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What Are Some Types Of Cosmetic Dental Treatments?

added on: January 13, 2023

If you find yourself hiding your smile behind your hand when you laugh or not smiling fully in pictures because you don’t like the way your teeth look, you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of Americans aren’t happy with their smiles. Cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Charlottesville can help. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry? 

Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance of teeth or the overall appearance of a smile. But cosmetic dentistry can include many different types of treatments and solve a variety of dental concerns such as: 

  • Tooth discoloration
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Tooth shape or size
  • Crooked teeth
  • Gaps in teeth

Let’s check out a few of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry treatments available from your dentist in Charlottesville

  • Dental Bonding

Used to change the size, shape, or color of your teeth, dental bonding is a quick and easy way to transform a smile. This form of cosmetic dentistry can be completed in one short appointment and can also be used to cover up chips or cracks in teeth. Your dentist will use a safe resin to customize the restoration to match the rest of your teeth in size, shape, and color. Bonding is a great way to easily and seamlessly give you more confidence to smile. 

  • Whitening

Perhaps the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment is smile whitening. Smile whitening is quick, affordable, and can brighten teeth by several shades – sometimes up to nine shades whiter! However, there are various teeth bleaching options to choose from, and not all of them will give you the results you’re looking for. Over-the-counter whitening treatments may work for some, but they may not be right for everyone and may not give you the result you’re looking for. That’s why we always recommend that you talk with your dentist in Charlottesville about whitening before you invest in a solution on your own.

  • Porcelain Veneers

Another cosmetic dentistry treatment that can transform the size, shape, and color of teeth as well as cover small gaps or chips in teeth is veneers. Porcelain veneer treatment begins with your dentist removing a small sliver of the natural tooth and replacing it with a thin layer of custom-made porcelain. 

  • Contouring

If you feel that you have a gummy smile or that your teeth aren’t shaped correctly, a form of contouring may be right for you. There are two types of contouring – tooth contouring and gum contouring. Tooth contouring involves reshaping teeth by sculpting away small pieces of enamel. Gum contouring is similar except your dentist will remove excess gum tissue to show more of your tooth. Both options can create a more symmetrical smile. 

With so many cosmetic dentistry options available, you can get a smile that you’re proud to show off while laughing, in pictures, and everything in between. Call a dentist near you today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation and start your journey to a new smile and improved confidence. 

About The Author
Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.


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