You are not the only one if you don’t feel confident and happy about your smile. People often don’t like the look and appearance of their teeth and gums, and fortunately, cosmetic dentistry exists to address these issues. True to the name, these procedures are designed to offer you a smile makeover. Before you visit a clinic for cosmetic dentistry in Kensington, CA, look at five common procedures.
Teeth Whitening
Probably the most common cosmetic treatment is teeth whitening. You can choose at-home whitening kits after consulting your dentist, which includes custom trays and a bleaching solution. You will be advised on how often you should wear the trays. If you choose in-clinic teeth whitening, your dentist will apply a whitening gel and use a special light to enhance the bleaching effects of the product. A standard session lasts for about 60 minutes or less. Please note that not everyone’s teeth can be bleached or whitened, and therefore, don’t use harsh whitening products without discussing them with the dentist.
Dental Veneers
Veneers almost look like shells that are fixed to the teeth to reshape the smile. Dental veneers are usually made using porcelain or composite materials. The treatment allows for the correcting of a wide range of issues, such as chipped, cracked, and gapped teeth. If your teeth are extremely stained and cannot be bleached, you may consider veneers. The procedure requires two visits. During the first one, your dentist will buff the teeth to remove a small part of the enamel. They will also take impressions to order veneers. Once the lab has the veneers ready, you will return for the final step. Veneers can last as long as 20 years!
Dental implants
Dental implants are also used as a part of restorative dentistry. A dental implant works like a replacement root for a missing tooth. It is placed inside the jawbone and works as the foundation for restorations. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, your dentist will help you choose between implant-supported dentures, crowns, and bridges. Contrary to what many patients believe, getting dental implants doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort. Your dentist will local anesthesia and offer sedation choices. Implants last a lifetime and offer a perfect way to replace missing teeth permanently.
Bonding
Another common cosmetic procedure is bonding. The procedure involves using tooth-colored material to fix issues like chips and cracks. Bonding is also used to fix extremely-stained teeth. The treatment is ideal for minor tooth flaws. Your dentist will first match the color of the composite material to your teeth and then apply that to the surface to cover the imperfections. Bonding isn’t as long-lasting as veneers, but the outcomes are usually excellent.
Invisalign
You can ask your cosmetic dentist about Invisalign if you have mild or moderate orthodontic issues. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are made of plastic material and remain almost invisible. You will need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day, but the good news is you can remove them while brushing and eating. Most orthodontic and cosmetic dental clinics offer Invisalign or other clear aligners.
What to expect during a consultation?
Your first visit to a cosmetic dental care clinic is likely to be about discussing your concerns. The dentist will check the current condition of your teeth and gums. If you have gum disease or other issues like decay or cavities, they may recommend treatment for those issues before they consider cosmetic enhancements. Discuss your questions, if any, and ensure you ask for before-and-after pictures before agreeing to a procedure.
Spend time to find a dependable and well-rated cosmetic dentist in Kensington for a better experience.
