If you are considering getting a smile makeover, you may be wondering about the different procedures. No matter what dental issues you want to correct, there are treatments available for you. From teeth whitening to veneers, your options are many. You can choose to get one treatment or several, depending on your needs.
This is one of the first treatments that a patient may want to consider. Starting with white teeth will help other dental restorations to match the new color better. To begin the process, the cosmetic dentist will first clean the teeth. This will help the patient to get more even results.
Next, the dentist may measure the shade of the teeth using a color guide. This will give the dentist a way of measuring the progress of the procedure. The dentist will then insert a cheek retractor into the patient’s mouth. This will expose the teeth while moving the cheeks out of the way.
Then the dentist may place a liquid rubber dam on the gums. This will help to prevent irritation that the bleaching product can cause. The bleaching substance contains hydrogen peroxide and is placed on the teeth for about 15 minutes to half an hour. The patient will rinse off the gel and receive a fresh gel for 15 to 30 minutes longer. A light may be used to help the whitening substance activate.
Many people choose dental veneers for some or all of the visible teeth. Veneers can cover chips, cracks or stains in teeth. Each veneer is customized to match the current shade of the surrounding teeth. A dentist will need to remove part of the enamel to help the veneer fit better. This will prevent a “bulky” appearance and feel. While a patient is waiting for the veneers to be created, the patient may receive a temporary veneer.
Veneers cannot correct gaps caused by missing teeth. For one or more missing teeth, dental implants offer a natural-looking solution. Patients who choose to get implants can expect the smile makeover process to take longer. The jaw will need to fuse with each implant post and this can take weeks or months. However, dental implants are as close as a patient can get to restoring the natural tooth. Many find the process worthwhile.
Not every patient wants to go through oral surgery to replace a tooth. Dental bridges are connected to the nearby teeth for support. They still look natural and are a good solution for missing teeth. Patients can choose to have either fixed or removable dental bridges.
Whether you have yellowed teeth or missing teeth, a smile makeover can be worthwhile for you. Your cosmetic dentist can help you determine which solution is right for you. Combining some of these treatments can help your dentist come up with a customized treatment plan. Making an appointment with a dentist is the first step.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
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