If you have discoloured, stained, chipped, misaligned or broken teeth, you can rely on cosmetic dentistry to restore your smile. Improving your smile not only boosts your self-esteem, but it also maintains your oral health. If you are looking to improve the condition of your teeth, here are some of the services you can expect from a cosmetic dentist.

Teeth Whitening

One of the simplest ways of improving your smile is through teeth whitening. You can either bleach your teeth through in-office products or over-the-counter products. In-office products are offered by the dentist and are more effective than pharmaceutical products. Additionally, your dentist may opt to whiten your teeth using laser treatment, which is expensive and more effective than other whitening treatments. Over-the-counter products include rinses, whitening toothpastes and white strips.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are made from ceramic material and normally look like your natural teeth. Veneers are meant to solve cosmetic problems such as cracked or crooked teeth, damaged enamel and gaps between your teeth. The veneer is applied to the front of the damaged tooth and secured in place using adhesive cement.

Inlays and Onlays

These are indirect fillings used to fix tooth decay. Inlays and onlays are also used when you do not have sufficient tooth structure for a crown or filling. Inlays are placed directly on the tooth's surface. When a significant portion of your tooth is damaged, an onlay can be used to cover the entire surface of the tooth. Inlays and onlays help strengthen your teeth and prevent further decay. These fillings are made in a laboratory from a resin material and fixed to your teeth with adhesive cement.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace lost teeth. When getting an implant, your cosmetic dentist will insert a screw into your jaw at the area with a missing tooth. The screw acts like a support for the implant. It is hard to distinguish the implant from surrounding teeth after the jawbone bonds with the implant. Patients are advised to observe oral hygiene during the treatment period to prevent food debris and plaque accumulation.

Summing It Up

Cosmetic dentistry is largely concerned with improving your smile. If you want to make your teeth a shade lighter or to correct misaligned, crooked or cracked teeth, you need to consult a cosmetic dentist. Some of the common procedures you can expect from these experts include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, inlays and onlays and implants.