Cosmetic dentistry includes many different applications that are designed to improve the look of your teeth and gums. Many people dislike the appearance of their smile. With cosmetic dental applications, aesthetic improvements can be made without jeopardizing the health of the teeth. In fact, many cosmetic procedures actually protect or fortify the teeth. 

Here are some of the commonly used cosmetic dental treatments and their benefits.

Chemical Whitening

During daily meals and snacks, your teeth are subjected to the pigments that give your food and drinks their inviting hues. The tooth enamel, which may look like a completely solid surface, includes tiny pores, where the colorants can become lodged. Over time, the teeth become increasingly discolored.

To brighten the color of the teeth, a peroxide-based whitener can be applied, bleaching away the discoloration. Whitening products are available over-the-counter, but the safest and fastest results occur with a professional treatment. 

During the service, the dentist applies the product to the teeth and allows it to rest in place for the recommended time. They may also expose the coated teeth to a bright light to intensify the whitening results. After a single professional whitening application, the color of the teeth may improve by several shades.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped slivers of porcelain that look a bit like white fingernails. A veneer is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to cover its imperfections. Chips, cracks, discoloration, and shape irregularities can all be concealed by dental veneers. Veneers can also make the teeth appear longer or wider.

The veneers are created using an impression of the patient's oral cavity as a guide. Thus, they fit the contours of the patient's mouth and teeth precisely. Additionally, although they are super-thin, veneers are not as fragile as they appear. An application of veneers can significantly strengthen the teeth.

Implants

A dental implant is often selected by people who have lost a tooth. The device replaces the root of the missing tooth.

The dental implant is more desirable than many other tooth-replacement applications because it is positioned in the jawbone. As a result, it offers the stability of a natural tooth. Additionally, the gums can be contoured around the device and a tooth-colored dental crown can be added to make the implant-based restoration look completely natural.

If you have dental imperfections that you would like to have corrected, visit a cosmetic dentist in your local area. For more information, reach out to dental clinics like Dansville Family Dental Care.