If you’ve ever felt embarrassed by your smile or that your teeth just don’t look as good as they could, cosmetic dentistry could be an option for you. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just to improve your smile. Many people choose cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve their self- confidence, especially for upcoming events they may have in their lives such as a wedding, graduation, or job promotion. Here are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures that may help brighten your New Year!
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is one of the more affordable and impactful cosmetic dentistry options that you can choose. Although you can try to whiten your teeth at home with over the-counter kits, a professional whitening tends to be safer and have a more noticeable effect than drugstore whitening kits [1].
With a professional teeth whitening, you can choose how white you want your teeth to be, which gives you the option to customize your beautiful new smile. Many dentists offer teeth whitening procedures that can be done in-office in about an hour.
Invisalign
Although Invisalign is considered an orthodontic treatment, it can also help improve the appearance of your smile by straightening your teeth. The best part about Invisalign is its clear aligners, which are virtually invisible in your mouth, allowing you to get treatment without having to worry about noticeable metal braces.
Invisalign also tends to be more comfortable than metal braces and allows you to clean your teeth properly since the aligners are fully removable. In addition, Invisalign also generally has a shorter treatment time than braces, meaning you can potentially get your dream smile sooner [2]!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered both a restorative and cosmetic dental procedure. Dental implants don’t just improve the function of your smile by helping you speak and chew properly—they also can improve your confidence more than dentures [3]. This is because dental implants are very secure since they are anchored directly into your jawbone, compared to dentures, most forms of which are completely removable. Dental implants can also help regenerate jawbone, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Dental Veneers
If you have teeth that are gapped, chipped, uneven, or discolored, you may be able to solve all these concerns with dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic that cover your natural teeth. Since they are so thin, they are designed to look natural and not bulky or artificial. Dental veneers can transform your smile for a cohesive appearance without the need for additional cosmetic procedures, such as dental bonding and orthodontics.
How Are You Enhancing Your Smile This New Year?
Regardless of what type of cosmetic dentistry you’re considering, it has the potential to improve your self-confidence [4]. Are you taking any steps to enhance your smile in the new year? Schedule a consultation with your experienced dentist to discuss how you could start moving toward your dream smile in 2022!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343314/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2607480/
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/bdj.2007.977
