2021 is well underway which hopefully means you’ve been sticking to your resolutions. Last year, many Americans felt embarrassed by their smiles, making it more difficult to be confident in social situations. If one of your resolutions was to feel more confident than perhaps cosmetic dentistry can help.

Cosmetic dentistry can be defined as oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile. Usually cosmetic dentistry is considered elective rather than essential, but can often provide significant restorative benefits to a patient’s smile. In the past few years, as the demand for restorative dentistry treatments have grown, many treatments have become more effective, helping patients feel younger and healthier.

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, here are three procedures to consider.

young man with beards face being split in half showing before and after difference that cosmetic dentistry can do

Teeth Whitening

As one of the most basic cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening can be done in your dentist’s office or at home. The time to whiten is after plaque, tartar, and other debris have been removed from the surface of a patient’s teeth. Staining occurs when staining agents become lodged in the natural ridges of enamel. When a whitening agent is applied to teeth free of plaque, it can dissolve staining agents and return teeth to their natural glimmer.

In general, whitening done in-office is going to achieve a brighter shade than a take-home solution, as dentists and hygienist can properly handle more effective solutions. However, the best results can be achieved by combining both an in-office procedure with take-home trays.

Dental Implants

When a patient has lost teeth, dental implants are an incredibly effective treatment. Composed of two parts, a titanium implant and ceramic crown, the implant closely mimics the structure and function of the natural tooth. Through a process known as osseointegration, the titanium implant fuses to the jaw bone, securing the replacement tooth in place. For patients who practice good hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Porcelain Veneers

Composed of medical-grade ceramic, veneers are a thin facade designed specifically to fit over a patient’s teeth in order to fix chips, gaps, or staining. They look incredibly realistic and can last up to twenty years if properly cared for.

If you’re tired of lacking the confidence to speak up during a meeting because you’re worried about your teeth’s appearance, cosmetic dentistry can help. Schedule an appointment to speak with your dentist about your cosmetic goals, and decide what procedure is right for you.

If you are looking for cosmetic dentistry in Anchorage, Excellence in Dentistry can help. Please call (907) 349-0022 or contact us today for an appointment with a cosmetic dentist.