Cosmetic Dentistry in Woodbridge, VA
Cosmetic dentistry is a chance to transform your smile into the one you’ve always wanted. Today, it’s easier (and more affordable) than ever to reshape and brighten your teeth for a more symmetrical and attractive grin.
Cosmetic dentistry is primarily defined by procedures that aren’t strictly necessary for oral health, though there are usually more benefits to these services than people give them credit for. If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge, VA, finding a professional team who can provide you with the pros and cons before you decide on the best treatment path is essential.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered how your teeth came to be so yellow, or you’ve ever avoided showing your teeth in a photo, the right cosmetic dentistry services can give you a little more confidence to face the world.
The more symmetrical your teeth are and the more pride you take in your smile, the more likely you are to take care of the work you’ve done and your general oral health. So even if you’re one to skip a few steps during your oral hygiene routine now, you might be surprised at how fast you start putting in the effort after cosmetic services.
What Are the Common Cosmetic Dentistry Services?
Often, cosmetic services and standard dentistry share some overlap. We’ll look at the most common procedures as well as the crossover benefits.
Teeth Whitening
Likely one of the most well-known cosmetic services, teeth whitening to remove external stains is not strictly necessary to maintain your oral health. So, if you drink three cups of coffee in the morning or have a glass of red wine with every dinner, you can expect professional whitening to do a far better job than drugstore products.
With teeth whitening, the dentist first removes all plaque and tartar before applying a whitening agent. If you have particularly severe staining, your doctor can estimate how many sessions you’ll need before you get the color you’re looking for.
Veneers
Veneers are a covering for your teeth that can correct everything from discoloration to chipping to large gaps between your teeth. These thin-shell materials may not be able to fix every cosmetic problem, but you might be surprised at just how versatile they can be.
Not everyone is eligible for the veneer procedure, as healthy gums and teeth are required to withstand the fitting. Once you’re approved, the dentist will partially remove the enamel on the tooth and then custom-fit the material for your mouth. Once it’s been properly adhered to the service and the bite has been adjusted, you can go right back to your routine.
Implants
Implants can fill in the gaps in your smile, and they can reinforce the strength and resilience of your other teeth. While it may be normal to lose a tooth somewhere along the way, the missing space allows your other teeth to slip into their position, which can eventually interfere with your bite.
An implant uses a metal post in the jaw which fuses to the bone, so the artificial tooth is firmly anchored in place. This procedure is one of the more involved of cosmetic procedures, but it’s worth the extra investment if you want to complete your smile. Plus, even one missing tooth can impact the shape of your face and the cadence of your speech. Implants help you look and feel back to normal.
Invisalign
Clear aligners are a common cosmetic dentistry service that can improve the shape and look of your smile. For straighter, more symmetrical teeth, the gentle pressure of the near-invisible plastic trays pushes everything into place. Invisalign can correct several problems for most patients, including bite misalignments and cosmetic imperfections. However, some people opt for Invisalign even if there’s no threat to their general oral health.
If your dentist recommends Invisalign as a part of a smile makeover, you may only need to wear the aligners for a few months before you end up with the reflection you’re looking for. Once the dentist molds the plastic trays to fit your teeth, you’ll wear them for around 20+ hours daily, typically removing them only to eat. For most people, the adjustment period is very smooth, making it a comfortable, effective, and, above all, invisible treatment option.
How Long Do Cosmetic Treatments Last?
If you choose cosmetic services from a reputable and qualified dentist, you can trust the work to last. For instance, a quality implant can last you 30 years or more. While you may spend a little more now for better materials, you’ll save yourself time, money, and aggravation down the line.
Having to regularly redo your veneers or replace implants isn’t just expensive, the constant treatments can put your mouth through unnecessary trauma. All the extra work can wear down your teeth and gums if you’re not careful.
Find a Cosmetic Dentist in Woodbridge, VA
The right cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge, VA, can give you more information about not just what treatments you’re eligible for but also what you can expect from the procedures. If you’re interested in several options, such as teeth whitening and veneers, you can learn more about how to space them out, how much it will cost, and how to plan your schedule so your new smile doesn’t disrupt your daily routines.
At Niles Dental, our team specializes in cosmetic dentistry, and our services are integral to our patient’s well-being. We’ve seen how people can transform with a brighter smile, and we welcome patients who are ready to revamp their oral health.
