Cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury. The appearance of your teeth is important for your self-esteem, and a beautiful smile can improve your oral health too. That’s because many cosmetic problems are caused by problems with the teeth and gums, so fixing one issue can very often improve the other. Having a beautiful smile can also encourage you to take good care of your teeth.
The term cosmetic dentistry encompasses many procedures, from porcelain veneers to dental implants. Just a few cosmetic procedures are generally not related to your oral health. These are porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. But nearly every other dental treatment that falls into the category of cosmetic can also correct problems with your teeth or gums. For example, repairing chipped teeth or having crooked teeth straightened improves the structure of your teeth overall and keeps them, and your gums, healthier. And replacing a lost tooth keeps your other teeth from shifting out of position and fills in a space that could otherwise allow debris to collect and bacteria to grow.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments Dr. Hill provides include:
Dental Veneers – Thin, porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth, to make them whiter, cover lines, and transform the appearance of your smile. Porcelain is the most realistic-looking dental material available.
Crowns – A crown goes beyond a veneer and completely restores a broken, damaged or decayed tooth.
Cosmetic Bonding – Similar to porcelain veneers and sometimes called composite veneers, bonding provides cosmetic improvement to your teeth by filling in gaps or correcting minor imperfections.
White Fillings – By using the same composite materials as cosmetic bonding, cavities are filled without metal, and the fillings are matched to the color of your teeth.
Tooth Whitening – Go a little brighter or dazzling white depending on the treatment method.
Invisalign – For simple straightening of front teeth without the need for braces, Invisalign is a great choice for teens and adults.
Bridges – A few missing teeth can be replaced with a bridge. A bridge is semi-permanent. It does not come out unless it needs to be removed by a dentist, and usually lasts up to 10 or more years. But while you wear the bridge, you do not remove it like you would dentures.
Dental Implants – Implants are a permanent tooth replacement that can last a lifetime.
Whether you have oral health problems that affect the appearance of your teeth, or you just don’t like the way your teeth look, cosmetic dentistry could be right for you. Call us now at our Alexandria, Virginia office to ask any questions you have about our cosmetic procedures, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Jessica Hill to discuss your options.