If you’ve ever been to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, you likely already know what general dentistry is. But what about when your mouth needs more than just the basics? When you’d like to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, a special branch of oral healthcare called cosmetic dentistry can help. Here’s a closer look at what’s possible!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Unlike general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. Although these procedures can often benefit your mouth, they are not specifically designed to restore oral health. However, they may result in increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and an overall prettier smile!

With cosmetic dentistry, you can improve many aesthetic elements of your teeth and gums, including their shape, size, spacing, and shade. As for the timeline, many treatments like professional whitening or direct bonding can be performed in about an hour, while some, like Invisalign, can span months.

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Does My Dentist Offer?

The good news is that if there’s an element of your gorgeous grin that you don’t love, your dentist can help. Here’s a closer look at some popular cosmetic treatments:

Invisalign

It used to be that if you wanted a straight, evenly spaced smile, you’d need to endure years of treatment with wire and bracket braces. Enter Invisalign. These discreet, comfortable clear trays can realign your smile faster and more comfortably than you ever thought possible, often in as little as just 12 to 18 months!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have earned the nickname “instant orthodontics” because they can transform multiple aspects of your smile in one convenient treatment. Whether you want to improve the shape, size, color, or spacing of your teeth, these thin porcelain shells can do it all, and with proper care can last for up to two decades.

Metal-Free Restorations

If you have older metal restorations like fillings or dental crowns that stand out in your smile, your cosmetic dentist can upgrade them with durable, lifelike tooth-colored options that blend in seamlessly with your gorgeous grin. Not only are these more discreet, but they are just as strong, so your teeth will still benefit from the same protection of your older metal ones without anyone ever needing to know they exist!

Direct Bonding

Direct bonding is a treatment used to rebuild chipped, uneven, or too small teeth. It can also cover discoloration that won’t budge with whitening alone. Best of all, it’s completely painless, can be done in less than an hour, and your results could last for up to five years if you take excellent care of your smile.

Teeth Whitening

If you’d like to remove up to eight shades of discoloration from your teeth in about two weeks, your dentist is proud to offer take-home whitening kits to give you a gorgeous, glowing grin from the comfort of your own home. Your kit comes with a set of custom refillable trays and enough whitening gel to get you your whitest smile, and you can return to your dentist every six months for touch-ups as needed.

Gum Recontouring

Whether you have a “gummy” smile, or teeth that look too short or stubby, gum recontouring can help. Using a comfortable, efficient, soft-tissue laser, your dentist can instantly remove excess periodontal tissue and reshape the gumline, revealing more of your natural tooth structure and creating a more balanced smile.

Remember, no matter which elements of your smile you want to change, cosmetic dentistry is likely to have a treatment to help. So, stop hiding your smile and schedule a consultation to learn more about how your dentist can upgrade your grin today!

About Dr. Voto

Dr. Jayson Voto earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, and his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, American Orthodontic Society, Oklahoma Dental Society, and the Tulsa Dental Society. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call 918-272-5381.