Not everyone is happy with their smile, but there’s good news – there are cosmetic dental procedures that can correct many irregularities quickly and easily. The trick is to choose the methods that won’t have you sitting in the dentist’s chair for hours or result in prolonged discomfort while you wait for your results.
You may already have a specific procedure in mind, but your dentist will advise you on what would work best for you. They may agree that you’re on the right track, or an examination could turn up other issues (like cavities) that must be taken care of first. Whatever the case, you should go with a facility like Atlanta Dental Spa, which prioritizes the patient experience and their results.
If you’re still in the information-gathering stage, you might be curious about your options regarding cosmetic dental procedures. If this is the case, you’re in luck – below, you’ll find more information on the top 3 quick and easy cosmetic dental procedures.
1: Veneers
Do you know how everyone in Hollywood has a picture-perfect smile? Even though they may be blessed with great genetics, looks-wise, many of them can attribute their dazzling smiles to veneers. Dental veneers are shells of composite material or porcelain, custom-fitted to your teeth and then permanently bonded with dental cement. Composite veneers cost about $300 to $2,000 and last up to 7 years; porcelain veneers cost about $1,000 to $4,000 and last up to 15 – 20 years.
They’re used to enhance the teeth cosmetically; some people get one veneer to cover a chipped tooth, while others get an entire set of veneers to improve the overall appearance of their smile.
How do veneers work?
It begins with an initial consultation, in which the orthodontist confirms your suitability as a veneer candidate. If they find gum disease or tooth decay, you must take that care before getting veneers.
Assuming you’ve gotten the green light to start the process, the next step is to plan your veneers to fit your aesthetic goals. The dentist will take a mold of your teeth, and you’ll discuss details like what color the veneers will be, how they’ll fit with the rest of your teeth, and even how they’ll compliment your facial features.
Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will apply them to your teeth. They often grind down the enamel for a better fit, but only about half a millimeter. After that, it’s just a matter of taking good care of your new smile!
2. Dental crowns
Dental crowns are similar in concept to veneers – they’re used to cover damaged, stained, or crooked teeth. However, they’re generally used on teeth with more extensive damage since they offer more coverage and structure than veneers. Depending on the material used, crowns can last from 5 to 15 years.
They can be made of composite resin, metal, zirconia, ceramic, or porcelain. The material that’s used can be chosen for aesthetic reasons, but the dentist may also recommend a specific choice based on the following:
How much of the natural tooth is left
The function of the tooth that requires the crown
How visible the tooth will be when smiling
The position of the gum tissue
Dental crowns cost between $800 and $2,500, with the upper end of the price range usually applying to gold crowns; crowns made with other materials don’t usually cost more than $1,500 each.
How do dental crowns work?
Crowns require more prep work than veneers, so if your dentist has determined you’re a good candidate for this procedure, you’ll start by getting the tooth/teeth filed down. Then, they’ll take an impression of the area so that the crown will fit perfectly, and you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made. Once the dental crown is ready, it’ll be cemented to your tooth – and that’s it!
That’s how it usually works; you can get a same-day procedure with some dentists. This is done using digital scans of your mouth and a particular machine that uses those digital scans to create a custom crown right there in the office. The process takes between 2 and 4 hours, which is hardly anything considering how long a crown can last.
3: Teeth whitening
While there are options like whitening toothpaste or whitening strips, professional teeth whitening is much more effective, especially for stubborn stains. Many people notice that their teeth become discolored over time, possibly due to drinking coffee or wine regularly or aging. Fortunately, this can be reversed with a teeth whitening procedure. Most of these procedures cost between $500 and $1,000.
How does teeth whitening work?
There are a few different versions of this procedure, all of which involve a bleaching product being applied. However, the method and speed can vary pretty dramatically. The most common teeth whitening procedure starts with creating a custom mouthguard to protect the gums. The patient is then given the whitening product and detailed instructions, and they continue the treatments at home until they’ve obtained the desired results. In some cases, the whitening product is used for just 30 minutes at a time over 2 – 4 weeks; in others, it’s applied for up to 8 hours at a time and shows results in just a week or so.
An even faster procedure, laser whitening, can make teeth up to six shades lighter in a single 1-hour session. First, the teeth are painted with the bleaching product; then, a laser activates the product, speeding up the entire process.
The takeaway
Being unsatisfied with your smile can seriously affect your self-esteem, but the solution could be more accessible than you think. The dental cosmetic procedures highlighted above can change your teeth and your life!
