The Art of Smiles: What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

May 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwehrkamp @ 7:03 pm
Patient looking in the mirror after cosmetic dentistry

In today’s world, a great smile can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and how others see you. That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in! But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it enhance your smile? Continue reading to learn about the art of cosmetic dental enhancements and see how they can improve your life.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. Unlike general dentistry, which is dedicated to oral health, cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing look. Whether you’re looking to brighten your teeth, fix a chipped tooth, or get a complete smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments to meet your needs! 

What Are Some Common Cosmetic Treatments?

There is a plethora of cosmetic procedures available to transform your smile. Here are some of the most common ones your dentist may perform:

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, involves removing stains and discoloration from your teeth. Whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are placed on the teeth and activated with UV light. This brightens the enamel of your teeth by several shades!

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair minor imperfections like chips, cracks, or gaps between your teeth. Your dentist applies and shapes the resin before hardening it with a special light. Afterward, they’ll polish it to match the surrounding teeth, creating a seamless transition into your smile.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. First, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. Then, they’ll bond them in place, creating a brilliant and natural look.

Crown Lengthening

Excess gum tissue can make your teeth appear small. This procedure removes or reshapes the gumline to create a more balanced smile. This makes your teeth look longer and more natural.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

While traditional braces use metal wires and elastic bands, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners, to straighten your teeth. This leaves you with a more uniform smile and can even fix uncomfortable bite issues.

As you can see, cosmetic dentistry is truly diverse and flexible, combining aesthetic precision with advanced dental techniques. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, the right cosmetic procedures can help. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist today for a consultation. This is the first step to achieving the smile of your dreams!

About the Practice

Dr. Scott Wehrkamp and Dr. Mauri Heesch are skilled and knowledgeable dentists who strive for excellence in patient care. They use advanced dental technology to create treatments that improve the aesthetics of your smile while improving your oral health. Call (605) 582-6522 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Neighborhood Dental Brandon or visit the website to see a full menu of other services they provide.