More than a quarter of people don’t like smiling because of their teeth. But you shouldn’t have to go through life hiding your smile—or being ashamed of the smile you have.
That’s where a cosmetic dentist can help you take back your confidence.
If you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist Boise Idaho, here’s a look at a few common cosmetic procedures a dentist may use to help you feel confident in your smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry specializes in the appearance of teeth and gums. It is primarily focused on correcting the appearance of your teeth, which can mean anything from stains to chips to cracks to misalignments. In the process of fixing aesthetic issues, your cosmetic dentist can help you improve your dental health and your overall confidence in the appearance of your smile.
A great cosmetic dentist is highly skilled, communicative, detail-oriented, and compassionate. They’re not just a skilled technician—they’re a doctor who will work with you to create a smile you love.
7 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Options
When trying to find a cosmetic dentist near me, it’s important to know what procedures are available to you. Each procedure is designed for a specific issue, and some dentists excel at certain procedures over others, so it helps to know what you’re looking for. Here are seven of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures.
1. Tooth Whitening
By far the best-known cosmetic dental procedure is tooth whitening, which means lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing the tooth’s surface. This will not radically alter the shade of your teeth, but it is effective in lightening your teeth by a few shades. It’s one of the quickest ways to change your smile and is perfect for someone who wants a quick tooth brightening.
You might seek tooth whitening for any number of reasons. Maybe your teeth are stained from coffee or tea. Maybe your teeth are yellowing as you age. Maybe your teeth are naturally less white.
While you can bleach your teeth at home, you should always seek tooth whitening in a dentist’s office. Not everyone’s teeth can be bleached, and your dentist can check if your teeth fall in that category. Plus, a dentist can ensure the treatment is even for a better overall effect.
2. Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that attach to the front of your teeth. To do this, your cosmetic dentist will shave roughly half a millimeter off the surface of your tooth and take an impression, which is used to craft veneers. Once the permanent veneers arrive, your dentist will cement them to the front of your teeth.
Veneers are used for a variety of cosmetic concerns. Some people only get one to correct a chipped tooth, though some people get as many as six or eight, usually the top front eight teeth, to create an even, symmetrical smile.
3. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to fit over your entire tooth, similar to a veneer but with more extensive coverage. Think of it like a snug glove for your tooth, cemented in place to stay there permanently. Dental crowns are typically used to repair an extensively damaged tooth, to protect a weak tooth from decay, or to cover a tooth with a large filling.
In order to prepare your tooth for a crown, your dentist will shave down and reshape the original tooth to better fit the crown. Once the crown arrives, they cement it to your original tooth, covering the entire visible portion of the tooth. Because the original tooth is filed down, if your crown falls off or is damaged, it has to be replaced with a new crown.
4. Dental Implants
A dental implant is one of the most extensive cosmetic dental procedures, designed to replace a missing tooth. This is typically used if you lost or severely damaged one of your adult teeth and you need a replacement tooth to prevent your jaw from shifting.
In this procedure, a metal post is implanted into your gums to replace the root of the missing tooth, which is then used to secure an artificial tooth designed to look like your real teeth. Because the implant fuses with your jawbone, it won’t slip or cause damage the way bridgework might.
5. Cosmetic Orthodontics
Braces aren’t just for kids! Orthodontic dentistry is designed to straighten your teeth, but it can also be done for cosmetic reasons.
The most common example is Invisalign invisible plastic braces, which can be worn over the teeth. These are well-suited to minor tooth straightening, and because they can easily be taken in and out, they’re much more convenient for adults.
6. Enamel Abrasion
While tooth whitening removes stains without altering the surface of your teeth, enamel abrasion does. Think of it as exfoliation for your teeth. The procedure uses a micro-abrasion machine with a fine pumice to gently remove surface stains.
This makes enamel abrasion better suited to cases of discoloration which cannot be fully addressed with tooth whitening, such as tobacco stains.
7. Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic procedure where your dentist applies a tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the surface of your teeth. Once the resin is applied, your dentist uses ultraviolet light or a laser to harden the resin and bond it to your tooth. Afterward, they can shape, trim, and polish the resin to look like a natural tooth.
While the procedure is typically used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, it’s also a good procedure for people who have severely stained teeth.
The Best Cosmetic Dentist Boise Idaho
Are you looking for an outstanding cosmetic dentist Boise Idaho?
Here at Boise Family Dental Care, we’re proud to provide expert dental services to help our patients attain their best smile, from tooth whitening to crowns to veneers and more. Schedule your appointment online and let us know how we can work toward your best smile.
