Having a beautiful smile isn’t only about aesthetics — it’s also a great way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. After all, your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, so making sure it looks its best helps ensure you always make a good impression.
At Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Missouri, Josh Whitford, DDS, and Jessica Whitford, DDS, offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry treatments aimed at helping every patient enjoy their best-looking smile. In this post, learn about four popular options that can help improve your smile aesthetics.
Whiter teeth and brighter smiles are more attractive, and they look healthier, too. But beautifully white teeth rarely happen naturally, and what’s more, they tend to look yellower and dingier as we get older and superficial stains accumulate.
Foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries, all have pigments that can stain teeth over time. Poor oral hygiene habits can contribute, too. And, of course, tobacco products are a major culprit when it comes to brown stains, especially on the front teeth.
Teeth whitening helps by lifting away superficial stains to reveal the whiter teeth below. Professional teeth whitening uses stronger agents than over-the-counter products and provides more consistent results. Plus, whitening treatments only take an hour to complete, so you can start flashing those pearly whites immediately.
Veneers are thin shells that adhere to the surface of your teeth to correct a variety of aesthetic issues, including:
Each veneer is made of durable porcelain and tinted to blend beautifully with the teeth on either side, creating a flawless smile you’ll be proud of.
Veneers typically take two visits — one to shape and prepare the tooth and the second to apply the veneer. Afterward, you can care for your veneers like your other teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly checkups.
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing one or more missing teeth. More secure, more comfortable, and easier to care for than dentures or bridges, dental implants help people enjoy greater confidence after tooth loss.
Implants comprise a metal post, an “artificial” tooth or crown, and a joining piece called an abutment. The post is implanted into your jawbone for a very secure fit. The post acts like your own natural tooth root, helping to stimulate jaw bone replacement to prevent bone thinning that can lead to additional tooth loss.
Implants are designed like natural teeth, and you care for them the same way. Regular dental cleanings ensure your implant looks great and your gums stay healthy.
Sometimes called caps, dental crowns are like little jackets designed to surround the entire visible portion of a tooth. Like veneers, crowns are very versatile. At our practice, we use crowns to:
Crowns are tinted to match your teeth for a perfect match and beautiful result.
Most crowns are placed in two dental visits. At the first visit, we shape your tooth and make an impression. The crown is applied and adjusted for a comfortable, secure fit during your second appointment.
Whether you want to have one tooth treated or are ready for a complete smile makeover, our team is ready to design a solution just for you. To learn more, call 816-287-3216 or book an appointment online with the team at Silver Lake Dentistry today.
