Cosmetic Dentistry: How to Choose the Right Procedure for Your Smile

Discover how to choose the best cosmetic dental procedures. Enhance your smile today! Visit us for expert advice and treatment options.

Having a healthy, beautiful smile does more than just boost your confidence, it also sets the stage for good dental health. According to recent data, the cosmetic dental industry is projected to reach $54.16 billion by 2033.

If you're interested in cosmetic dental procedures, how do you know which one is right for you?



Read on to learn more about how to choose the best dental procedures to get the smile you've always dreamed of.

Dental Implants

If you're missing some teeth and want to enhance your smile, dental implants provide you with the best way to retain a natural-looking set of teeth. These implants act, look, and feel like your natural teeth more than any of the other cosmetic dental procedures available today. 

When getting dental implants, a slender titanium post is placed in the jaw bone, which acts as the root for the replacement tooth. Over time, the area begins to heal and bonds the bone tightly to the post to form a strong, stable support structure.

Once the implant has healed to the satisfaction of your dentist, a special attachment is fastened to the top. The result is a clean, white porcelain replacement tooth called a crown that looks just like your natural teeth.

Not only do implants help to restore your smile. but they can also help you eat and talk normally again which not only boosts your confidence but makes life much easier.

Implants are also a permanent solution, making them a wise long-term investment in your dental health.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Another great solution to enhance your smile is implant-supported dentures. This is one of the most effective dental procedures for denture wearers since the dentures are anchored in place by one or more dental implants, making them much more stable than traditional dentures.

You have the option to choose between removable dentures that are easy to remove at night for easy cleaning. Or, you may choose fixed dentures, which are permanently attached and should be treated like your natural teeth by brushing and flossing them daily. 



Many patients ask their dentist about this option because they're much easier to care for and much more comfortable than "regular" dentures. They also look and feel much more natural so you can maintain a beautiful smile. 

Cosmetic Dental Procedures: Veneers

Another way to improve your smile is through dental veneers. This common cosmetic dental procedure helps to restore stained or discolored teeth, chipped or missing teeth, misshapen teeth, and can even fill gaps between teeth.

Veneers are durable and long-lasting, and the procedure itself is virtually painless. Most patients typically choose between composite and porcelain veneers. 

Since they're more durable than composite, many patients prefer porcelain veneers. They're also stain-resistant so they give your smile a more natural appearance.

The process for veneers begins by filing down the front of the existing tooth or teeth. This allows your dentist to have space where the veneer will be placed. Next, an impression of the tooth (or teeth) is taken so the dentist can create a mold used to create the customized porcelain veneer.



Once the mold is created, it is placed on the teeth and cemented into place. You may get temporary veneers while you wait for the porcelain veneer to be completed. Veneers protect your teeth from further damage by adding strength while also improving your smile.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest, most affordable, and best dental treatments to enhance your smile. Virtually every teeth whitening treatment contains a vital ingredient called peroxide which bleaches the enamel on your teeth.

It's important to talk to your dentist about which teeth whitening option is best for you. The good news is you have several options to choose from when looking for the best method to get a brighter, whiter smile (aside from some lifestyle changes).

Bleaching with Trays and Gels

You can purchase teeth whitening products to use at home or opt for in-office bleaching (which costs more). A teeth-whitening gel is a solution that contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and others. The gel is brushed onto your teeth and should be used for several days or weeks before you'll notice results.

Teeth whitening trays also include bleaching agents, but they're added to a tray that you use to soak your teeth in them. You'll need to use the trays for a few hours every day, although some can be worn overnight. 

Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are another easy option for a beautiful smile that you can find at most major retailers. They contain peroxide or bleach to help make your teeth white and bright.



The bleach-coated strips are made of a thin plastic material, and you apply them directly to your teeth. Always follow the directions on the packaging to ensure they make contact with your enamel, or else they won't be effective.

Invisalign

As you ponder which option is the best cosmetic dental procedure, don't forget to consider Invisalign. These clear aligners are comfortable, invisible, and won't crack or break. They're designed to straighten your teeth just like traditional braces but are much more convenient.

Unlike traditional braces, there are no unsightly wire or metal brackets to contend with which means that there is nothing to irritate your gums, cheeks, or tongue. In most cases, the Invisalign treatment period is much shorter than traditional metal braces and is available for teens and adults.



You can also remove your aligners whenever you need to eat, which means you're allowed to eat whatever foods you want without annoying restrictions. The ability to remove the aligners also makes it easier to floss and brush your teeth, too.

Enhance Your Smile Today

Talk to your dentist to get the facts about these incredible cosmetic dental procedures. From veneers and implants to teeth whitening and Invisalign, each has its own unique benefits for your smile.



If you're looking for a trusted and reliable dentist in the Laurel, Maryland area, get in touch with the team at Garland K. Davis DDS Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.