1. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin “shells” that are bonded to the top of the teeth.
Veneers are made from a tooth-colored material (such as porcelain) that’s meant to mimic your natural teeth as much as possible. However, they’re meant to be a significant improvement over your natural teeth.
Veneers can help you accomplish many different goals. If you’re dissatisfied with the color, shape, size, or length of your natural teeth, veneers can give you the improvements you’re looking for.
You can get just one dental veneer, which some people may choose if they have a cracked or chipped tooth. Or you can get veneers on all your visible teeth to transform your smile.
Depending on your care routine, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.
2. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which the teeth are filed down, and a resin-like material is applied to the top. This material is then shaped to achieve your desired shape.
Dental bonding is generally recommended for minor imperfections, like tooth discoloration, small gaps between teeth, and small chips or cracks. Anything more than that may require veneers or crowns.
Dental bonding can be long-lasting (up to 15 years if cared for properly).
In general, dental bonding can be done in just one appointment, doesn’t always require anesthesia, and is cheaper than getting veneers. For these reasons, many people prefer this procedure for perfecting their smiles.
3. Ceramic Crowns
If there’s significant damage to the tooth, a simple filling, dental bonding, and dental veneers may not get the job done. Instead, the entire tooth may need to get covered with a dental crown — a replica of your natural tooth that’s meant to cover it entirely.
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, including gold, silver, metal, porcelain, and ceramic. While some of these materials are excellent for absorbing pressure from biting and chewing, not all of them look like natural teeth.
Ceramic is, by far, the preferred material for creating a natural-looking smile. And it’s incredibly durable, as well. With proper care, a ceramic crown can last up to 15 years, maintaining its natural color until the very end.
A ceramic crown can be used to cover teeth with major cavities, large cracks or chips, or improper alignment. In addition to restoring function, ceramic crowns can greatly enhance your smile if placed in the front.
It takes about two appointments to put in a dental crown.
During the first appointment, one of Flossy’s dentists will shape your natural tooth (or several) so that there’s enough space for the crown. They will then take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a lab, where a custom-made crown will be created.
At the following appointment, you will have the crown placed on your tooth. If everything feels comfortable as far as biting and chewing goes, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your new smile. If something feels off, Flossy’s dentists will work with you to remake the crown until it fits you perfectly.
4. Dental Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth, you can replace them with a dental implant. Or, depending on where the tooth is located, you may not choose to replace it at all. (Although the latter option is definitely not recommended.)
Dental bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. This structure is made up of several porcelain teeth that are attached to one another. They are then cemented into place in order to replace your missing teeth.
Dental bridges are not as long-lasting as an implant, with a lifespan of up to ten years. However, they don’t require significant healing time, which makes them a preferred option for many.
Depending on your health insurance, you may even get some reimbursement for this procedure.
5. Inlays & Onlays
Chances are, you’ve most likely had a cavity that needed to get filled. After all, cavities are one of the most common dental problems in the world.
Well, depending on the size of a cavity, a simple filling may not always be enough to cover the damage. And that’s where inlays and onlays come in.
Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They’re larger than a cavity filling but smaller than a full dental crown. They’re meant to be placed in the cusp of your tooth to make up for what’s missing when your dentist removes tooth decay.
For inlays or onlays, Flossy’s dentists will discuss the best material with you. You can choose between porcelain, amalgam, composite resin, and even gold or silver.
Depending on how well you care for them, both inlays and onlays can last up to 15 years.
6. Braces
If you have gaps between your teeth, you can certainly correct them with procedures like dental bonding. However, for significant gaps, that’s not always possible.
Braces can be an excellent alternative for shifting teeth into place.
We know what you’re thinking: braces are definitely not an alternative. And when it comes to chunky metal braces, we completely agree. Advances in dentistry have gifted us new options for straightening teeth — some of which are entirely invisible. These include ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners.
When you meet with a Flossy dentist, they can discuss the most aesthetic option for you.
7. Teeth Whitening
If you religiously use whitening toothpastes, rinses, and gels, you may notice that they don’t offer the most dramatic results.
If you want a sparkling white smile, a professional whitening treatment is your best bet:
Considering all the different reasons we can experience discoloration — whether it’s drinking too much coffee, taking certain medications, or going through the aging process — teeth whitening may be one of the best things you do for your smile.
When you come in for a teeth whitening treatment, a Flossy dentist will use a tooth shade chart to show you the current shade of your teeth. They’ll then discuss how many shades lighter you want to go.
After you discuss your goals, your dentist will polish your teeth and remove any remaining plaque. They will then apply a whitening agent to your teeth and leave it on for up to an hour. They can also use light activation to enhance the whitening effects.
Once the whitening part is done, your dentist will rinse your mouth with fluoride, which can get rid of potential sensitivity.
To prevent damaging your tooth enamel, your dentist will recommend whitening treatments no more than twice per year.
8. Gum Contouring
If you feel self-conscious about exposing your gums, it’s possible to change their shape and size.
Laser gum contouring is a novel technique that clears away unwanted gum tissue, changing the appearance of your gums in the process. Combined with other cosmetic treatments, you can get a smile you truly love to show off.
Getting a Beautiful Smile With Flossy
Cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile of your dreams. Novel procedures can correct many different concerns, such as discoloration, chipping, or cracking. With advanced techniques, it’s even possible to change the shape of your gums.
If you’re looking for cosmetic dentist services in Scottsdale, AZ, Flossy can connect you with a low-cost dentist today. Use our convenient app to make your first appointment with a Flossy dentist.
Sources:
The prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam | BMC Oral Health
Effects of a Novel Whitening Formulation on Dental Enamel | PMC
Gummy Smile Correction with Diode Laser: Two Case Reports | PMC
