The cosmetic dentistry field covers many different procedures. The reason that patients choose to undergo these treatments is to help them improve the appearance of their smiles. For example, a patient may be dissatisfied with the color of their teeth due to stains from food and tobacco. Professional whitening treatment options can help remove these stains and lighten the color of the patient’s teeth by several shades for a smile that is whiter than before. Patients may also want to undergo cosmetic dental treatments to fix any aesthetic concerns they have with their smiles, such as small gaps between their teeth or crooked teeth. At Eric A Lim DDS, depending on the patient’s aesthetic circumstances, our dentist may recommend using specific treatments or procedures to help correct the problem and improve the patient’s smile.
What Are Cosmetic Dental Treatments Available?
Contrary to its name, cosmetic dentistry isn’t focused on improving the appearance of teeth alone. Instead, it is a comprehensive branch of dentistry that focuses on improving oral and general health by improving the function and appearance of teeth and gums. This is achieved by using a variety of cosmetic procedures such as veneers, whitening, Invisalign, and more. Some patients may combine these procedures into a single treatment plan known as a smile makeover. The dentist will consider your unique smile goals when determining the correct procedures. However, some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures include:
Teeth Whitening
A teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile by several shades. Professional teeth whitening systems remove years of stains from foods and beverages, tobacco, aging, and other common culprits.
Dental Implants
Missing a tooth can harm oral health and appearance. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth's roots. An artificial tooth will be attached to the titanium implant that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic bonded to the teeth' front surface to cover imperfections such as gaps, chips, stains, discoloration, or even minor misalignments.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
You may benefit from cosmetic dentistry if you have crowded teeth, gaps between your teeth, or an uneven smile. These problems can be especially noticeable when you smile and speak, making people self-conscious about their appearance. If your teeth are crooked, you may be worried about showing off your smile in public, such as when talking to coworkers, meeting new clients, or attending social events. Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve your smile's aesthetics and oral health.
Talk to our dentist about treatment options if you’ve noticed tooth discoloration, chipping, or other common cosmetic concerns. Visit Eric A Lim DDS at 1624 Franklin St #300, Oakland 94612, or call (510) 893-2525 for the best dental care tailored to your unique needs.
