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Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry: Types of Procedures
January 15, 2025
Your smile plays a big role in your self-confidence. It is often the first thing others see, and it’s a worldwide symbol of friendliness, openness, and a kind attitude. Liking your smile is fundamental to your self-esteem, which is why many patients seek a cosmetic dentist in Sioux City, IA, to help them enhance the appearance of their grins.
Chips, stains, misshapen teeth, and other small imperfections can affect your confidence in your smile and make you doubt before showing it off to others. The problem is that this can impact your social life and your life’s relationships. To prevent that, here are some common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
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Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth and smiles. Our team performs several procedures, from whitening teeth to straightening them to improve their shape, to take your smile to the next level.
Nonetheless, not all cosmetic dental procedures are suitable for everyone. Because of that, it is key to understand the treatments available and determine which one will work best for you.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile in several shades. Often, treatments contain carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, eliminating brownish and yellowish stains from the teeth.
However, because these substances are slightly abrasive, not everyone’s teeth can be bleached. It is very important to check with your dentist. The procedure may take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell composed of porcelain or composite material. It is custom-made and bonded to the front surface of the tooth to cover conditions such as slightly crooked teeth, discolored teeth, or chipped teeth. Veneers can even cover spaces between teeth.
The lifespan of a veneer varies from person to person, but the majority will last about 20 years.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are prosthetic "caps" designed and colored to match your natural teeth. They can protect the structure of a damaged or compromised tooth while restoring its appearance. Additionally, crowns serve as a visible component of a dental implant.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are metallic posts with a dental crown attached. This procedure helps restore a lost tooth and protect your jawbone’s health.
Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Anyone wanting to improve their smile is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry procedures. Good oral health is necessary to guarantee a positive outcome for your treatment, but if you visit our dental office frequently, that’s probably already your goal.
Some imperfections that can be solved with cosmetic dentistry include:
- Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Slightly misaligned or uneven teeth
- Missing teeth
- Teeth with asymmetrical shapes
- Very worn teeth
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Get the Smile of Your Dreams with a Dentist in Sioux City, IA
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch dedicated to improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Be it small chips you want to cover, stains you want to get rid of, or more serious issues like a missing tooth, the team of dentists at Wheelock and Associates Dentistry is ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Reach out, and let’s work on enhancing your grin together!