Did you know that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you? First impressions really do count, and if you’re not happy with your smile, it can affect your confidence, social life, and even your career prospects. That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dental care is all about improving the appearance of your smile, giving you the boost you need to feel good about yourself. While it may seem this field is all about looks, the true driving impact behind most cosmetic dental procedures is to improve a person’s quality of life.
At its core, cosmetic dentistry is about giving people the smiles they want. But that doesn’t just impact how a person looks to others—it also has a significant effect on how they feel about themselves. Cosmetic dental procedures can give people a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem, which can impact every area of their lives.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
From a professional standpoint, looking good can give you an edge in the job market. In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, three out of four adults felt that an unattractive smile could hurt someone’s career prospects. In other words, if you’re looking for a job or want to get ahead in your career, having a great smile can give you a real advantage.
Cosmetic dentistry can also have a positive impact on a person’s personal life. Because smiling and laughing are such important social interactions, feeling good about your smile can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction in your personal relationships.
So, whether you’re looking to boost your career or social life, or just want to feel better about yourself, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer you’re looking for. Give our Denver, CO, office a call today to learn more about how we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental treatments due to its ease of use, affordability, and dramatic results. However, not all teeth whitening products are created equal. With so many over-the-counter whitening products that fail to deliver, it’s no wonder that many people are skeptical about whitening their teeth. In order to achieve the best possible results, it is important to choose a product that is both effective and safe.
At our dental office, we use two professional-grade teeth whitening systems—Opalescence Boost and Zoom.
- Opalescence Boost is a whitening treatment that uses a powerful, chemically activated bleaching agent to remove deep stains and discoloration. In less than one hour, patients can achieve noticeable results that last for months.
- Zoom is a bleaching system that uses a special light to accelerate the whitening process. Once the gel is applied to the teeth, the patient will undergo three sessions of light treatment, each lasting 15 minutes before the gel is reapplied. At the end of the session, the patient’s teeth may be up to eight shades lighter. Patients will also receive a touch-up kit to take home and use as needed.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so they are a popular choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their treatment. The aligners work by being worn in a specific sequence, gradually moving the teeth into their desired position. Invisalign treatment is typically shorter than traditional braces treatment, and many patients report feeling more comfortable and confident with Invisalign.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a prosthetic designed to encapsulate a tooth in order to improve its strength, appearance, or function. A crown can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, porcelain, ceramics, and even gold. For the most natural appearance, our office often recommends porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Dental crowns are used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. Typically applied following a root canal treatment, the crown acts as a barrier and protects the vulnerable tooth from further damage. After some contouring of the natural tooth, the dental crown is designed to fit snugly over top—matching the shade, shape, size, and function of the original tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a type of dental prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth by literally bridging the gap where the tooth (or teeth) used to be. The bridge is made up of two dental crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) with a false tooth, or teeth (pontics), in between. Dental bridges at our office are made from materials that match your natural tooth color and are designed to look and feel just like your real teeth.
Not only do dental bridges restore the appearance of your smile, but they restore your ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain your facial shape.
Veneers
Due to their wide range of abilities in truly transforming the smile, porcelain veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Veneers are extremely thin yet durable shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. Essentially, they work to conceal imperfections but are also capable of transforming the size, shape, and shade of your teeth. They can be used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental concerns, including teeth that are:
- Discolored or stained
- Chipped or cracked
- Misshapen or crooked
Porcelain veneers are well-known for their transformative abilities, as they can provide life-changing results in just a few dental visits; in fact, the procedure is usually completed in two appointments.
Anchored Dentures
If you wear dentures to replace your missing teeth, chances are you have already experienced the shifting, sliding, gum irritation, and overall instability that can come with ill-fitting dentures. Traditional dentures are not anchored to anything, so they rely solely on adhesive and suction created when they fit snugly against the gums. While the adhesive is typically less than reliable, the suction can also be lost over time due to weight loss, bone loss, or simply the aging process, causing your dentures to become loose and uncomfortable.
Anchored dentures are a type of denture that is attached to implants in the jawbone, providing a more secure and stable fit. Because they are not relying on suction to stay in place, anchored dentures are beyond dependable, and they can provide a level of chewing power and comfort that traditional dentures cannot.
If you are interested in learning more about anchored dentures and whether they may be right for you, contact our office to discuss your options with our experienced team.
