Cosmetic Dentistry

There is no getting away from the fact that there is greater pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance than ever before and this isn’t just in relation to our body shape or size. Every element of the way that we look can come under scrutiny – especially our teeth. Studies have shown that great teeth make a great impression, while as many as 80% of us would turn down a second date with someone because we found their smile unattractive.

Do you hate the way that your teeth look in photographs or do you smile with a closed mouth when someone wants to take a picture of you? Do you hide your mouth behind your hands when you speak or eat, or do you avoid social engagements because you are worried about what other people think about your teeth? It may surprise you to learn that all of the above are very common problems. Our teeth are all different, and very few people are naturally blessed with the straight, white Hollywood smiles that we see in the media. Instead, most of us can expect to need a range of different cosmetic procedures in order to achieve the ‘perfect’ smile.

We are pleased to be able to offer a selection of popular cosmetic dentistry services performed at our dentistry and implant center in Chelsea, AL.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is an ‘umbrella’ term that is used to describe a variety of different dental procedures that, although may also have some functional benefits, are performed primarily with the intention of improving the appearance of the teeth. Procedures can be performed as standalone appointments, or it may be possible for some to be combined. We will be able to speak to you about your concerns about the appearance of your teeth and use this information, along with an examination of your mouth and teeth, to make recommendations as to which cosmetic dentistry treatments might be most suitable.

Some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that we can offer include the following:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening tends to appear near the top of most patient’s ‘smile wish-list’. This is because bright, white teeth are considered to be the most attractive and hallmarks of health, happiness and success. As such, teeth whitening is the single most commonly-requested cosmetic dentistry procedure in the world. Fortunately, it is also fairly simple and budget-friendly. Despite there being countless products that claim to whiten and lighten teeth, experts everywhere agree that profession, in-office whitening is superior in every way, providing faster, more consistent and longer-lasting results.

In-office whitening uses high-concentration bleaching agents that are only available to be used in professional treatments. They are applied by our cosmetic dentistry team who have clear visibility of your teeth and can ensure careful, even application. The curing light is used to create the chemical reaction that causes whitening, and the process can be performed in a lunch break. Exactly how many sessions you will need will depend on your original color and how well your teeth take to the process. However, at the end of your treatment, you will be able to embrace a smile that looks bright, healthy and attractive.

Porcelain Veneers

If you aren’t a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, or your teeth are too badly stained or discolored for whitening to be successful, you may be recommended to consider porcelain veneers. These thin, custom-designed shell-like covers are placed over the natural enamel of the teeth to cover any imperfections including staining, discoloration, and chips. They can also be used to add height to an undersized tooth or to close small gaps between teeth.

Veneers require a little of the natural enamel of the tooth to be removed under anesthetic. Since it can’t regenerate, once you have veneers you will need to have something covering that tooth for life. However, veneers can strengthen the affected tooth/teeth as well as improving its appearance.

Orthodontics/Invisalign

It is very normal to have teeth that are crooked, twisted, overlapping or gapped, or to have teeth that are different heights and widths. You may also have issues with the way your teeth come together when you close your mouth. This is known as malocclusion and is very common too. However, teeth with misalignment or malocclusion problems are often not all that attractive to look at. Fortunately, orthodontic solutions can help. From conventional braces to Invisalign clear aligners, we can find a treatment to help put your teeth into a healthier and more cosmetically desirable position.

Dental implants

Dental implants have rapidly become the preferred tooth loss solutions of patients around the world thanks to their unique design which contains an artificial root embedded permanently in the jaw as well as a prosthetic tooth. This helps to make the implants far more sturdy and secure than any alternatives. Once in place, dental implants look and feel just like regular teeth and can last several decades or more provided they are properly looked after. Better still, they can be used to replace single missing teeth, or to attach bridges or full or partial dentures.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth and would like to find out more about cosmetic dentistry solutions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced cosmetic dentistry team by calling our offices in Chelsea, AL at 205-224-0040.