Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is an important part of overall dentistry. In some cases, people elect to have cosmetic dentistry performed in order to improve their smile and overall appearance. In others, cosmetic dentistry is chosen in order to reverse or repair a defect that, while not harmful to overall health, has a negative impact on appearance. Moreover, some procedures can improve oral problems, such as a bite.

Many treatments are used to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshaped, or missing. Cosmetic surgery can reshape teeth, close gaps, restore worn or short teeth, and even change the length of teeth.

Common procedures include :

• Whitening and Bleaching : procedures used to whiten teeth.
• Bonding : tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth.
• Veneers : placed over the front teeth to change color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.
• Contouring and reshaping : a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single session.

Which procedure is right for me?

I can help you evaluate which techniques should be used to improve your smile. Major factors taken into consideration include the overall health of your teeth and the final desired result you want. When consulting with me on cosmetic dentistry options, think about these questions :

• What type of maintenance will be required?
• What should the changes look like?
• What can I expect through the course of treatment?

Cosmetic surgery

In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile. Often, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include :

• Crown lengthening
• Soft tissue grafts
• Ridge augmentation