What is cosmetic dentistry?
The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to help your teeth look their best. By contrast, preventive dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth healthy, while restorative dentistry repairs missing or damaged teeth. However, both of those areas of dentistry can improve the appearance of your smile as well.
Though the main focus of cosmetic dentistry is to make your teeth look better, it can also improve your oral health and dental function. For example, veneers can replace damaged or lost enamel, making teeth stronger while also camouflaging imperfections. Furthermore, teeth that are even and uniform are also easier to keep clean and healthy.
What problems can cosmetic dentistry help with?
Cosmetic dentistry can brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Dr. Thompson uses cosmetic dentistry to improve both minor and complex problems with the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can help if your teeth are:
- Discolored
- Crowded
- Uneven
- Decayed
- Gapped
- Crooked
- Chipped
- Broken
- Missing
Don’t hesitate to express any concerns with the appearance of your teeth to Dr. Thompson. There’s likely a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help.
Cosmetic dentistry may involve repairing or your natural teeth or replacing them with natural-looking prosthetic teeth.
If you have weak, decayed, or broken teeth, Dr. Thompson may recommend reconstructive dentistry to repair and strengthen them, including fillings and implants. You may also benefit from orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign®, to straighten your teeth.
Dr. Thompson performs all dental work with an eye for great-looking results. For example, he uses all-white fillings, which match the color of your teeth and are unnoticeable to others.
Which cosmetic dentistry treatments are available?
No matter your cosmetic goals, Dr. Thompson can find a procedure that works for you. He can combine and customize procedures based on your needs. He may recommend:
Whitening
Whitening can remove stains and make dull, discolored teeth several shades brighter. Dr. Thompson uses the Philips Zoom!® whitening system, which gets dramatic results in just one session.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of durable tooth-colored material that can cover up chips, gaps, and stains. They can also help crooked teeth appear straight.
Crowns
Crowns are caps that fit over damaged or decayed teeth. Teeth with crowns look just like healthy, natural teeth.
Bonding
Bonding involves the use of tooth-colored material to repair decayed, injured, or stained teeth. It’s a quicker, more economical alternative to crowns and veneers.
For more information about cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment at the office of Derrick L. Thompson, DDS, online or over the phone.
