From Veneers to Whitening: The 5 Best Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in San Jose
Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of procedures to help you achieve the best smile. From simple teeth whitening to extensive orthodontics, this article details how we can personalize your smile makeover to your unique needs and help you get the radiant smile you’ve always wanted.
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Nothing lights up a room better than a confident, beautiful smile. Yet over a third of adults are unhappy with the way their smile looks. This is a large number of people and is likely why cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular.
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry could be the solution you’re looking for. From veneers to braces to teeth whitening, there are several cosmetic dentistry procedures to choose from.
Read on to learn about the top five most popular types of cosmetic dentistry and where to find a cosmetic dentist in San Jose.
What Are the Top 5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures that are done to improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, or bite alignment. There are several types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:
Teeth whitening for a brighter smile
Porcelain veneers to cover imperfect teeth
Tooth-colored fillings to replace tooth decay or replace any metal fillings you already have
Dental bonding for a quick and cost-effective repair of tooth imperfections
Orthodontics to straighten your teeth or align your jaw
1. Teeth Whitening
One of the most common questions we receive is, "How can I get whiter teeth?" Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and give yourself an instant boost in self-esteem. In-office teeth whitening treatments involve the use of a powerful bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth. This treatment can usually be done in one visit and can lighten the teeth by several shades. In-office teeth whitening treatments are typically much stronger than the at-home teeth whitening kits that are commonly sold in stores.
Teeth whitening may require touch-ups over time, especially if you smoke or frequently drink beverages that are known to stain teeth, like wine, coffee, or tea. Not all discoloration can be treated with teeth whitening though. Some discolored teeth may also need more than one treatment to achieve your desired result.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. They are made of porcelain that can be tinted to any shade — giving them a natural tooth appearance. Porcelain veneers are often used to fix a variety of cosmetic dental problems, including:
Discolored teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Misaligned teeth
Gapped teeth
Getting porcelain veneers is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it can be done in a dental office and the veneers are placed over your existing teeth. The veneers are custom-made to fit your mouth and are considered permanent since part of your natural tooth needs to be shaved down before the veneer is placed overtop.
One of the key benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are stain-resistant and durable. With the proper care, your veneers can last for many years. The best way to care for your veneers is the same way you care for your natural teeth — by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid biting on hard objects, as this can cause chipping or cracking of your veneers.
3. Tooth-Colored Fillings
Fillings are done when you need to repair a cavity. For a long time, silver was your only option when it came to filling in areas where a tooth had decayed. Now tooth-colored fillings, known as composite fillings, are designed to match the color of your natural teeth. This makes them far less noticeable than traditional silver fillings.
People love composite fillings because they blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth and are less likely to cause tooth fractures or cracks than metal fillings. Composite fillings are also more versatile than traditional silver fillings. They can be used to repair small- to medium-sized cavities and chipped, cracked, or worn teeth.
The process of getting a composite filling is also relatively quick and painless, with most fillings taking less than an hour to complete.
One downside to composite fillings is that they may not be suitable for larger cavities or teeth with extensive decay. In these cases, restorative dentistry may be necessary.
4. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin material to repair or improve the appearance of your teeth. It is a simple and cost-effective way to fix minor cosmetic dental issues such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discolored teeth.
The benefits of dental bonding are that it can be completed in a single visit to the dentist, and it is relatively painless. One slight downside is that dental bonding is not as durable as other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as veneers or crowns, so your bonding may need to be replaced at some point.
5. Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a type of cosmetic dentistry that focuses on straightening crooked teeth and misaligned bites. Orthodontic treatment options include:
Traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth
Orthodontic expanders that can add space between crowded teeth
Orthodontic appliances that can realign your jaw
Retainers to keep your teeth in place
Mouthguards to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching
Find The Best Cosmetic Dentistry in San Jose for Your Smile Makeover
Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to get the smile you’ve always wanted and boost your confidence. Whether you’re looking to fix a small imperfection or for an entire smile makeover, working with a team of highly skilled cosmetic dentists is important.
At Ideal Dental Care, we believe that working with an experienced dentist in San Jose will ensure that you get the right combination of treatments for the perfect smile. That’s why our team of smile designers follows a dynamic, patient-centered approach that guarantees you get the very best care we have to offer.
Ready to get a smile you’re happy about with the best cosmetic dentistry in San Jose?
