Author: Katie MacMillan
The most important aspect of maintaining your smile is to take proper care of your oral health! However, some people may wish to utilize cosmetic procedures to enhance their smile and make it shine even more (although the best smile is a happy and healthy one!)
One example of a cosmetic procedure is teeth whitening. This procedure is fairly quick, with the longest teeth whitening options capping at around two hours (Fries, n.d.). There are many options for doing this - from at home remedies, to drugstore products and whitening at the dentist. The two latter options commonly use a form of peroxide to whiten teeth effectively (Fries, n.d.).
Another option is veneers, which are shells of resin or porcelain that attach to your teeth and can completely change the look of your smile, whether in color, length, shape, or size of teeth (WebMD, 2020). This procedure can take time, as it usually does require multiple consultations with your dentist before you’re ready to proceed (WebMD, 2020). Veneer fabrication is a very precise procedure and may also involve removing enamel on the front surface of a tooth to make space for the resin or porcelain material to attach to the tooth surface (WebMD, 2020).
A third alternative to modify your smile is with dental crowns. The teeth are prepared circumferentially to reduce the enamel and make space for the crown material, which ranges from gold metal to porcelain, or even zirconia (Cleveland Clinic, n.d)! These caps go over your teeth to modify their shape, size, color, or length (Cleveland Clinic, n.d). This procedure can be done if you have a tooth that you would like to change. For example, it can be a very useful procedure for worn down, discolored, or broken teeth (Cleveland Clinic, n.d). This procedure usually requires a couple of trips to the dentist (Cleveland Clinic, n.d).
These three procedures, alongside many more, can change the look and feel of your smile. Talk to your dentist to find out which cosmetic option is best for you!
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental crowns: What are They, Types, Procedure & care. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns.
Fries, W. C. (n.d.). Teeth whitening: TOOTH Bleaching fast facts. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching.
WebMD. (2020, July 20). Dental veneers: Porcelain veneer Uses, procedure, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1-2.