Common Cosmetic Dental Services and Their Benefits

Cosmetic dental services provide patients with multiple means of changing their smiles, from addressing small blemishes to completely reimagining their entire dentition. Cosmetic dentists are trained dental professionals who focus on aesthetics, but that does not mean they will damage the teeth in order to achieve a patient’s goals. In this way, they provide functional and aesthetic services to enhance a smile without threatening its longevity and health.

Understanding cosmetic dental services

While cosmetic dental services come in many forms, certain procedures are common in most cosmetic dental offices. These include the following.

Gum contouring

In many cases, gum contouring refers to the process of using specialized tools to sculpt the gumline, often by removing excess gum tissue so the teeth do not appear too short. However, cosmetic dentists can also use grafting to add more gum tissue for people who have experienced recession that makes their teeth unusually long.

Gum contouring is beneficial for the oral cavity, as it can help ensure that the teeth are properly supported, shielding the roots from bacteria. It also enables patients to floss better without excess gum tissue getting in the way.

Dental bonding

When a tooth is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, a cosmetic dentist might use dental bonding material to reshape a section of the tooth. This improves the tooth's look and keeps it safe.

Imperfections, such as rough textures or cracks, are ideal places for bacteria to hide. By covering these and restoring the tooth with dental bonding, the dentist makes it easier for the patient to prevent cavities and keep their teeth in good health.

Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening services are perhaps the most common procedures performed in a cosmetic dentist’s office. Whether through in-office whitening that takes about an hour to do or with custom-fitted at-home trays, tooth whitening can lighten a patient's teeth by multiple shades.

For people who hesitate to smile because they are self-conscious about the color of their teeth, whitening can be an exciting opportunity. Freely smiling is also great for the muscles in the face!

Veneers

Regular teeth whitening may be insufficient in certain instances, such as dealing with stains caused by antibiotics. Alternatively, someone may dislike the way that one of their teeth is shaped. In these cases, veneers can be valuable options.

A dental veneer sits on the front surface of a tooth like a shield, creating an entirely new front that is free from imperfections. Since veneers are smooth, they are easy to clean, which can help prevent bacterial buildup.