Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are a number of ways to improve your smile using cosmetic dentistry greenville sc! From options as immediate and simple as whitening all the way to a full smile reconstruction, your dentist can help you decide what options are best for you to suit your individual needs.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening is the easiest and most instantly gratifying way to brighten your smile! Whitening products such as toothpastes and whitening strips are very popular and effective but if you need more intense whitening, your dental office probably offers an in-office whitening treatment that you can have done in under two hours!
If you are not interested in in-office whitening or if you have more sensitive teeth, you may consider an at-home whitening kit that can be purchased either at the drugstore or at your dental office. Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening so it is important to discuss treatment with your dentist before you begin, even an at-home treatment. Some patients that have grey stains will not benefit from standard whitening options but there are other options available to those patients which your dentist can discuss with you!
Regardless of what type of whitening you do, there will be some dietary restrictions for you to follow while you whiten in order to achieve optimal results. For in-office, you will be instructed to avoid foods and beverages that could stain for 48-72 hours, anything that could stain a white shirt can stain your teeth.
Composite Bonding
Having your teeth bonded is another quick fix that can last a couple of years. Your dentist can use composited to fabricate veneers over your existing teeth or it can fix small chips and unevenness. Bonding is also used for tooth fillings and since it is easily tinted to match your natural teeth, it is a great way to restore simple problems. The only time bonding may not be appropriate is if you have a chip in an anterior tooth. Composite is a strong material but is prone to chipping and staining just like natural teeth.
Porcelain Onlays, Crowns, and Veneers
When bonding will not do or you simply want a more permanent solution, porcelain restorations may be better for you. Porcelain can easily last up to 20 years before it may need to be replaced. Of course, how well you care for your teeth will have a huge impact on that actual number!
Onlays are used to restore teeth with significant decay that composite cannot cover. Dental crowns are also used for large decay but are also used in case of fracture or root canal therapy. Crowns fit over the entire tooth structure to just below the gumline and veneers cover the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can be used for decay but are typically considered strictly cosmetic.
Dental Implants
Finally we have dental implants. An implant is used to restore a missing tooth. An oral surgeon places a titanium implant directly into your jawbone and an implant crown is set in place on the implant, giving you a fully functioning, beautiful smile!