Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so if you want to make a good impression, your teeth should be bright, in good condition and properly aligned.

However, defects in your smile, such as damaged or crooked teeth, can hamper your appearance and your self-confidence as a result. Fortunately, a variety of cosmetic dentistry interventions can help to correct those flaws.

Whatever aesthetic issue is of concern to you, there’s likely a treatment to address it. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance a patient’s smiles through a single treatment or with a combination of treatments planned together for a smile makeover.

If there is some aspect of your smile’s appearance that is unsatisfactory to you, schedule a consultation at Imagine Family Dentistry to learn about your cosmetic dentistry treatment options.

Problems That Can Be Addressed Through Cosmetic Dentistry

Many issues can detract from a smile’s beauty, including the following:

  • Misaligned teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
  • Disproportionately small teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Crowding of teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Excessively worn teeth
Cosmetic Dentistry | Imagine Family Dentistry | St. George UT

Fortunately, all of these issues can be resolved through the various cosmetic dentistry treatments available to patients. If you visit our office for a consultation, we can recommend specific interventions that will help you to achieve your smile goals.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options

A cosmetic dentistry treatment plan may include any number of interventions, depending on how the patient wants to improve his or her smile. Some possibilities include:

Teeth Whitening

To remove stains from teeth or reverse discoloration that results from exposed dentin as the teeth are subjected to wear and tear associated with aging.

Dental Bonding

A conservative treatment to conceal minor defects in the teeth that can be completed in a single appointment.

Dental Veneers

The “Swiss army knife” of cosmetic dentistry! Tooth-shaped porcelain shells that conceal imperfections like chips, cracks, or deep stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments.

Other elements of a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan may include methods for replacing missing teeth, such as dental bridges, dentures or dental implants. The patient may also desire periodontal treatments to improve the appearance of gums that are either too prominent or insufficient.

What To Expect From Cosmetic Dentistry

Your cosmetic dentistry journey will begin with an evaluation in which the dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your smile goals with you. The dentist may also gather other information by taking photos, x-rays or dental impressions, depending on the anticipated treatments.

The dentist will use the information gathered at your evaluation to plan the course of your treatment. Some cosmetic dentistry services, like teeth whitening and dental bonding, can be completed in a single session, while others will require multiple appointments.

Coordinated timing of interventions will be a consideration if you are getting multiple treatments. Some treatments must precede others, and your dentist will determine the appropriate sequencing based on the nature of the interventions included in the treatment plan.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin tooth-shaped shell made of enamel-mimicking materials like porcelain or resin. Veneers are bonded to the front sides of a patient’s biological teeth in order to conceal flaws like cracks, chips or deep stains in the teeth. Veneers can also be placed to fill in a gap between teeth or to improve the appearance of misshapen or slightly crooked teeth.

How can cosmetic dentistry improve the appearance of my smile?

Cosmetic dentistry has multiple interventions that can enhance your smile in various ways, from improving the shade of the teeth to hiding flaws that detract from the smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can be provided individually or in combination for a complete smile makeover. Work with an experienced cosmetic dentist to achieve the optimal results from these interventions.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is inserted into a patient’s jaw in order to replace the missing root of a lost tooth. Because the implant is made of titanium, the surrounding bone fuses with it, rendering it a fixture in the jaw. After that osseointegration is complete, dental implants can be used to support a restoration like a crown, bridge or denture.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the dental specialty that focuses on improving the appearance of the smile. While some cosmetic dentistry interventions may also restore functioning, the primary goals of these treatments are aesthetic.

What are my options for enhancing the shade of my teeth?

Teeth whitening treatments can eliminate discoloration caused by stains, aging, medications or lifestyle habits. The bleaching agents can be applied to the teeth in at-home systems or with in-office treatments that can whiten the teeth up to eight shades in just an hour. If you are dissatisfied with the color of your smile, consider teeth whitening.