What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do For Your Smile

What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do For Your Smile

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Alexandria can give you a new smile that doesn’t just look more attractive, but can also help boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. So whatever you’re looking to fix about your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help.

Brighten & Whiten

The easiest way to transform your smile is to enhance the color of your teeth. Everyday things, such as the food we eat and the drinks we enjoy, can stain our teeth. But the good news is that you don’t have to live with a smile that’s not as bright or white as you’d like. Your dentist in Alexandria can recommend the best smile whitening treatment for you, but here are two of the most popular ways to whiten teeth. 

Whitening Products

Smile whitening products such as a professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist or over-the-counter whitening strips are some of the easiest ways to brighten teeth. However, not all whitening treatments are right for everyone. Always talk with your dentist before starting a smile whitening treatment. 

Veneers

Some teeth staining can’t be removed through smile whitening alone. For these patients, an alternative cosmetic dentistry treatment called veneers can help. These thin pieces of porcelain can cover the natural front surface of teeth and are custom-colored to your ideal shade of white. 

Cover Imperfections

If your teeth need more in-depth treatment, such as covering large areas of discoloration, changing the shape of a tooth or teeth, or filling gaps, there are some additional forms of cosmetic dentistry that your dentist may recommend such as: 

Veneers

We already know that veneers can help cover up minor stains, but they can also help cover chipped teeth, fill in minor gaps between teeth, and fix some unevenness in a smile by reshaping a tooth or covering up crooked teeth for a straighter smile.

Crowns

Dental crowns are often used following a root canal, but then can also be a form of cosmetic dentistry. A crown, or a cap, can also help fill in unwanted gaps and change the size, color, and shape of teeth. 

Straighten a Smile

One of the most common complaints patients have about their smile is that their teeth are crooked. Luckily, there are a variety of forms of cosmetic dentistry that can help straighten teeth. Two of these solutions are mentioned above – veneers and crowns – but if your smile needs more advanced treatment, there are other options. 

Clear Aligners

One of the most popular ways to straighten teeth is to use clear aligners. These plastic aligners will slowly move teeth into their ideal position and should be worn all day, except to eat and brush your teeth. However, clear aligners may not work for everyone, so it’s important to talk with your dentist first. 

Traditional Orthodontics

Besides clear aligners, there is always the option of traditional orthodontics or braces. Your dentist will have more control over your tooth movement with braces and may be more appropriate for people with more uneven teeth. 

Whether you’re looking to correct an existing dental problem or simply want to improve your smile and confidence, cosmetic dentistry can work wonders on even the most challenging cases. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Alexandria today. 

Accepting new patients from Alexandria, Old Town, and Del Ray.

About The Author
Dr. Geoff Caligan

Dr. Geoffrey Caligan is a Fellow at the Academy of General Dentistry. He boasts specialized implant training from experts at the Triangle Institute in North Carolina. Aside from general dentistry, he is experienced in unique treatments such as dental implant placement and restoration, Invisalign orthodontics, and TMD/TMJ therapy. Dr. Caligan aims to offer general and specialty dental care with flexible and affordable options.