As humans, our smiles are the universally recognized symbol for positivity and happiness. Everyone has one and can brighten anyone’s day just by exchanging smiles!

So, what happens when you lose confidence in yours? Maybe you noticed a flaw in the mirror or have never truly loved your smile from the start. Where there’s a concern, there’s a cosmetic dentistry procedure to help!

If you’re new to cosmetic dentist options or just started paying attention at your appointments, all of the medical jargon and operations can be confusing. Porcelain veneers? Dental bonding? Your dentist suggested a procedure, but the reason isn’t clear to you. What happens now?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth to others. Few dental problems are purely aesthetic, but all types of cosmetic dentistry improve the look of your smile. Be it  through straightening, cleaning, or filling – each procedure aims to fix a different issue. 

In this article we’ll discuss your options and how to go about talking to your dentist about which cosmetic procedure is right for you.

The Difference Between Cosmetic & General Dentistry

When it comes to your teeth general and cosmetic dentistry serve two different purposes. General or preventative dentistry focuses on keeping your oral health strong and fighting problems like gum disease, plaque buildup and cavities. Cosmetic dentistry deals with how your teeth look, addressing chips, discolorations and bad alignments. Most dentists are qualified and experienced in both fields but specialize in certain procedures. At Perimeter Dental Group, our 30+ years of experience covers both general and cosmetic dentistry thoroughly, so you never have to worry about finding a separate practice!

Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

As the dentistry industry continues to grow, the options for cosmetic dentistry procedures grows too, including:

• Invisalign
• Dental Bonding
• Teeth Whitening
• Porcelain Veneers

Understanding each procedure’s specific use keeps you informed about possible future dental decisions. 

Invisalign

Think you need braces? Invisalign is an alternative method to straighten your teeth! Instead of painful, ugly metal frames, a clear set of custom made braces cover your teeth and gently move them to better alignment over the time you wear them. Whether your teeth need straightening for their health or their look needs some general improvement, Invisalign corrects your teeth positions for a more uniform smile. 

We here at Perimeter Dental Group just invested in an iTero 3D scanner to help our patients’ needs even more! This scanner will eliminate the need for messy impressions and give our doctors the ability to better treat you! More to come on that scanner.

Dental Bonding

For broken or chipped teeth, dental bonding smooths out your smile with composite resin that fills the cracks. While fillings attach to teeth and keep their white color, the resin “bonds” with the tooth, taking on a similar color to blend in. Dental bonding’s natural color often lightens your smile with a realistic look. Cracks, discoloration or even an unnaturally short tooth clean up well with dental bonding.

Teeth Whitening

We’ve all seen the ads for at-home whitening strips or teeth cleaning kits. What makes a professional teeth whitening different?

Whitening toothpaste can struggle to lighten evenly and thoroughly. Strips are often a better choice, but our custom fitted trays filled with whitening gel cover every surface of your teeth with the most powerful whitener available to professionals. These cleaning services target your teeth’s discoloration and bring the most satisfying results.

Porcelain Veneers

As age and harmful substances like carbonation affect your mouth, enamel wears and weakens your teeth. Porcelain veneers cover your teeth in a custom-made shell, strengthening and protecting them. As protection, veneers need less enamel removed to install compared to crowns or caps, and their natural color and surface blends into your smile easily. There’s no better confidence booster for worn or sensitive teeth!

Book Your Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment At Our Dublin, Ohio Office!

You shouldn’t feel stuck with a smile that makes you cringe. That chipped, crooked, yellow or weak tooth you can’t stop thinking about is a simple fix with cosmetic dentistry. The next time you look in the mirror and notice something, know you have options. Schedule an appointment with us! Our staff is ready to help you diagnose your cosmetic problems and schedule your procedures. Your confidence is worth it, and we’re ready to help you regain it!