What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Think about your smile. What comes to mind? Do you feel a sense of confidence? For many people, a smile is one of the first things they notice about another person. A beautiful and bright smile can be very appealing and make a person look younger and more confident. If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be a good option for you.

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the look and feel of your teeth. This field of dentistry offers a variety of services including teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental veneers, crowns, and dental implants.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, a great place to start is by scheduling a consultation with a dentist in your area to determine which procedures best meet your needs. 

This blog post explores what a cosmetic dentist does and provides an overview of some of the more popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is a professional who focuses on the aesthetics and function of a smile. In addition to their regular dental training, they often receive additional training in cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic dentists can help you improve the look and feel of your smile by whitening your teeth, repairing chipped or broken teeth, or straightening misaligned teeth. You can also receive cosmetic dental procedures to make your teeth look bigger or smaller, depending on what you want.

People choose cosmetic dentistry for many reasons. But one of the main reasons is because it can improve self-confidence. Because cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a smile, treatment can oftentimes be completed in just one visit. However, some of the more complex procedures can take several visits to complete.

Common Cosmetic Dental Services

There are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can significantly improve a smile. Not all of these procedures are suitable for every patient, so you must consult with a cosmetic dentist to see which services would work best for you. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include the following:

Teeth whitening

This common cosmetic dentistry procedure is used to lighten teeth that have darkened due to aging or excessive staining from coffee, red wine, or tobacco. Teeth whitening is also frequently used to enhance the appearance of teeth that have yellowed due to the natural aging process or medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Professional teeth whitening is done at your dental office. In-office teeth whitening typically involves a dentist applying a whitening solution on the teeth. Teeth whitening results vary based on the severity of staining and the person’s overall dental health. Speak with your cosmetic dentist in Sugar Land to see if teeth whitening is right for you!

Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment completed using a series of clear, removable dental trays that are custom-made for your teeth. After an initial consultation, your dentist will create a personalized Invisalign treatment plan. Invisalign is popular because it is nearly invisible and removable, making it easier to eat and clean your teeth when compared to traditional orthodontic appliances.

Invisalign is designed to slowly reposition and shift misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, Invisalign does not work for everyone, but it’s a great solution for most. To see if you’re qualified for Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our friendly team today.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that are frequently used to correct chips, cracks, or imperfections in teeth. Veneers are typically installed during a single dental appointment. The veneer is custom-made for each tooth. An adhesive is placed on the tooth, and the veneer is carefully positioned and pressed against the tooth.

Crowns

Dental crowns are a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that covers the top of a tooth with strong material, typically tooth-colored porcelain. Crowns are frequently used to repair chipped or broken teeth, cover spots or stains, or reshape teeth. 

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are a procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth. Usually, teeth are removed because they are broken or badly decayed or impacting other teeth and cannot be saved. Tooth extractions are often done with local anesthesia. They can often pave the way for a dental implant when the patient is ready to replace the tooth.

Book an appointment with the RiteSmile Dental team today

If you’re looking for a new cosmetic dentist or have a general dental question, our team at RiteSmile Dental can help. We offer a wide range of services, including teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental veneers, crowns, and implants. We ensure that every patient receives the individualized care and attention they deserve. We also offer convenient appointment times to fit your schedule. Contact us today to book an appointment and start your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile!