannot be addressed using teeth whitening.

Veneers
Veneers are very thin porcelain coverings that are placed over and bonded to the natural teeth. These coverings can be used to cover up stains that teeth whitening can’t address. Veneers can be used to alter the appearance, shape, and projection of the teeth. Veneers can also cover small chips in the teeth, although they can’t be used to repair larger breaks, as they won’t have the same bite resistance. Unlike whitening, veneers are a permanent option that typically stay on for up to 20 years and don’t require touch-ups unless a chip occurs or a veneer happens to fall off. If this happens, the veneer can simply be reapplied.

Bonding
Bonded restoration, also known as bonding, is a process involving bonding highly durable composite resin to the tooth to correct chips, gaps, or tooth breaks. This form of dentistry can be either cosmetic or restorative depending on the severity of tooth damage. Because bonding uses a material that can be made thick but firm, it holds up well to bite force and can be used for the replacement of large sections of a tooth.

Teeth Straightening
Straightening crowded teeth can be either cosmetic or restorative. If you are only straightening teeth for a better appearance and your dentist doesn’t think it will affect your oral health much, it is considered cosmetic dentistry. To straighten teeth, braces were once a common option, but now many people opt for Invisalign® as this is typically an easier and more aesthetically pleasing option for shifting teeth. Straightening the teeth can involve reducing tooth overlap, closing teeth gaps, turning teeth, and generally creating an even smile.

Crowns
Although crowns can be used in restorative dentistry to help strengthen weak teeth, they can also be used to restore or improve tooth appearance by altering the size or shape of a tooth. A crown is a dental cap that is placed on top of the tooth and permanently bonded to the tooth.

Bridges
A dental bridge can be used when a person is missing one or two teeth. Dental bridges have one or two artificial teeth with a crown on either side. The crowns on either side are then bonded to the teeth beside the previously empty tooth gap. Bridges offer a cosmetic dentistry solution for someone missing one or two of their natural teeth who is insecure about the gap in their smile.

Dental Implants
Dental implants also function to fill in gaps in the mouth, although they are anchored into the jaw instead of being bonded onto other teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who want to permanently fill in a tooth gap while making the tooth look and feel as natural as possible. Read The Difference Between Dental Bridges And Dental Implants to learn more about your tooth replacement options.
 

Cosmetic Dentistry In Calgary

Whether you want your teeth to be a few shades whiter, you want to fill in gaps, or you are missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of options to help improve your smile. If you feel insecure about any aspect of your smile, contact Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary and our team of dental specialists will work with you to determine your ideal dental aesthetic and create a smile you're happy with. To schedule an appointment with the dental team at Marlborough Dental Centre, call 1-403-248-2066 or fill out the online contact form.
 

FAQ

Q: Can I get dental implants if I’m missing several teeth in a row?
A: Yes you can. Dental implants can be attached to a dental bridge, meaning that your implanted tooth will have another tooth connected beside it so that you can fill more than one space without the need for every tooth to have its own implant.

Q: How do I care for my veneers or dental bonding?
A: Taking care of your veneers or dental bonded teeth is the same as taking care of your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings are all great ways to keep your veneers or dental-bonded teeth in top condition. Keep in mind that the porcelain of veneers and the resin composite of bonding cannot be bleached and if you bleach your teeth, they may no longer match the colour of these materials.

Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: That will depend on your personal lifestyle, specifically the foods you eat. If you get your teeth whitened and then drink coffee and citrus juice all day, your teeth will likely become discoloured after a month. Those who avoid tooth-damaging foods will get a much longer result. Help prolong your teeth whitening results by knowing How To Keep Your Teeth Whiter, Longer After Teeth Whitening Treatment.