What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a planning and treatment approach that is focused on achieving your smile esthetics goals by making changes to the overall appearance of the teeth or gums.
Our restorative and cosmetic dentists use the latest dental materials and procedures to create a complete smile makeover with veneers and crowns, or, to make changes to existing natural teeth, as with Invisalign®, teeth whitening or cosmetic tooth bonding.
Why should I consider Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you feel self-conscious about your smile appearance, our dentists can provide solutions with cosmetic dentistry treatments to overcome virtually any dental challenge and achieve a beautiful, bright smile you will feel proud of.
Common issues addressed by cosmetic dentistry include:
- Chipped, worn, or discolored teeth
- Teeth out of alignment or slightly rotated
- Uneven smile line or ‘gummy’ smile
- Teeth that are too large or too small
- Gaps between teeth
- Graying or discolored crown and bridge work
- Missing teeth
- Teeth that are oddly shaped
Our Middle Georgia Family Dentistry portfolio of cosmetic dental treatments includes:
Teeth Whitening
Our teeth darken naturally as we age due to staining from beverages like coffee, tea or wine. Smoking and some medications can also cause teeth staining. Our professional teeth whitening products are safe and effective; the whitening ingredients break through old stains and can make teeth appear shades lighter in a short amount of time.
Home Teeth Whitening
Our home whitening kits include a set of custom mouth trays for your upper and lower teeth. By wearing the trays filled with a small amount of whitening gel for a few hours each day or overnight, your teeth can be shades lighter in about two weeks.
We also have pre-filled disposable whitening trays and touch-up whitening gel available to help keep your smile looking gorgeous.
Deep teeth stains may require multiple whitening treatments or treatment with cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers, crowns or dental bonding to conceal discolored tooth structure.
Cosmetic Dental Veneers & Crowns
Our Middle Georgia dentists have years of experience working with our dental laboratory to complete beautiful smile transformations with custom dental veneers and esthetic crowns.
Cosmetic dental veneers and crowns offer possibilities to re-design your smile and create a polished, symmetrical appearance using porcelain ceramic materials.
A dental veneer is a custom porcelain shell-like facing that is bonded over a front tooth to conceal flaws and completely renew tooth appearance. Cosmetic veneers are used on healthy teeth, so very little tooth structure is removed to place them.
A cosmetic dental crown may be used to change the size, shape or shade of an existing tooth that has a large filling or a tooth with decay or damage. A cosmetic crown is placed over the entire tooth after any decay has been removed and the tooth has been shaped for a crown.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding or tooth bonding is accomplished using ‘white’ composite filling materials to smooth chipped tooth edges, close minor gaps between teeth or make slight adjustments to the size or shape of a tooth.
After preparing the tooth and choosing a matching shade of dental composite, the dentist will apply bonding adhesive and mold the filling material in place. The composite is hardened with a special curing light and polished, and the bonded restoration is completely functional immediately after placement.
Dental bonding is an economical approach to making small changes that can make a big difference in your smile appearance.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® clear orthodontics may be used in conjunction with cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening or tooth bonding to straighten your teeth and re-define your smile.
Your dentist will plan your tooth movement in advance and send digital images of your teeth and jaw bone to the Invisalign® laboratory to create a series of clear plastic tray aligners.
The Invisalign® aligners are worn in sequence to accomplish tooth movement; you come to see us every 2-3 weeks to receive a new aligner as we monitor your progress.
Invisalign® treatment times are approximately 12-18 months; the clear aligners are easy to wear while speaking, and, because they are removable you can still enjoy all your favorite foods. Learn more about Invisalign®.
Gum Shaping
If your gums are receding or noticeably uneven, or, you have a ‘gummy’ smile, our dentists may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist that specializes in gum treatments and cosmetic gum surgery for evaluation.
Changing the appearance and symmetry of the gums by sculpting excess gum tissue or grafting gum tissue in areas that have recession can have a positive impact on how the gums frame the teeth.
Restorative Dentistry & Dental Implants
Our dentists apply cosmetic smile principles in rebuilding your smile with restorative dental procedures, including dental implants, crowns, bridges and fillings. Even dentures can have a lifelike, pleasing appearance.
If you have broken or missing teeth, restorative dental treatments and cosmetic dentistry can help you recover your ability to chew properly again; and, you get to enjoy a beautiful, confident smile. Learn more about restorative dentistry and dental implants.
Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist near Dublin, Georgia?
Contact Our Team to schedule a consultation with one of our Middle Georgia restorative and cosmetic dentists and let us help you explore exciting options for your smile with cosmetic dentistry.