Many people will arrange to see a cosmetic dentist if they are unhappy with their smile. A cosmetic dentist can transform patient’s teeth, improving their appearance and self confidence. There are a host of procedures that the dentist can turn to; when the work is completed you can be assured that you will be thrilled with the results.
This short guide can help you understand two of the most common procedures:
Porcelain veneers:
Porcelain veneers are very thin wafers of porcelain that are custom made to fit the front of teeth, the veneers are glued to the surface of the teeth. Veneers not only improve the appearance of teeth, they also can cover minor imperfections such as surface cracks, chips and heavy stains.
Not only will veneers cover imperfections on the surface of teeth, they can be used to close gaps between teeth. Once the cosmetic dentist has completed the procedure you can be assured of a more attractive and youthful smile.
To do the work, the dentist first removes a very thin layer of tooth enamel. The dentist takes a mold of the teeth at this time; the molds are used to produce the veneers. While the porcelain veneers are being made, temporary veneers are fitted. The veneers are produced in a dental lab and usually take a couple of weeks to produce.
Tooth whitening:
When a cosmetic dentist whitens the teeth of a patient, he or she does so with a peroxide based chemical. Prior to whitening teeth it is important that all dental work has been done and the patient must have healthy gums. Although the whitening process can be done at home, the results are far better when done by a cosmetic dentist. The dentist uses a hydrogen-peroxide based gel; this gel is applied to the teeth and exposed to a high intensity blue light. The light activates the peroxide which in turn bleaches the stains which are in the dentin, the second layer of a tooth. In a process that often lasts less than an hour the patient can see a dramatic improvement, his or her teeth can easily be four or five shades whiter.
White fillings, bonding, crowns, caps and bridges will not be affected by whitening solutions; in cases like this the dentist will suggest that the patient consider veneers. For those patients that can enjoy teeth whitening the procedure is 100% safe and poses no threat to general or oral health.
A cosmetic dentist has numerous procedures that can be used to enhance a patient’s smile. To learn how your smile can be re-designed you are invited to make an appointment with Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics. You can also visit them on Facebook.
