Having healthy teeth is an important part of oral health, and having healthy-looking teeth is a big part of overall well-being. Studies have shown that people with a smile full of straight, healthy-looking teeth are perceived as being happier, more successful, and more trustworthy than people with crooked teeth. Having bright, straight teeth makes people more inclined to smile, and scientists have found that smiling can boost a person’s mood.
There are many reasons to see a cosmetic dentist and improve the look of your teeth. But exactly what services does a cosmetic dentist provide?
Teeth whitening
A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve whiter teeth through at-home or in-office treatments. While there are countless over-the-counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, many are not very effective, and some can even damage your teeth. A dentist can recommend the safest and most effective teeth-whitening products for you to use.
A dentist can also perform a professional teeth-whitening procedure. By safely penetrating the enamel of the tooth, such procedures can address staining and discoloration that is impossible for other kinds of treatments to provide.
Teeth replacement
Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are all options for replacing a missing tooth. Cosmetic dentists understand the benefits and drawbacks of each of these options and can work with a patient to arrive at the best treatment plan for them.
Porcelain veneers
A cosmetic dentist can also apply veneers to your teeth to improve their appearance. These thin pieces of porcelain attach to the front of your teeth to cover up such aesthetic problems as chips, discoloration, and gaps. Porcelain veneers mimic the look of perfect, natural teeth in a permanent way, without the need for an invasive procedure.
Bonding
Patients who are interested in a less expensive alternative to porcelain veneers can inquire about having their damaged or misshapen teeth bonded. In this process, the dentist prepares a resin that matches the color of your teeth. This resin is applied to the tooth, molded into shape, and smoothed.
Teeth straightening
Teeth that are crooked or misaligned can be adjusted by a cosmetic dentist. This is often done with the use of a clear aligner, which can be more comfortable and less noticeable than braces and other teeth-straightening devices of the past. Planning a teeth-straightening procedure often involves speaking with both a dentist and an orthodontist.
Contouring
Excess tooth or gum material can cause a smile to appear asymmetrical or unbalanced. Many cosmetic dentists offer services that reshape the gums or the enamel of the teeth. For example, if a tooth is longer than those around it, a dentist might suggest removing some of the enamel so that it will match the other teeth more closely. The gumline can also be reshaped for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Mona Gokani, DDS
If you are looking for top-notch cosmetic dental treatment in Pleasanton, look no further than Mona Gokani’s office. We have been helping our patients achieve bright, confident smiles for over 30 years. You can get in touch with us at (925) 462-1464.