A Cosmetic Dentist Is Your Key to A Great Smile

One of the first things new acquaintances will notice about you is your smile. A great set of pearly whites exudes confidence and good health. Yetfor many, imperfections and defects in their smile keep them from having the self-assurance a great smile can bring. If you are not satisfied with the condition of your smile, there are a number of procedures a cosmetic dentist can perform that can give you a smile that will make you proud. Here are some of the most popular.Tooth WhiteningOver time, your teeth can take on a yellow or brownish stain due to food and beverage consumption, smoking, and even some medications. When this occurs, a tooth whitening procedure can restore the gleam to your smile. During the procedure, your cosmetic dentist applies a peroxide-based bleaching agent to your teeth. Depending on the level of discoloration, you can achieve excellent results in one or two visits. Keep in mind, however, that tooth whitening is not a substitute for cleaning; you still need to continuebrushing and flossing regularly. Afterwards, it is best to limit your exposure to the substances that caused the discoloration in the first place in order to retain your results.Bonding and VeneersIf your pearly whites are misshapen with extra spaces, chips, or cracks, bonding or veneers are great options to correct the defects. With bonding, your cosmetic dentist applies a clay-like, tooth-colored substance to fill in cracks or reshape a tooth. The substance is then hardened under an intense light. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin overlays, usually made of porcelain or plastic, thatare cemented over your teeth to give them a more uniform shape and color.Invisible BracesIf crooked teeth are a problem for you, but metal braces don't sound appealing, invisible braces can help straighten out your smile. These clear, custom-made aligners are shaped specifically to fit your mouth, and your cosmetic dentist will reshape them approximately every two weeks to gradually move your teeth into alignment. Invisible braces are removable for eating and brushing as well. To achieve the best results, invisible braces are implemented in two phases. First, you wear the aligner for a period of time. Second, you wear a retainer for an additional period of time to hold your teeth in their new position.Dental ImplantsA missing tooth can be a frustrating source of embarrassment, and it can make you hesitant to show your pearly whites at all. Dental implants are a natural-looking, long-term solution for missing teeth. For the procedure, your dental professional fuses a titanium screw directly into the jawbone, over which is placed an abutment that protrudes from the gum line. A crown is then attached to the abutment to replace your missing tooth. Though this process is more complex than bridges or dentures, dental implants offer a more permanent and less conspicuous result.If you are unhappy with the look of your smile, talk to your cosmetic dentist today to discuss which procedure might be right for you.When looking for a cosmetic dentist, Plymouth, MI residents should consulthttp://yourplymouthdentist.com/.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Abigail_Aaronson/67432