Cosmetic Dentistry
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A bright, beautiful smile is something everyone deserves. While brushing and flossing are great ways to keep your teeth healthy, many people feel like their smile still doesn't look as bright or white as they'd like. Cosmetic dentistry at ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry can help.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the name for the procedures that focus on the look of your smile. It covers a wide range of options, including teeth whitening, veneers, and crowns. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on aesthetics but always with an eye toward your overall oral health.
Who Might Want Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
Anyone who would like to improve the appearance of their smile is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Of course, not every procedure is appropriate or effective for everyone. Your general dentist can go over the range of cosmetic procedures, talk about your expectations, and find the right solution for you.
Who Can Perform Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
Some procedures can be performed by your regular dentist while others will require a specialist.
What Are Some Popular Procedures?
Teeth Whitening
Even with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth become discolored for many reasons, including:
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Drinking coffee, tea, or other beverages that can stain the teeth
Your dentist can whiten your teeth using a chemical bleaching process that can take place in the office or at home. In-office whitening involves a stronger solution and generally takes one or more visits. Using an at-home whitening option can take two to four weeks.
Composite Bonding
Bonding improves the appearance of your teeth by filling in chips, cracks, and spaces or covering stains. Your dentist applies a tooth-colored material called composite resin directly to the surface of the tooth. The materials look and function just like your natural teeth. Bonding usually takes place in a single office visit and generally lasts for several years.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells used to imitate the natural color and shape of your tooth and improve your tooth's strength and resilience. Veneers can be a good solution for stained teeth that:
- Don't respond to whitening
- Are chipped or worn
- Have spaces between them
Veneers are a two-step process involving the removal of a tiny layer of tooth structure followed by cementing the veneers to the teeth.
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
Porcelain inlays/onlays are custom-made inserts that can be used to replace metal fillings or fill larger cavities when you want them to look more natural.
Inlays cover the space within the cusp tips of the tooth. Onlays cover a larger area, usually one or more of the cusp tips of the tooth.
Cavity Filling
When plaque (a layer of harmful bacteria) forms on your teeth, it produces acids that can damage tooth enamel. As the enamel breaks down (tooth decay), cavities can form. Cavities are small holes that can grow larger over time and cause significant damage to the tooth.
Your general dentist will clean out the tooth decay and repair the cavity using a dental filling.
Why ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry?
At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, you'll almost always be able to find all the care you need in one office so that your experience can be as seamless as possible. Our dentists and specialists are dedicated to helping you improve your smile and your oral health. And with cosmetic dentistry available at our five locations throughout Manhattan, you'll be able to find a dentist near you and get the bright, beautiful smile you deserve.
