Your smile says a lot about you and plays a significant role in your overall confidence. Suppose you have lately been self-conscious when smiling or laughing, for example, due to a cracked tooth. In that case, cosmetic dentistry services may be the right thing for you.
But what does it entail? How is it different from your usual general dentistry?
In a nutshell, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of broader dentistry that primarily focuses on addressing aesthetic problems within your teeth and gums to improve their appearance and overall smile. Led by experienced, board-certified cosmetic dentist Dr. Dalton, the team at Dalton Dental has been offering quality cosmetic dentistry services in Tampa, FL, for over a decade of time. Learn more from this guide by Dalton Dental.
What are Some Examples of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to restore your infectious smile and, ultimately, your confidence. Different procedures may be used to achieve desired results, depending on your specific condition and cosmetic goals. These may include:
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin but strong shells (made from medical-grade ceramic) mainly used to solve a wide range of dental cosmetic flaws, including cracked, decayed, misaligned, discolored, or fragmented teeth. The good part is that they’re custom-made to naturally fit and flawlessly adhere to the appearance of your teeth.
Dental Crowns
Also known as dental caps, dental crowns are fitted similarly to veneers but are used to cover decayed, damaged, or severely discolored teeth. They’re also essential in preventing a weakened tooth from breaking.
Teeth Whitening
Discolored teeth can make you feel less confident in your smile. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry services that helps patients restore the white, shiny look they once had. If your teeth have lost their beautiful appearance due to foods, drinks, meds, or smoking, a visit or call to a cosmetic dentist is crucial.
Invisalign
Invisalign® presents a big step forward from traditional metal brackets. Invisalign® aligners are virtually transparent and highly effective at solving the problem of misaligned teeth. Their advantages over braces are endless. They are easily removable for eating/brushing/flossing, lowering the risk of developing further oral diseases like cavities, bacterial infections, or gum disease. Besides, they won’t compromise your smile as they are clear aligners.
Gum Rejuvenation Lift and Pinhole Gum Graft
Gum lifting (or gum contouring) removes excess gum tissue to ensure your smile is symmetrical and well-balanced. On the other hand, gum grafting is used to better your smile by filling unpleasant spaces left by receding gum tissue (which sometimes leads to exposed roots and a high risk of gum disease).
Who Can Benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry
If, for whatever reason(s), your smile is less than what you consider perfect, you may be an ideal candidate who can benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist. For instance, if you have:
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Decayed tooth
- Discolored tooth
- A missing tooth
- Misshaped teeth
- Misaligned tooth
- Gum recession
- Excess gum
- Crooked teeth
An American Dental Association surveys show that people with the abovementioned tooth problems may avoid smiling or feel embarrassed about it. If this claim is familiar to you, cosmetic dentistry can benefit you.
Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry
By now, we hope you have already figured out that a cosmetic dentist is a professional physician who focuses on enhancing your smile by offering treatments that boost the appearance of your teeth and gums (basically, practicing cosmetic dentistry). On the other hand, general dentistry deals with preventive oral care and treating dental health conditions like tooth cavities, gum diseases, and more.
Dalton Dental Can Help You Achieve Your Dream Smile Today
Dr. Dalton, together with the entire experienced cosmetic dentistry team at Dalton Dental, is committed to helping you achieve the dream smile you have always desired.
Dalton Dental has been practicing cosmetic dentistry in Tampa, FL, since 2011 and has received several recognitions for its exemplary service. To book your appointment for a consultation, contact us today.
Image credit: fizkes / Shutterstock
