When you look in the mirror or see yourself in photographs, do you feel like your smile could use some improvements? Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but decay, accidents, discoloration, and other factors can take away from the appearance of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry in Grand Rapids can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted, whether you need to replace missing teeth, whiten your teeth, or get porcelain veneers. Keep reading to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.
What It Is
Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and gums. A bright, white smile can convey confidence and self-assuredness, while hiding your smile can make you appear nervous or shy. Whether you have chipped, stained, gapped, or missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help you have a smile you are proud of. There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures to choose from, and your dentist can help you determine which ones are right for your smile.
What Is Available
Perhaps the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure is teeth whitening. Teeth can become stained, darkened, or discolored over time due to diet, lifestyle choices, age, heredity, and even as a result of certain medications. Teeth whitening is simple to undergo, and can make your teeth several shades whiter and noticeably brighter. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored to the point where whitening no longer works. In these cases, porcelain veneers may be a good alternative. Veneers are wafer thin sheets of tooth-colored material that are attached to the front of your natural teeth. In addition to helping with discoloration, veneers can be a good choice for teeth that are chipped or gapped. Other popular cosmetic dentistry options include tooth bonding, contouring, and reshaping.
How to Choose
Because there are so many different cosmetic dentistry procedures available, it’s best to consult with your dentist to discuss what you want to improve about your smile. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine which procedures make the most sense for you. Feel free to ask questions, such as what you can expect from the cosmetic procedure, and how you can maintain the results for a smile that looks great for years to come.