When you hear the term ‘cosmetic dentistry,’ you may think about how these smile-enhancing treatments seem to be reserved for the rich and famous. But that’s far from the truth. In fact, your dentist in Alexandria performs many different types of cosmetic dentistry services that can range from simple to complex. Anyone can improve their smile with cosmetic dentistry, but many may not know where to start or just what’s involved during treatment. We’re here to help.
What Treatments are Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?
There are several treatments that are classified as cosmetic dentistry. Let’s explore a few of the most common ones.
- Whitening – The most common complaint of many patients is that their teeth aren’t as white as they’d like. To combat this, many will turn to the cosmetic dentistry treatment of smile whitening. Professional whitening can dramatically brighten a smile in just one visit, and take-home touch-up gel can help the results last in between treatments. While there are plenty of options to whiten teeth out there, we recommend talking with your dentist first before you begin any smile whitening treatment.
- Veneers – Another incredibly common cosmetic dentistry option is veneers. These thin slices of porcelain or medical-grade plastic can essentially cover up minor imperfections, brighten your smile if teeth whitening isn’t right for you, or even help make teeth appear more uniformed in size and shape.
- Bonding – Dental bonding treatment is done by taking tooth-colored material that matches the rest of your teeth and, you guessed it, bonding it to the tooth surface. Bonding takes a combination of art and science to create a natural appearance that can correct discoloration, chips, or minor gaps.
- Crowns – Dental crowns are used in a variety of situations, but their main purpose is to protect teeth. Also known as caps, crowns can help strengthen an unhealthy tooth or to protect one that had a root canal. While crowns can be made up of a few different types of material, porcelain crowns are custom-created to match the shape, size, and color of surrounding teeth for a flawless look.
To find out which cosmetic dentistry treatment is best for your individual situation, talk with your dentist in Alexandria. Occasionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended to get your ideal smile.
How to Pick the Best Cosmetic Dentist for You
Finding a dentist to transform your smile can be a daunting task. To help make your selection process easier, start by doing your research. Ask friends or family members, read reviews online, and take the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s suggestion and check out dentists’ before and after photos. When you’re ready, schedule a consultation and share your concerns and desires with your dentist.
If you’re unhappy with your smile, there are several things you can do to transform your look. Start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Alexandria. Be sure to speak with them openly and honestly about your concerns and what you’d like to achieve. Your dental team will then work with you to find the best way to get you your ideal smile.
Accepting new patients from Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and nearby areas.
