A vibrant, white smile has been a pillar of self-confidence for people for generations. Our society places a huge value on a straight, white set of teeth and it can be a cause for dismay to those of us who don’t yet have the smile of our dreams. Luckily for people living in the 21st century, cosmetic dentistry is more affordable and accessible than it has ever been! You may be familiar with the idea of cosmetic dentistry, but if you’d like to dive deeper, we’ve laid out some lesser known, interesting facts to help inform you about upgrading your smile!
1. There are two main types of cosmetic dentistry.
Most cosmetic dentistry is split into two sections: orthodontics and prosthodontics. Orthodontics is perhaps the more well-known of the two, as anyone who has had braces has seen an orthodontist. This camp of cosmetic dentistry focuses on realigning the teeth to correct an improper bite or to simply improve the appearance of crooked teeth. Prosthodontics, on the other hand, refers to upgrading existing teeth through procedures such as whitening, veneers, or implants.
2. Bonding is a quick fix to gaps in your teeth.
Bonding is the process of filling in small gaps, chips, or cracks in the teeth with tooth-colored materials to enhance the appearance of your smile. While bonding can often be done in a single visit, this procedure is more likely than other forms of cosmetic dentistry to chip or wear over time.
3. Braces no longer have to be an unsightly investment.
Long gone are the days of bright silver brackets on your teeth for years at a time! While traditional metal braces still exist and are commonly used, many adults who seek orthodontic treatment are happy to learn about products such as Invisalign, which use clear plastic trays rather than flashy metal to slowly move teeth into a new position over time.
4. Whitening your teeth can be quick and cost-effective!
Modern whitening procedures can lighten your teeth by up to ten shades in as little as an hour! While in-office whitening procedures were once expensive and time consuming, modern advances have brought costs down to a few hundred dollars, which is a modest investment to make for years of confidence in your smile.
5. Veneers can drastically improve your smile in little time.
Veneers are custom shells, usually made from porcelain, that fit over the front of your teeth to change their shape and color. They are strong and natural looking, and can be a faster way to a straight smile than months or years spent in braces. Because your veneers will have to be made in a factory, the process of having them fixed will span a few visits to the dentist’s office, but the process can usually be done in a few weeks or months.
You don’t have to continue living with a smile that you don’t love! If you think that your smile could use improvement, from a small change to a major one, don’t hesitate to bring your concerns up to your dentist and explore your cosmetic options.
If you would like to know more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can enhance your life, give us a call at Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics today! With convenient locations in Frankfort, Crest Hill, Lockport, and offering services like Dental implants in Shorewood, IL, our expert team is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive range of dental treatments to achieve your desired smile and overall oral health goals.