If you suffer from tooth discoloration, a misaligned bite, or gaps between your teeth, you can benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL. It is considered a “smile makeover” that aims to improve your smile’s appearance through different cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Unlike traditional dentistry, which concentrates on oral hygiene, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of different oral diseases, aesthetic dental works focus more on enhancing the appearance of teeth, mouth, and smile. It also provides elective treatments or services based on the patient’s dental cosmetic preference.
What Are the Different Cosmetic Methods?
Your dentist will most likely give you various options to improve your smile. The choices may include the following:
Whitening
A smile can look like a million bucks with whiter teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand aesthetic dental procedures. It is for people whose teeth are stained and discolored for different reasons, including dying teeth or dentin and enamel issues.
Bleaching can be done in a dentist’s office (in-office teeth whitening), professionally done by your dentist, and at home (DIY teeth whitening) using over-the-counter bleaching products or special kits your dentist can provide.
Bridges
Dental bridges can help address concerns of missing teeth or teeth. It technically serves as an artificial teeth replacement that bridges the gap around the area of the missing teeth. The bridge is typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth supporting the false tooth, also known as pontics, and is cemented in place.
Bonding
Composite resin bonding is when an enamel-like dental composite material is added to the teeth’s surface, sculpted into a specified shape, hardened, and then smoothened. It can be used as a dental filling, as a bonding agent for creating veneers, and as an essential material for inlays and onlays, which are sometimes necessary to restore cracked or decayed teeth.
Straightening
If your crowded or overlapping teeth bug you, orthodontic treatment might be right move. Your dentist may present you with several possible options, such as braces, retainers, or even clear aligners. The same with teeth whitening, straightening is also one of the sought-after aesthetic dental options.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain or composite resin, that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Often sought after for their ability to dramatically transform a smile, they can rectify various dental imperfections such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or misaligned teeth.
The process of applying veneers usually involves the removal of a small amount of the tooth's surface to allow for a proper fit. Once bonded, they can last for many years with proper care, providing a natural and durable finish. Because they can mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth and resist staining, porcelain veneers in particular are popular among those seeking a brighter, more symmetrical smile.
Are You Interested in Seeing a Cosmetic Dentist in St. Petersburg, FL?
Get that stunning smile you deserve when you see Kristine Marshall, DDS! We offer various services, each of which is designed to ensure you get the tailor-made treatment you need. Book an appointment with us to schedule your consultation.