Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a dental practice that enhances the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry in Salem, IL, focuses on improving the look of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Explained
There are several options and procedures that fall under the blanket term “cosmetic dentistry.”
The following are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments available.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace one, several, or an entire arch of missing teeth. Implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to anchor dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are extremely thin shell-like coverings. They are usually made of porcelain or composite resin and placed over the fronts of your teeth. Dental veneers are used to improve the look of your teeth. Veneers can cover severely stained teeth, fix chipped or cracked teeth, fill gaps between teeth, even out worn down or uneven teeth, or extend the length of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is used to improve the look of teeth that have tea, coffee, nicotine, or age-related stains. Teeth whitening can be done with at-home DIY whitening kits; however, you will get much better and longer-lasting results when you opt for professional teeth whitening at the dentist’s office. Professional teeth whitening procedures can usually be done in one visit.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments such as metal braces and clear dental aligners are considered cosmetic dental treatments. Metal braces consist of metal wires and brackets that gradually move your teeth into their proper positions. Clear dental aligners do the same thing, except they use a series of clear plastic aligner trays.
Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring is used to correct minor dental issues. It’s used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist in Salem, IL, will reshape your tooth by removing a small portion of enamel. After shaping, the tooth will be smoothed and polished.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that is added to your tooth to fix or conceal imperfections such as cracks, chips, or severe stains. The tooth will then be smoothed and polished. Tooth bonding is used when a more dramatic improvement is needed (versus tooth contouring).
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of composite, ceramic, porcelain, metal, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. They are custom-made caps that are crafted to fit over your entire tooth. Crowns are used to cover decayed, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth after the corrective dental procedure has been completed.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also referred to as gum reshaping, is used to improve the appearance of your gum line. The gum contouring treatment can correct a “gummy” smile when you have too much gum tissue that shows when you smile. It’s also used to even out an uneven gum line. The procedure involves removing the excess gum tissue or reshaping the existing gum tissue.
Are You Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Salem, IL?
If you are considering a cosmetic dental procedure, please Contact Salem Family Dental Care today. We would love to show you just how affordable cosmetic dentistry can be!
