What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

You may have heard the term cosmetic dentistry before, but maybe you’re not really sure what it encompasses. Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term that covers an assortment of different elective dental procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Because these treatments may not be considered necessary like a filling or a root canal might be, your dental insurance may not cover them, however there are some cases where they may. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the procedures that fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry, and how they can help you.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Do your teeth seem dark or discolored? Do you have stubborn stains that won’t come out no matter how hard you brush or what type of toothpaste you use? Have you even resorted to over-the-counter white strips or gels to no avail? Professional whitening can help. Available in the form of a convenient take-home kit or as a fast and easy in-office treatment, this procedure can lift eight levels of discoloration from your teeth and reveal a whiter, healthier-looking smile.

The in-office treatment takes about an hour, while the take-home kit can achieve the same stunning results in about two weeks, and the custom trays provided by your dentist are reusable if you ever want a touch up. This treatment is a bit more expensive than over-the-counter treatments, but because it works so well you’ll likely end up spending less time and money overall achieving your desired results.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Do you have older, obvious metal fillings that are visible when you open your mouth to eat, speak, laugh, or smile? This can make it quite obvious that you’ve had dental restorations done and can even add years to your appearance.  Thankfully, today’s fillings are typically done with tooth-colored composite resin which blends seamlessly into your mouth so nobody can tell they’re not a natural part of your tooth! They are also very durable, lasting up to ten years and allowing you to use your tooth just as you would if it hadn’t needed treatment.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of older metal fillings, your dentist can replace them with tooth-colored fillings that match your teeth and restore a youthful balance to your smile!

Remember, cosmetic dentistry is an elective branch of dentistry that improves the appearance of your smile. If you’d like to change the color of your teeth or eliminate unsightly dark spots caused by metal fillings, speak to your dentist today about your treatment options!

About Dr.  Kendrick

Dr. Steven Kendrick enjoys being able to help patients of all ages improve their oral health, but he also knows that sometimes you also want a more beautiful smile. That’s why at Midwest City Dental Center we offer cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional whitening and tooth-colored fillings. If you’re ready to change the appearance of your teeth and reveal a healthy, glowing grin, contact us today for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. You can schedule on our website, or call us today at 405-732-0431.