Cosmetic dentistry can be like a time machine for your smile that can take you back to its shinier glory days. Have you ever looked at your teeth and thought about how you could do without the stains, chips, and other flaws that you’ve accumulated during your life? The good news is that cosmetic dentistry can probably get rid of them for you! Here are three dental procedures that can put a youthful shine back in your pearly whites.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Can you see minor chips, stains, cracks, or gaps in your teeth? Dental bonding can cover or fill in these flaws within minutes during a routine dental appointment, and it typically requires no anesthesia, altering of healthy tooth structure, or recovery period afterward. To do this, your dentist will apply a color-matched composite resin to the flaw before sculpting it to match the contours of your tooth. They will then use a special UV light to harden the putty-like substance, resulting in a quick, discrete, and affordable restoration.
Teeth Whitening
Does your smile have stains or discoloration? Professional teeth-whitening treatment from your dentist can produce results far superior to those of anything you can find at the store, brightening your smile by up to ten shades. The treatment comes in both take-home and in-office varieties.
The take-home kit includes whitening gel and a tray customized to fit your teeth. All you have to do is apply the gel to the tray and wear it over your teeth for an hour every day for two weeks. An in-office procedure, on the other hand, usually takes only about two hours. Your dentist will place barriers over the soft tissues of your mouth before treating your teeth with a few coats of whitening agent, and they might treat your smile with fluoride afterward. You might experience temporary sensitivity in your teeth for a few days after treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Have you dreamed of having your own Hollywood smile? The secret to your favorite movie star’s perfect teeth is porcelain veneers which are often considered the most versatile among all cosmetic treatments. These veneers are small, thin shells that mimic the color, luster, and shape of natural teeth. The minimally invasive placement process can be completed in as few as two appointments.
During the first procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the treated tooth before shaving off a tiny amount of enamel to make room for the veneer before fixing a temporary one in its place. The second appointment cements the permanent veneer in place two weeks later.
Modern dentistry has made it easy to make your smile look younger. Consulting with your dentist can help determine if any of these procedures are right for you, and the thought of starting your journey to a brighter, more youthful smile should have you grinning already.
About the Practice
Patriot Dental uses dentistry to change patients’ lives for the better in Pensacola, FL. Led by Drs. Keith Lisonbee and Dan Henry, the skilled staff delivers quality dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. If you’re curious about using cosmetic dentistry to make your smile seem younger, contact the office online or dial (850) 477-1120.