What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry uses orthodontic appliances, dental restorations, and whitening treatments, to make your teeth and smile more aesthetically pleasing.
Most of these procedures are considered elective, but some provide an additional benefit of improved oral health. For example, replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.
What services does cosmetic dentistry provide?
Dr. Bacopoulou and the team offer a variety of cosmetic dental services, including:
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover minor imperfections like chips, fractures, or spaces between your teeth.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, Dr. Bacopoulou removes a thin layer of enamel. Then, she applies an adhesive layer between your tooth and the veneer. To prevent your veneers from moving out of position, Dr. Bacopoulou dries them with a special curing light.
Crowns
A crown is a synthetic cap bonded on top of a severely decaying or damaged tooth. A crown covers the entire portion of tooth enamel above your gum line, restoring your tooth to its near-original shape and strength.
Bridges
A bridge closes the gap caused by a missing tooth. Receiving a bridge can lower your risk of more serious issues, including gum recession, shifting teeth, or bone loss.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening uses FDA-approved whitening solutions, like carbamide peroxide, to minimize the appearance of stains and tooth discoloration. Dr. Bacopoulou and the team offer two types of teeth whitening –– in-office treatment and take-home teeth whitening trays.
Cosmetic bonding
Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair damage to your enamel like fractures, chips, or pitting. Bonding looks and feels like your natural tooth enamel, so it blends in with the rest of your smile.
Gum contouring
If you have excess gum tissue, Dr. Bacopoulou might recommend cosmetic gum contouring. Gum contouring uses special tools and anesthesia to help you achieve a more attractive smile.
Dental implants
Dental implants are screw-like posts of titanium inserted into your jaw. They integrate with your natural bone structure and provide a base for crowns, a fixed bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
Invisalign®
Invisalign uses a series of removable oral appliances to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw. There are no wires or brackets involved, so you can still eat your favorite snacks, including seeds and nuts.
How many appointments does cosmetic dentistry take?
The number of appointments that cosmetic dentistry takes depends on your oral health history and the issues you’d like to address.
Minor procedures like crowns and dental bonding typically take just one appointment. If you’re getting dental implants or dentures, you might need to schedule several appointments over a few weeks or months.
To learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, make an appointment at Carnegie Dental Wellness by calling the office today or scheduling online.