Cosmetic Dentistry: What Can It Do?

When you hear the words cosmetic dentistry, what comes to mind? Perhaps the most popular cosmetic dental procedure today—teeth whitening? Or maybe you think of porcelain veneers? Yes, the words cosmetic dentistry bring to mind a bright white smile, but have you ever wondered exactly what other types of procedures are considered cosmetic? As well as teeth whitening and veneers, cosmetic procedures also include tooth bonding, contouring, and gum reshaping. Dr. Nicolas Cain believes that an attractive smile offers not only physical benefits, but psychological ones, as well.  A beautiful smile goes a long way in increasing your self-confidence, which affects all other aspects of your life.

Cosmetic Procedures and What They Entail

There are many reasons to choose a cosmetic dental procedure. Perhaps your teeth have dulled, are stained, or have become a grayish color. Maybe you your teeth are chipped, or appear too small, or are bordered by excessive, uneven gum tissue (a gummy smile). If your smile isn’t as beautiful or symmetrical as you would like it to be, then you may be a candidate for a cosmetic dental procedure.

Professional Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening has become a fast, affordable, and effective way to improve your smile. It can be performed in-office via laser light-activated deep bleaching, which only requires a single visit and can be completed in just over an hour. Dr. Cain also offers a take-home whitening kit that includes a custom-designed mouth tray and peroxide gel. The home kit can be used for occasional touch-ups after your professional teeth whitening procedure.

Tooth Bonding & Contouring: Tooth bonding consists of a composite resin material that can be used to repair chips in your teeth. After setting the resin, Dr. Cain will cure and sculpt it to match your tooth’s shape, then polish it to gleam like your natural tooth’s structure. Tooth contouring, often performed in conjunction with bonding, involves reshaping a tooth with a jagged or uneven edge to more attractively fit the curve of your smile.

Gum Contouring: The soft pink tissue that borders the bottoms of your teeth, called your gums, can affect straight and even your teeth look. Using a soft tissue laser, which helps prevent bleeding and swelling, Dr. Cain can reshape your uneven gum line to return the symmetry to your smile. Some gum discomfort may be experienced for 24-48 hours after the procedure, but should subside on its own. However, if discomfort persists after a couple of days, then call our office as soon as possible.

ABOUT YOUR MILLER DENTIST:

If you want to improve your smile, Dr. Cain can help you decide which cosmetic procedure is appropriate for you.  As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, cosmetic, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your next dental appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.