Common Cosmetic Dentistry Options in Encinitas

When people hear the phrase “cosmetic dentistry,” they far too often think of expensive, unnecessary procedures that are reserved for the rich and famous. But cosmetic dentistry is an important part of every dental practice, and you deserve to have the best smile possible.

When your teeth are crooked or discolored or if you have damaged or missing teeth, it can be difficult to maintain a positive self-image. Dental imperfections can arise for any number of reasons, including:

• Smoking
• Diseases, including diabetes
• Trauma, such as a car accident or other sudden impact
• Poor dental hygiene
• Genetics

No matter what the reason for your particular dental issues might be, there’s no reason you should have to suffer from poor self-esteem because of your teeth. With the help of a trusted dental team, like the one at Ablantis Dental, you’ll be able to address any problems that keep you from confidently flashing your best smile.

Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a number of options designed to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Here are some of the more common procedures you should ask your dentist about.

Teeth Whitening

There are a number of reasons why your teeth may become discolored over time. This can happen as a result of smoking or drinking coffee or soda. In some cases, discoloration simply comes with the process of aging.

Tooth whitening is one of the most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry. While there are take-home kits on the market, the best results usually come from in-office treatments. In a session for teeth whitening, our team uses a specialized UV light to activate a bleaching agent to break down tough stains and restore a pearly white gleam.

Veneers

While dental veneers have been around for decades, they’re growing in popularity. Essentially, veneers are a thin shell of extremely durable porcelain that is permanently adhered to your natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will take a mold of your existing teeth before he or she creates your veneers, so they’ll be designed to fit perfectly.

Veneers can be used to hide stubborn stains on your teeth, but can also be used to supplement worn or missing enamel or help to correct cracks and chips, gaps, or uneven teeth, leaving you with a perfect smile.

Shaping

Reshaping a tooth is a simple, easy way to correct several issues with your smile. Using an electric tool, your cosmetic dentist can gradually grind away a portion of the enamel on the offending tooth.

Dental shaping is often used to correct minor dental malformations, but can also help to fix some types of tooth stains and chips. The procedure is usually painless and can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Tooth Bonding

One of the simpler—and most overlooked—procedures in cosmetic dentistry is tooth bonding. Composite bonding uses tooth-colored material to fill cracks, chips, and other damage to your teeth, including cavities. The result is virtually indistinguishable from your existing teeth, especially after your cosmetic dentist has properly tinted and shaped the composite material.

This process has replaced metallic fillings for most patients, but the new technology also allows your dentist to easily repair various kinds of damage on your teeth at a relatively low cost, too!

Crowns

Many people don’t necessarily think of crowns as a form of cosmetic dentistry, and that’s partly because crowns tend to serve both cosmetic and restorative functions. For most people, crowns are made to be fitted over badly damaged teeth, preserving their function. However, crowns or “caps” can also be used to hide poorly shaped teeth or to hide large spaces between teeth.

There are a number of options available for crowns, from gold crowns to full-ceramic porcelain. While you might choose a gold crown if you’re looking to make a statement, porcelain crowns are an excellent way to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, while still providing the durability to hold up to your everyday demands.

Orthodontics

Most people associate orthodontic tools, such as braces and retainers, with childhood. Historically, orthodontic devices have been applied as soon as all of an individual’s adult teeth have come in, so many patients receive orthodontic treatments in their teenage years.

However, orthodontic devices aren’t just for children. Whether you were unable to get orthodontics as a child or your teeth have shifted over the years, there are many options available to correct problems with your smile, including misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, or imperfect spacing in between teeth.

There are a number of invisible options for people who may not want their orthodontic devices to be obvious to the outside world. From lingual braces, which fit on the back of your teeth, to clear, retainer-based systems like ClearCorrect, which uses transparent trays that are changed out every few weeks, your orthodontic solutions can be your little secret!

Implants

If you’re suffering from missing teeth, a dental implant is the most permanent solution and is designed to last lasting a lifetime. In a dental implant procedure, a titanium screw-like device is surgically implanted into your jawbone. In the months following the procedure, your jawbone will fuse to the implant, essentially mimicking the roots of your other teeth.

The result is a permanent, incredibly stable base for the replacement of missing teeth. The implant can be used to attach a single crown or it can be used to anchor more substantial dental devices, including bridges and dentures.

Your Cosmetic Dentist in Encinitas

You deserve the chance to have the best smile possible. If you have questions about any of the procedures listed above, contact a cosmetic dentist at Ablantis Dental today at (760) 334-0128. Let us help you get your smile to shine a little bit brighter!