What Are Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The quick definition of cosmetic dentistry is:
Dental work that improves the appearance of teeth and gums.
More specifically:
Cosmetic dental treatments focus on enhancing your teeth’s color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall appearance.
What are the different types?
Cosmetic dentistry includes:
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Gum contouring
- Enamel shaping
- Orthodontics
- Crowns*
- Dental implants*
- Metal-free fillings*
- Inlays and onlays*
Click on each service to learn what is.
If you have any questions, contact our East Texas dentists.
*Technically, these four services are considered restorative dentistry because they restore the tooth’s health and function. However, we’re including them in this list because they improve the tooth’s appearance simultaneously.
Dental veneers
Ever wonder how celebrities have perfect smiles? This is likely their secret.
A dental veneer is a wafer-thin piece of durable, tooth-colored material. It gets placed over the front of a tooth, instantly improving its appearance.
Veneers are custom made so you can change your teeth in shape, size, and color.
There’s no other treatment that can do this all at once!
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is the fastest and most affordable way to improve your smile.
It’s also safe and doesn’t require any modifications to your teeth.
The most effective and painless way to whiten your teeth is through your dentist. This may include an in-office treatment or take-home trays.
Store-bought options include whitening strips, toothpaste, and rinses.
Dental bonding
Also called tooth bonding or cosmetic bonding:
Dental bonding fixes minor smile flaws like chips, decay, cracks, misshapen teeth, and gaps.
This consists of a tooth-colored resin that’s applied onto your tooth and hardened with light, bonding the material to your tooth. Next, your dentist shapes and polishes the material so it looks natural.
It usually takes just one appointment and costs less than alternatives.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring or gum reshaping changes the shape of your gums.
It’s often used to treat “gummy smiles” by removing excess gum tissue. Another reason is to create a symmetrical gum line.
Gum contouring is permanent and typically takes one appointment.
Enamel shaping
As known as tooth reshaping, this changes the dimensions, shape, or surface of a tooth.
It involves gently removing a minimal layer of the tooth’s enamel.
It’s quick, painless, and affordable.
You may be a candidate if you have minor chipping, crowding, irregularly shaped, or asymmetrical teeth.
Orthodontics
Even though orthodontics is its own dental specialty, it’s highly sought after for cosmetic reasons.
Orthodontics uses braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth and align your bite.
Many adults (and teens) prefer clear aligners because they’re:
- Discreet
- Removable
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
- Often quicker than braces
- Covered by orthodontic insurance
Dental crowns
Crowns are a tooth-like cap placed over your tooth.
They’re used to restore a damaged, decayed, or root canal-treated tooth.
Your dentist will custom design it to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are the only way to replace an entire tooth – including the root.
This prevents bone loss, which avoids premature aging, adjacent teeth shifting, and other dental problems.
It consists of a:
- Post (new tooth root)
- Abutment (connects the post and crown)
- Crown (the visible part)
Dental implants are also used to secure a bridge or denture.
Metal-free fillings
If you have a cavity, ask for a white filling or tooth-colored filling.
This option doesn’t use amalgam (metal), is safe, and looks completely natural.
The process is similar to dental bonding, however, the cavity will first need to be removed.
Inlays and onlays
When tooth decay or damage is too large for a filling, an inlay or onlay may be used.
It’s more conservative than a crown, which means less drilling.
Typically, this restoration is made in a lab and designed to look natural.
The next step
Whether you know exactly what treatment you want or need recommendations:
Book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist near you.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist in East Texas?
Contact Allen Family Dentistry.
Our cosmetic dentists are committed to excellence.
- Use new technology and techniques for less invasive, pain-free procedures with better results
- Always prioritize your comfort
- Offer spa-like amenities, including massage chairs
- Never judge or pressure you
- Maintain the highest ethical standards
- Offer a dental savings membership to help you save money on dental care
- Three locations to choose from
Ready to start your smile journey?
Call your nearest Allen Family Dentistry:
Our three dental practices serve countless communities throughout East Texas, including Athens… Opens new tab to Athens location on Google…, Cedar Creek Lake, Henderson County, Bullard… Opens new tab to Bullard location on Google…, Smith County, South Tyler, Cherokee County, Palestine… Opens new tab to Palestine location on Google…, and Anderson County.
