Cosmetic Dentistry 101: Which Services Create a More Beautiful Smile?

If you’ve been living with chipped or stained teeth and no longer feel confident in the way you look, you might wonder if there is a solution that can fix these problems. Although there are countless store-bought solutions available, nothing can compare to the professional results that you will achieve with cosmetic dentistry. Encompassing an array of services that are designed to enhance and transform smiles of all types, read on to discover more about this unique method of dental care and how you can prepare to enjoy a more beautiful and radiant appearance.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of oral healthcare that primarily focuses on the aesthetics of a person’s smile. This can include removing excess gum tissue, incorporating dental materials like composite resin to conceal imperfections (i.e., stains, chips, cracks, gaps, etc.), straightening teeth, or enhancing one’s teeth and gums.

Although a patient’s oral health is often prioritized by dental professionals, cosmetic services can be multi-purpose. By addressing imperfections, an individual can experience a boost in their mental and emotional well-being, which can lead to positive changes in their dental hygiene and personal and professional life.

Which Services Are Considered Cosmetic?

Dentists who provide cosmetic services are not required to have a specialization but instead must undergo additional training. This is to ensure that the materials used to hide imperfections are placed using an artistic eye and skilled hand.

Some of the most common cosmetic services offered by dentists include:

• Smile Makeovers – When multiple imperfections are evident, a smile makeover can be crafted to address each problem area. This comprehensive treatment plan brings together multiple services to enhance an individual’s smile.
• Veneers – To conceal chips, cracks, gaps, misshapen and gapped teeth, and minor misalignment, custom veneers can be used. These are thin sheathe coverings that fit over the front surfaces of teeth to create a cohesive, radiant smile that is free of imperfections.
• Metal-Free Dental Restorations – If a tooth is decayed or damaged, a metal-free restoration can be applied as opposed to a metal crown or filling. This ensures a stable and thoroughly sealed tooth as well as one that blends in with the existing smile.
• Cosmetic Dental Bonding – If a small chip or stain is located in the more visible portion of a smile, cosmetic dental bonding can be applied. Using composite resin that is color-matched to the same shade as the enamel, it is placed onto the tooth and sculpted into place for a more blended and even appearance.
• Teeth Whitening – Tooth stains and discoloration can occur for many reasons; however, professional whitening can be used to eliminate intrinsic, extrinsic, and age-related stains. Whether it is with in-office whitening or custom take-home trays, the professional ingredients create longer-lasting, natural results.
• Clear Aligners – Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces that make it easy for patients to enjoy a straighter smile. With a more discreet approach and greater flexibility, they create a form of treatment that is manageable, enjoyable, and can produce faster results.

If you want to finally feel good about your appearance while also taking better care of your oral health, consider cosmetic dentistry. With so many options to choose from, you can trust that you’ll walk away with results you can be proud to show off.

About the Practice
Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill is led by three talented cosmetic dentists who go beyond the baseline to deliver one-of-a-kind results. Offering an endless array of treatment options, we make every effort to ensure our patients remain confident in the kind of care they will receive. Whether it is veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, ClearCorrect clear aligners, or another aesthetic solution, we strive to always exceed patient expectations. If you would like to learn which cosmetic treatment is right for you, contact us at (803) 592-6201.