Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

If the look of your teeth is less-than-perfect, you may be interested in improving it. General dentistry focuses on the health of your teeth, but cosmetic dental applications are designed to transform the look of your teeth. Here are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve the appearance of your smile:

Bonding

If your teeth are gapped, the large spaces between them can make your smile appear uneven. In addition, chipped or cracked teeth can draw the attention of an observer and detract from your overall appearance. 

Dental bonding can be used to correct improper spacing, cracks, chips and even stains. The bonding material is usually made of tooth-colored composite resin. The teeth that will be treated during a bonding application must first be etched to roughen the surface and help the bonding material adhere properly.

Once the tooth is prepared, the bonding material can be applied to the site of the imperfection. Bonding material can wear away  or chip over time, so it may be necessary to have the material reapplied after a few years.

Teeth Whitening

Discoloration can make teeth appear unattractive even if the teeth are perfectly aligned. Many dental stains originate from the food and drink you consume. The pigments in the substances you ingest are sometimes absorbed by the tooth enamel, where they discolor the teeth. In addition, tobacco smoke and even certain medications can discolor a tooth.

Your dentist can chemically lighten most stains using a peroxide-based bleaching solution. The procedure can be performed in the dental office or at home. However, at-home systems are usually not as fast, effective or safe as in-office whitening applications.

Whitening that occurs in a dental office is performed by a dental professional. During the visit, the dentist usually cleans your teeth, applies a protective substance to your gums and then coats your teeth with the whitening gel. Once the gel is applied, the dentist may expose your teeth to an ultraviolet light that is designed to intensify the whitening power of the bleaching solution.

Whether your whitening application is performed at home or in the dental office, you will likely have to undergo the procedure several times before the desired level of lightening is achieved.

If you would like to improve the appearance of your teeth, there are multiple cosmetic dental applications that can help. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area to learn which procedures can benefit you.