Cosmetic Dental Procedures: Veneers, Invisalign Braces And More

You have nice teeth. Your smile is okay. But it's not that celeb-worthy bright white straight mouth that you've been dreaming of. What can you do to change the look of your smile for the better? Cosmetic dental procedures such as dental veneers, Invisalign braces and whitening can all transform your smile, giving you the look you want.

What do you need to know about cosmetic dentistry before picking one procedure? Take a look at some of the most popular options and how they can impact your smile.

Dental Veneers

If straighter, more even, whiter teeth are what you want, veneers may be the way to go. Instead of whitening or moving your existing teeth, these devices go right on top of what you have naturally.

The dentist will need to remove a small amount of the existing enamel from the front of your teeth before applying the veneers. These are thin ceramic layers that cover just the front part of your teeth. They are fairly stain-resistant, meaning that you won't have to worry as much about what you eat and drink. That said, you still need to brush, floss and keep up with your regular dental care.

Veneers can also close the appearance of small gaps and even out chipped or cracked teeth. Along with all of the cosmetic benefits, veneers are permanent options that can last for years without replacement.

Invisalign Braces

Long gone are the days when getting straighter teeth meant wearing clunky metal bracket and wire braces. Now you have options. If your teeth have moved, or you never had braces to begin with, invisible aligners can give you a straight smile without giving you a metal mouth.

These clear aligners gently move your teeth over time. You'll get a custom-fit tray to wear for a few weeks, and then a new one as your teeth begin to shift. This process (of replacing the aligners with new ones) continues until your teeth are where they need to be.

Along with the almost invisible look of the aligners, this type of device is preferable for patients who need a removable option. You can take the aligners out for small amounts of time, to eat or to play sports.

Whitening Options

If dental veneers aren't an option for you or you don't want to invest in a permanent fix, whitening procedures can change your smile for the better. In-office whitening offers the chance to have a brighter smile in as little as one visit. There are no strips to put on a few times a day, no pastes and no waiting weeks to see a small result.

Cosmetic dental procedures such as dental veneers, Invisalign braces and whitening can take a so-so smile and make it a standout. Talk to your dentist, asking which option (or options) is right for you and your dental needs. 

A business like Royal Oak Dental can give you more information.