If you visit a family dentist for regular cleanings, you have several options for improvements to your smile. Cosmetic dental treatments are more popular today than ever before. Everything from sharpening to whitening to closing gaps can be done at a family dentist’s office. Your family dentist has a wide assortment of techniques and tools to improve your smile. It is good to know about the risks and benefits associated with each of these procedures.
Enamel contouring and shaping
In this procedure, a family dentist will remove or contour the patient’s dental enamel. The goal of this procedure is to improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Sometimes, a family dentist will also use bonding, which involves adding to the enamel. Contouring and shaping can be used to alter the shape, length or position of the teeth. It can correct several common dental issues, including:
- Chipped teeth
- Bite issues
- Crooked, overlapping teeth
Patients can be good candidates for contouring or reshaping if they have healthy teeth. The teeth should be normal. There should also be enough bone to support the teeth. This will prevent the reshaping and contouring process from damaging the teeth.
Bridges
For patients who have missing teeth, a bridge or a partial denture can replace missing teeth. This piece has artificial teeth attached to it. It can be made from porcelain, gold or alloys. A dentist will anchor the bridge to the nearby teeth. The dentist will cement the bridge to these teeth. Once the bridge is fixed, only the dentist can remove it. Good oral hygiene can help keep the area around the bridge healthy.
Tooth-straightening treatments
People of all ages can benefit from getting their teeth straightened. After orthodontic treatments, patients will benefit from an improved smile. However, braces and other treatments can also improve the patient’s bite. For patients who have joint disorders in the jaw, braces may be a good option.
Braces can apply pressure to the teeth to reposition them. This usually takes several months or longer. However, a family dentist can also provide other options, such as clear braces or aligners. Children, teenagers and adults can all benefit from these newer treatments.
Veneers
These are customized shells that fit over each tooth to change the appearance. Usually, veneers are made of porcelain, although some are made of plastic. A family dentist will fit veneers over the fronts of the teeth. These can be helpful for teeth that have too much spacing or that have become worn or chipped. Permanent stains can also be covered by veneers. Veneers also offer a good option for teeth that are just slightly crooked.
Visit a family dentist today
A family dentist can offer many options for improving your smile. Bridges can replace missing teeth. Veneers or contouring with reshaping can be used to reshape the look of your teeth. Bonding is another option you have. And even adults can benefit from getting orthodontic treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.
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