Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Dental procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth and gums fall within the scope of cosmetic dentistry. Continuing advancements in dentistry have given cosmetic dentists the skills, techniques, and high-tech materials they need to correct practically any noticeable aesthetic issue or flaw safely and efficiently.

Cosmetic dentistry is routinely used to change discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing teeth. Dr. Cottrill can:

• Whiten your enamel
• Reshape your teeth
• Close gaps between teeth
• Restore worn teeth
• File down overly long teeth

Although these cosmetic procedures are mainly used to restore the appearance of your smile, they can also help correct your bite and improve your overall oral health.

What are common cosmetic dentistry services?

Some of the most frequently requested cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Teeth whitening

Arguably the most requested cosmetic dental service, in-office teeth whitening can significantly brighten your smile. Chairside bleaching is a standard approach that uses powerful bleaching agents applied directly to your teeth. As these chemicals break down, oxygen penetrates the enamel to help lift stains and visibly lighten the color of your teeth.  

Veneers

Dental veneers, or laminates, are ultra-thin, porcelain shells designed to cover the front side of your teeth. They can help restore tooth structure or hide a variety of flaws, including chips, minor gaps, and permanent discoloration.

Bonding

Bonding is the go-to treatment for repairing chipped teeth, closing gaps, filling cavities, or changing tooth color.

Crowns

Porcelain crowns, or caps, are often used to restore appearance to a tooth that’s severely worn, cracked, chipped, or discolored.

Clear braces

Similar in size and shape to traditional metal braces, clear braces have enamel-colored or clear brackets that visually blend into your teeth. Some types of clear braces also use enamel-colored wires to make them even less noticeable.

Should I consider dental implants?

There are plenty of cosmetic procedures that will give you the teeth you want, but few options are quite as permanent as dental implants.

Used to fully replace teeth after tooth loss, dental implants can help you achieve a perfect smile that lasts.

These permanent implants are perfect if you have decayed or missing teeth, but diligent oral hygiene when it comes to brushing, flossing, and keeping up to date with your routine dental visits.

How do dental implants work?

In order to ensure that your dental implants last a lifetime, your dentist will start by inserting a titanium screw into your jaw to act as a replacement tooth root.

Once the dental implant is secure in your jaw, your dentist will embed a new crown to act as your new tooth.

Not only are dental implants completely indistinguishable from your natural, healthy teeth, they are also a permanent solution to missing, damaged, or decaying teeth.

If you suffer from severely damaged or missing teeth, a dental implant may even serve as the base for removable dentures.

What is a smile makeover?

Even with all the cosmetic options your dentist offers, you may be in need of a combination of procedures.

A complete smile makeover is designed specifically to help patients suffering from a variety of cosmetic problems such as crooked teeth, yellow teeth, worn or chipped teeth, or even an uneven gum line.

From reshaping and lengthening teeth to adjusting your smile line, there are plenty of ways you can benefit from a smile makeover.

Though it is costly and time consuming, a complete smile makeover can completely change the look of your smile, helping you achieve the exact look you want.

No matter what cosmetic dentistry service you choose — teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, dental implants, etc. — it’s up to you to make sure your new smile is well cared for.

Before going through with any procedure, talk to your cosmetic dentist about maintenance and daily care for your new and improved teeth.

Depending on the procedure, you may need to return to your dentist for more regular check-ups, just to make sure your smile continues to look its best.

In addition to scheduling regular appointments, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and avoid food and drinks that may be harmful to your new teeth.

How do I know which treatment option is right for me?

There are often several different dental treatment approaches that can effectively address the same cosmetic problem. If you have a chipped tooth, for example, you may be a candidate for veneers, bonding, or a porcelain crown.

Dr. Cottrill has the expertise to help you understand your treatment options and find the cosmetic solutions that best suit your needs.

After performing a comprehensive oral exam and evaluating the condition of your teeth and gums, he can provide details on relevant procedures. He can also address any concerns you may have, let you know what kind of results you can expect from each option, and help you choose the treatment that’s best for you.