Cosmetic dentistry in Cincinnati, OH focuses on the aesthetic issues you have with your teeth. However, cosmetic issues are often a lot deeper than that. Cosmetic issues often cause or are caused by a deeper issue with your oral health. So what should you expect from cosmetic dentistry? Dr. Kaplan has some helpful tips.
Cosmetic Dentistry Goals
Cosmetic dentistry is focused on both aesthetic and restorative issues. Fixing the cosmetic issues that you notice and see can help your overall oral health as well. These issues include:
- Crooked teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Missing teeth
- Misshapen or deformed teeth
All of these things can cause problems with your oral health in general, including pain, trouble eating or speaking, or just low self-esteem.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
There are multiple different treatments that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. These include:
Invisalign
If you have crooked and misaligned teeth, Invisalign is your fix. Using clear aligners that are nearly invisible, Invisalign slowly rearranges your smile by changing aligners every few weeks. One of the best benefits of Invisalign is having better oral health compared to those with metal braces. Aligners can be removed for brushing teeth and flossing, avoiding the need for new techniques to clean between metal brackets and wires
Each set of Invisalign aligners is custom-designed to your specific bite. This shows which issues need to be corrected in your smile. As long as you follow the instructions for when to switch aligners, your smile can be straightened out in a length of time that’s usually shorter than traditional methods.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a permanent dental restoration that can manage a variety of dental concerns. Most commonly, they’re used for discolored, chipped or cracked, and misshapen teeth. The thin shell of dental ceramic is color-matched to your teeth and designed to look natural. It’s then bonded onto the outside of each tooth that you want to be restored
Porcelain veneers can also fix gaps in the teeth if you don’t think they’re bad enough to warrant braces or Invisalign. Veneers are shaped to give you a natural-looking smile and they can go on as many teeth as you’d like. Your whole smile can be made over with porcelain veneers if you want a complete smile restoration.
Tooth Whitening
As we age, our teeth become darker. They can also be stained by things like coffee, tobacco, and tea. If you want your sparkling smile back, professional tooth whitening is the way to go. The results exceed anything that you would get with over the counter products. Dr. Kaplan provides both in-office and take-home whitening options
Take-home whitening kits give you a whiter smile gradually. Whitening trays are custom-molded for each patient for the perfect fit. The whitening gel should be applied daily for a few weeks, leading to a brighter smile
If you need whiter teeth fast, the in-office option is available. Dr. Kaplan can apply whitening gel that’s then activated with a special light. You’ll have whiter teeth in as little as an hour!
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a way to fix minor issues with your teeth, such as small chips and cracks. It’s a semi-permanent alternative to porcelain veneers that’s a bit cheaper. The bonding material is color-matched to your teeth and then applied to the impacted area directly. It’s molded to fit the shape that you desire. It’s hardened and polished so it has a natural shine like the rest of your teeth. The bonding can last anywhere from 3-10 years.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ready to brighten up your smile? Call your Cincinnati, OH dentist today or schedule an appointment online!