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Cosmetic Dentistry Q & A

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dental practice focused on addressing the appearance of your smile. Some restorative treatments deliver cosmetic benefits while also strengthening or repairing your teeth.

Some of the treatments performed through cosmetic dentistry include:

  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental veneers
  • Lumineers®
  • Teeth whitening
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Dental bonding

Tooth replacement options like dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures can also deliver impressive cosmetic benefits. Teeth alignment systems like Invisalign® can help straighten your smile.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

Over time, many things can cause your teeth to lose some of their brightness. Some foods and drinks stain the teeth, and traumatic injury, excessive exposure to fluoride, and poor dental hygiene can also lead to discoloration. The aging process is also a significant factor. 

Professional teeth whitening works by using a medical-grade whitening solution to blast apart stains. Your practitioner isolates the soft tissues in your mouth before carefully applying the whitening solution. Some systems use a special treatment light to activate the whitening process. 

Once the solution does its job, a quick rinse will reveal your new smile. In-office whitening can boost your smile by multiple shades in just one visit. At-home whitening options are also effective and allow you to control the shade of your smile.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is a term used to describe a combination of cosmetic treatments. Just as no two smiles are ever exactly alike, the smile makeover process is also highly customized. 

You’ll play an active role in choosing which treatments are included in your smile makeover. Though many people have a smile makeover for purely aesthetic reasons, others require a combination of restorative and cosmetic treatments as part of reconstruction services. 

Full mouth reconstruction can address damage from traumatic injury or certain medical treatments. This service requires advanced dental imaging, a thorough planning process, and scheduled treatments performed in a specific order. The results of full mouth reconstruction, however, are well worth the patience. 

If you’d like to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, call Laguna Vista Dental today to book a consultation. Online scheduling is also available and takes just moments to complete.