Your smile is often one of the first things that people notice about you. This is why cosmetic dental procedures have become increasingly popular, especially in the last few years.
There are many different cosmetic options available to help you improve the look and feel of your smile, as well as increase your confidence and self-esteem. Here are a few of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available.
Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening (sometimes called “bleaching”) is by far the most popular cosmetic procedure that dentists perform. With its relatively low cost and high rate of success, whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve the look of your smile.
The best results are usually achieved with in-office whitening treatments, but there are a few take-home options that your dentist can provide for you. Depending on the level of treatment, you may be able to lighten your teeth by two to nine shades, which will last several months.
Veneers
Veneers have also become a very popular option in the past few years, especially for tougher cases that can’t be solved by simple tooth whitening. To create veneers, a porcelain shell is created to fit over a prepared tooth. This helps to fix worn enamel, spacing, cracks/chips, and discoloration.
The cost of veneers depends on many different factors, but you should expect to spend around $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Keep in mind that traditional veneers are not permanent and may have to be replaced in 10 to 15 years.
Crowns
Besides improving appearance, dental crowns can help to preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. This makes them not only a popular cosmetic option but also a restorative procedure.
Crowns are typically made from a variety of different materials, but all-ceramic porcelain offers the best appearance and function. Porcelain veneers have a reduced thickness while maintaining durability, giving them the look of natural teeth. That being said, all-ceramic may not be the best option for areas of heavy use (like molars).
Implants
Having missing teeth can heavily affect the look of your smile and reduce your self-confidence. As yet another cosmetic and restorative option, dental implants provide the highest level of durability and natural tooth-like esthetics.
As a permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants consist of an artificial tooth that is surgically fastened to the jaw. Dental implants vary in cost but are typical $900 to $3,000 per tooth on average.
Invisible Braces
For many years, the only option for straightening your teeth involved a mouth full of wires and brackets, which was not only uncomfortable but also pretty unattractive. Fortunately, now there are invisible options for braces.
These include ceramic tooth-colored brackets, braces placed on the backside of teeth (inside braces), and even clear aligners.
Care for Your Smile with Advanced Prosthodontics
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, there are now many different solutions available. The best option for you will depend on the severity of your issues and the results you’d like to see.
At Advanced Prosthodontics, we have over 20 years of experience helping patients all over the Bethlehem area choose the right cosmetic dental treatment for them. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (610) 865-4222.