A bright and beautiful smile can give you more confidence and improve overall wellness. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist in Leander can evaluate your mouth to determine what aesthetic improvements can be made. Unlike traditional dentistry, which focuses on the health and functionality of your mouth and teeth, cosmetic dentistry treatments are used to improve the look of your smile.
Teeth Whitening
Possibly the most common type of cosmetic treatment for teeth, whitening is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve the look of your smile. Over time, exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, as well as tobacco, can discolor the enamel of your teeth. Whitening treatments remove stains from the enamel to restore it to its original brightness. Teeth whitening can be done by your dentist, or at home with over-the-counter kits or professionally dispensed treatments.
Dental Implants
When a person loses a tooth, it leaves a visible gap in the smile and a hole where the root of the tooth once fit. Dental implants are a form of prosthetic dentistry that places an artificial tooth root in place of the original. By filling this hole in the jaw, it prevents future bone reabsorption, which occurs when an area of bone is not being used by the body. In the case of missing teeth, bone reabsorption can result in loss of bone structure in the face. Once the dental implant is in place, a crown can be attached, filling the gap in your smile.
Smile Makeovers
For people looking for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their smile, their dentist may recommend a smile makeover. This treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment of your mouth to determine which aesthetic improvements would be required to achieve the overall look that you want. Often, one or more cosmetic procedures will be recommended. Typical treatments include dental implants, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and gingival sculpting.