Receiving a new smile from your dentist could be one of the most exciting visits to the dentist, but before you choose what option is best for you, it’s important to know all your options. Here are 8 popular procedures to get a new smile.
1) Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a procedure that uses special lights and peroxide or carbamide (a gel) to lift stains from teeth. Teeth can become discolored for various reasons such as aging, smoking, drinking coffee and tea, and trauma. The process usually takes two office visits to complete one-half hour each time. New smile dental plans can help you cover the cost of this procedure.
2) Veneers
Veneers are another popular option because they give instant results and require no anesthetic. A thin layer of porcelain is bonded onto the front surface of your tooth and then polished until it looks natural. Porcelain veneers can also be used to straighten misaligned teeth. They’re made with durable materials that will hold up for many years, but they are also the most expensive option.
3) Crowns
Crowns are becoming more popular because they provide a durable alternative to veneers. A crown is used when a tooth has been damaged, or an implant needs to be placed over it to hold it in place. It’s made of porcelain or gold and fits right over your existing tooth. They can also protect teeth from other damage, even if you have received other treatments before this one.
4) Bonding
Bonding uses composite resin bonded onto the tooth’s front surface during one visit to be filled in for small chips, cracks, or gaps in teeth that could not be filled with other options above. It’s similar to veneers but not as expensive.
5) Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular option to get a new smile because it offers permanent results with minimal discomfort. The process usually takes two visits. It includes taking an impression at your first office visit, receiving a temporary tooth in the second visit, and then creating crowns that fit into place on the third visit. To keep them in place, you’ll need to go back every few months for adjustments.
6) Zoom Whitening Treatment
This is another popular option because there’s little to no exposure of teeth compared to other options above, so they can still be done even if you have braces or existing fillings, crowns, or bridges. It can be completed in a single visit and may not require any follow-up visits. Again, Zoom whitening is a process that uses lights and peroxide or carbamide gel to lift stains from teeth. The Zoom treatment can last up to three years but may fade over time.
Furthermore, six-month smiles are becoming popular because they offer faster results than other treatments above. After all, it straightens your smile in just six months compared to 18-24 months for braces. They can be obtained with clear appliances, so you wouldn’t need metal braces, which are traditional to straighten teeth. However, this option is more expensive than braces and may not work for everyone. To keep your teeth straightened after visiting this dentist, you’ll need to wear retainers that must be worn at night while sleeping for the remainder of your life.
7) Clear Braces
Clear braces are quickly becoming more popular because they’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces but still prevent you from eating certain foods or drinks that can stain your teeth. These types of braces also work faster than other options, making them a great option for teens and adults who want to get their smiles back sooner rather than later. Getting a new dental smile doesn’t have to be that big of a deal, especially when there are great options like these available.
Also, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help achieve your perfect smile, but it is important not to rush into any treatments. Every patient has different cosmetic needs and treatment outcomes, so don’t jump at the first option you see.
8) Composite Resin Fillings
These fillings come in various shades and can replace old silver fillings or cover dark stains when placed on top of existing fillings. This option is great when you don’t want to go through the process of veneers or crowns.
In conclusion, receiving a new smile from your dentist could be one of the most exciting visits to the dentist, but it’s important to know all your options before you choose what option is best for you.