Once you have ensured that your teeth and gums are healthy, it is time to consider a cosmetic dentistry procedure to enhance the appearance of your smile. Many patients are surprised to learn of some of the new developments and procedures that have come online recently.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are, for most people, the perfect solution to one or more missing teeth. Although nothing can perfectly replace a natural tooth, dental implants come extremely close in providing both the look and feel of a natural tooth. Unlike other treatment options, such as dentures, implants are firmly rooted within the mouth and cannot slip or fall out.

Each dental implant consists of three connected components:

• A metal post
• An abutment
• A dental crown

During your first appointment, a titanium metal post will be implanted within your jawbone. After your jawbone has organically grown around it, an abutment will be placed over the post to allow for the subsequent placement of a dental crown to cap the entire structure.

Some problems solved by dental implants include:

• Permanent solution to missing teeth
• Cannot slip or fall out
• Prevents bone resorption, or jaw bone loss due to missing teeth
• Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space left by missing teeth

Professional Teeth Whitening

Many patients schedule a professional teeth whitening treatment after using at-home products and being profoundly disappointed. These products are normally available in the form of toothpastes, trays, gels and whitening strips. Although they can sometimes whiten the teeth a shade or two, they are no match for professional treatment.

There are a number of professional teeth whitening treatments available. One of the most common involves the application of a whitening gel that is left on the surface of the teeth for a specific amount of time. A special light may be used in conjunction with the whitening gel to intensify its effects.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin materials applied to the surface of teeth to improve their aesthetics. For example, you may have a small chip or a discolored tooth.

Veneers come in two basic forms: composite and porcelain. Composite is less expensive, but also has some drawbacks.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are normally placed in only one office visit. Your dentist will apply a putty-like material to one or more teeth, carefully sculpting it.

One drawback of composite veneers is that they are not as durable as porcelain. Composite does not last as long and becomes damaged more easily. It can also become stained over time.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is an extremely h2 and durable material that is favored for its stain-resistant properties. Although it is more expensive than composite, most patients prefer it because it more closely matches the color and translucence of natural teeth.