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Cosmetic dentistry is one of the fastest growing trends in the dental industry today. Advancements in dentistry are making it possible to repair damaged teeth, helping patients achieve a healthy, more beautiful, smile. In as little as one appointment, a cosmetic dentist can repair broken, stained and gapped teeth, not only improving the appearance of a patient's smile, but their overall dental health as well. Crowns, bonding and veneers are three very common and effective methods for repairing damaged teeth. Depending on your specific need or condition, a cosmetic dentist can help you determine which dental procedure will deliver the most effective results for your smile. Hide Dental Flaws with Crowns When a tooth is severely decayed, chipped or cracked, a dental crown is a very effective method offered by cosmetic dentists to save, repair and restore the damaged tooth's function. Crowns strengthen weak teeth and can also be used to mask stained, gapped, poorly shaped or misaligned teeth. It's also very common for people who have undergone root canal therapy to have a crown applied following the procedure in order to make the tooth more durable. Generally, a tooth must be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. Your cosmetic dentist will make an impression of the tooth, and a custom-designed crown will be fabricated in a dental lab. Finally, the permanent crown will be cemented in place, and with proper care, can last up to eight years. Correct Minor Dental Flaws with Dental Bonding Bonding is a fairly simple dental procedure that involves applying a composite resin material to an affected tooth's surface. This dental procedure is most commonly used by dentists to fill cavities and other small defects, like chips and gaps. Once the composite resin is applied, the dentist reshapes and modifies the tooth to its desired appearance. Patients should be aware that the composite material is easily discolored and isn't as durable as veneers and crowns. But for minor defects, bonding is a very effective treatment for small repairs and can be completed in as little as one appointment at your dentist's office. Beautify your Smile with Veneers Veneers are a great option for teeth that are permanently stained, chipped, misaligned or worn. This popular cosmetic dental procedure allows the dentist to reshape teeth, close gaps and conceal cracks, stains and chips- leaving the patient with a complete smile makeover! Veneers, thin porcelain shells, are fabricated in a dental laboratory and applied to the front of each tooth after a layer of enamel is removed from the tooth's surface. While the porcelain is thin, it is very strong and durable when bonded to the tooth, lasting longer than most other cosmetic dental treatments. With the rapid growth of cosmetic dentistry, it's possible to correct your damaged teeth and achieve a healthier, brighter smile. Ask your cosmetic dentist in Sunset Hills and Kirkwood if bonding, veneers and crowns are right for your dentistry needs, and you can look forward to an improved smile and a more confident you.
Sean Hartmen writes for Crestwood Dental Group, a general and cosmetic dentist in Kirkwood. This Sunset Hills, MO dentist, Dr. James Maxwell, offers quality dental care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art facility for patients in St. Louis, Crestwood and the surrounding communities.
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