Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know for a Confident Smile

Cosmetic Dentistry is all about enhancing your smile by improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. While its focus is not on improving your oral health, some cosmetic dental procedures may also contribute to better oral health. The key to successful cosmetic dental treatment is improving the appearance of your smile without harming your oral health. Dentists at Kawartha Dental Clinic are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care, using the finest materials, to achieve beautiful and healthy smiles every time.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover combines two or more cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to improve both the appearance and function of your teeth and gums. It may include:

We may use any combination of these procedures to achieve the patient’s desired results.

How are smile makeovers done?

The most important step in a smile makeover is your initial consultation with one of our Dentists in KDC, who will listen attentively to you and understand your aesthetic goals. During your consultation with one of our Dentists, we will review your smile goals and identify your cosmetic concerns, such as crooked teeth, stains, chips, or uneven wear. We will then suggest the best possible solutions to you and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Once we’ve agreed on a course of action, we will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs, incorporating any necessary cosmetic procedures to achieve your aesthetic goals. At every step in this process, we keep your overall oral health in mind.

When treatment is initiated, we may combine different procedures or perform them in a specific order to achieve maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and optimal results. We welcome your input throughout your smile makeover to ensure you are comfortable with the process.

Are smile makeovers worth it?

Absolutely! Because smile makeovers typically combine both cosmetic and restorative improvements, there are many benefits, including:

Improved appearance and a beautiful smile
Boosted confidence
Better oral health
Improved function and bite

Is it worth getting your teeth professionally whitened?

Yes. The whitening gels and procedures we use at Kawartha Dental Clinic are professional-grade, ensuring their purity and safety. We also custom-fabricate the whitening trays you will wear to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth, ensuring full contact of the whitening gel with your teeth and minimal contact with your gums. Over-the-counter whitening kits are not as effective and can cause gum irritation. If you are wondering how to whiten teeth quickly, a visit to the dentist is your best option. At KDC, we can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in just a few days.

How many teeth typically need veneers?

It depends upon your smile. Most people put veneers only on their teeth that show when they smile. Some people’s smiles reveal only a few of their top teeth, while others smile, showing several of their top and bottom teeth. If you want a general upgrade of the teeth that show, this could involve anywhere from 8 to 10 veneers or more. However, if you are generally happy with your teeth except for a few that are damaged (for instance, your two front teeth are cracked), you may only need veneers on those two teeth. Our cosmetic Dentists in Peterborough will work with you to determine the number of treatments required to correct any flaws without unnecessary procedures.

Are crowns or veneers better?

Each of the crowns and veneers has advantages depending on what cosmetic flaw you want to correct and the severity of the issue. The key difference between the two is that a crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, while a veneer is a thin shell covering only the front surface of a tooth.

Crowns can restore compromised teeth that have poor structure due to decay, restoration, or root canal procedure, while veneers are more typically used to improve surface flaws such as discoloration and minor chips or cracks. Crowns will require more removal of the natural tooth, while veneers preserve more of the original tooth.

A dental crown is your best option if you have significant tooth damage and need to strengthen the tooth because it is weak. You may also need a crown if the tooth needs to be restored so that you can chew and eat with it. If your needs are primarily cosmetic and your teeth are healthy, veneers are your best choice. They are less invasive and can correct a number of flaws while preserving your natural tooth.

Are there alternatives to veneers?

Yes, composite bonding is a more affordable alternative to veneers. Bonding uses a composite resin that is applied in thin layers to the tooth, building it up and sculpting it into the desired shape. Once the desired tooth shape is achieved, a curing light is applied to cure the resin, hardening it and bonding it to the tooth. Dental bonding is ideal for reshaping a misshapen tooth, fixing a crack or chip, and can even improve the color of your teeth; however, it does not last as long as veneers.

Discover How We Can Tailor a Smile Makeover for You

Schedule a dentist appointment at Kawartha Dental Clinic, Peterborough, with one of the Smile Makeover experts to learn more about these techniques and what we can do for you. We never oversell; we always listen and consider your lifestyle and budget every step of the way. Contact us at Kawartha Dental Office Phone Number705-743-1851 to schedule your consultation.