1. Smile Like a Movie Star
Cosmetic dentists dedicate themselves to improving the physical appearance of your teeth, much like plastic surgeons sculpt the face and body, cosmetic dentistry molds the teeth until they look perfect. Whether you have stained, yellow chompers, crooked or missing teeth or gaps between your not so pearly whites, a good cosmetic dentist can give you a sparkling, movie star smile.
2. When Bridges and Dentures Won't Help
In most cases, insurance won't cover dental implants, so save up your money. And the pain sometimes persists for some patients even with anesthesia, but you'll get a flawless, trouble free smile. These prosthetics replace missing teeth that won't work as part of a bridge and are often used to fill in tooth gaps caused by accident or injury. An implant consists of a screw and a crown that's rooted into the jaw. The dentist bores a hole into the empty space and then positions the piece. It may take several months for the implant site to heal completely. The implants need to fuse with bone tissue, so if you have inflamed or unhealthy gums the procedure may fail. A patient should be at least in their teens, as bone growth needs to be completed before implants are fitted.
3. Fillings Go Glam
Even the old-fashioned dental filling has gone hi-tech. The gold, silver or mercury fillings of the past are long gone and dentists now use plastic or tooth colored fillings. Repaired and restored teeth look no different from surrounding teeth.
4. Blind Them With a 1,000 Watt Smile
If you want that blinding billboard smile, you have two cosmetic options. The dentist can bleach your teeth in-office with gel and then activate it with a special light. He or she will use a rubber shield to protect your gums during the procedure. It usually takes an hour or two and the results are apparent immediately. You may even take home a bleaching tray to maintain your smile at home. A dentist can also apply tooth veneers. These porcelain or plastic strips adhere to chipped or discolored teeth and give them a clean line and naturally bright color. They work best if the patient has gaps between teeth or severe stains. Don't expect teeth whitening to last if you smoke, however.
5. Great for Hockey Players
Cosmetic dentists use a technique known as dental bonding to repair broken teeth. They paste on a material similar to enamel on the chipped or broken tooth. After applying the composite filler, the dentists sculpt and polish it to hide the crack or chip.
