What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
American writer Robert Hasting wrote, “Smile! It increases your face value.” But what if you felt that your smile wasn’t attractive enough to add value to your appearance or personality? Many people in Chicago are turning to cosmetic dentistry at Signature Smile Arts to improve the appearance of their teeth and regain confidence. Let’s look at what cosmetic dentistry is and how it can help you look and feel your best in any situation. Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional care that’s elective rather than essential and can improve the appearance of your mouth, teeth, gums, and face. The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures are teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, implants and dental crowns, veneers, and bonding. Our cosmetic dentist at Signature Smile Arts can perform these procedures.
Who Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many people in Chicago consider a smile as the most attractive asset of a person. Some believe it’s an essential social asset; babyboomers want to age gracefully and beautifully, and millennials think it can influence career success. However, there are several reasons why our smiles begin fading as we age. Some culprits include tooth decay, cracks and chips, missing teeth, discoloration, and misshapen teeth. Let’s take a closer look at the procedures that can help you regain your smile and confidence.
Cosmetic Procedures Explained
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most common and popular procedure and one of the least expensive. Your teeth, over time, become stained from food, drinks, or smoking. Professional teeth whitening is a bleaching procedure that creates a whiter appearance, resulting in a shade that’s 5 to 8 times lighter than before the process.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are indirect fillings created in a dental laboratory and are an excellent alternative to a crown. An “inlay” is a filling bonded in the center of the tooth, and an “only” covers one or more parts of the tooth or covers it entirely.
Implants
A dental implant is used to replace one or more teeth due to tooth decay or tooth loss. The procedure at Signature Smile Arts involves a screw attached to the jaw to provide support, after which a cosmetic dentist inserts the implant into the bone socket. The bone and tissue fuse to the implant over time and secure the replacement tooth to blend in with the surrounding teeth.
Crowns
A crown is basically a cap for a damaged tooth. Crowns are usually made from metal or porcelain and are good options for cracked, weak, or worn teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are custom-made caps that are placed over your natural teeth. They create a natural effect and resolve the appearance of several cosmetic issues such as crooked teeth and damaged enamel.
Bonding
Bonding is the repair of decayed and damaged teeth by applying material that resembles your tooth enamel color. Bonding effectively covers the tooth’s damage and is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
Contact your dentist at Signature Smile Arts to get the best advice on the cosmetic procedure that’s right for you, so you can increase your face value and confidence with a beautiful smile.
