There is a wide variety of treatment options for those wanting to improve their smiles. From bleaching to major repairs, cosmetic dentistry can go a long way toward increasing self-confidence and improving the look of a smile. Cosmetic dentistry can treat teeth that are chipped or crooked, need to be reshaped, gaps closed, or whitened. Procedures also include adding crowns or veneers, bonding, and contouring. Although not purely cosmetic, these latter fixes can improve facial structure, under- or over-bites, and how the mouth closes. For anyone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry in Las Cruces, knowing the range of available options is a good place to start.
Bleaching is a common chemical process that is used by dentists to whiten teeth—anywhere from removing stains completely to simply brightening teeth by a few shades. Whitening can be done at home or in the office, depending on how quickly results are wanted. At-home whitening starts with a custom mouth piece created by a dentist, and it can take up to four weeks to see the final results. A special gel is used inside the mouth piece to bleach teeth over time. Whitening that is performed at the office takes about an hour and uses much stronger techniques. Bonding is another way to change the color or appearance of teeth. It is a tooth-colored material that’s used to fill in gaps between teeth, fill pitting or cavities, or cover the entire outside of the tooth to change the color.
Crowns fit over a tooth to return it to its normal shape after damage. They are the longest lasting, and most time-consuming type of cosmetic dentistry. They are also very costly and are not recommended in cases where other techniques can be used. Veneers are a more cost-effective technique. They are fitted over the front teeth to correct uneven surfaces, discoloration, or uneven teeth. Created of porcelain or plastic, veneers are created to be a custom fit, with the dentist taking impressions of the teeth before creating the veneer. The teeth are lightly buffed to counteract the thickness of the veneer, and then the piece is cemented to the existing teeth.
For permanent structural changes, it’s worth considering tooth contouring. Tooth reshaping is used to alter the length, shape, and position of teeth, creating a perfect smile with no additional hardware. Only individuals with healthy, normal teeth are candidates for tooth contouring, as the buffing of the tooth can be detrimental to those with decay or heavy cavity problems. Contouring is an easy way to subtly alter a smile, and when used in conjunction with bonding, it can truly create the perfect smile. Talk to a dentist for more information about cosmetic dentist Las Cruces and to find out whether it’s the right option for specific cases.
