Imagine grinning for photos, only to realize a piece of spinach was caught between your teeth later. Yikes! You could feel just as self-conscious about taking photos if you have dull or misshapen teeth. 

Instead of concealing an embarrassing smile, consider cosmetic dentistry in Macedonia, OH. The right combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures can produce a celebrity-worthy dream smile. 

On the fence? Read on to learn about the different types of cosmetic dentistry today!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is now one of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry services requested annually. Already, 67% of American adults have tried to whiten their teeth. Whitening your teeth at home, however, isn't always the best option. 

The whitening agents in at-home kits aren't as effective as professional treatment in your Macedonia dental office. Some products could even damage your protective tooth enamel.

More people are whitening their teeth due to factors like their:

• Self-esteem
• Self-related physical attractiveness
• Life satisfaction
• High media exposure
  
  

About 99.7% of people perceive a smile as their most important social asset. A bright, beautiful smile can help you make a strong first impression on everyone you meet.

Whitening your teeth can also benefit your oral health. The procedure will reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Your risk of tooth decay or gum disease may decrease. 

Over time, dark-colored foods and beverages (including tea, coffee, and wine) can stain your teeth. A professional teeth-whitening appointment will safely lighten the shade of your teeth. Treatment usually takes an hour.

You can pair your teeth whitening procedure with other treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. A stunning smile can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence.

Dental Implants

A dental implant can restore your smile if you're missing one or multiple teeth. First, your dentist will place an implant (which looks like a screw) into your jawbone. The area will need to heal to ensure the implant is secure (a process called osseointegration).

After a few months, your dentist will place the abutment, which connects the implant to a dental crown. The crown will restore your smile and look natural among your existing teeth. 

Dental Veneers

Usually made of medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are thin, strong shells your dentist will attach to the front of a tooth. Dental veneers can conceal cosmetic issues with your teeth. They're ideal for patients with discolored teeth, chips, or cracks.

There are three common types of veneers: composite resin, porcelain, and no-prep veneers. Your dentist can determine which type you need based on:

• Their preference
• Longevity of the veneers
• Appearance of the veneers
• Length of time to install the veneers
• Cost
  
  

A lab will need one to two weeks to create your porcelain veneers. During your appointment, your dentist will adjust the size, shape, and color. They'll make sure your dental veneers look natural among your existing teeth.

During this procedure, your dentist will need to file away a small amount of your tooth's enamel. This ensures the veneer sticks and remains in place with dental cement. 

With a good oral hygiene routine and proper maintenance, your dental veneers could last between 10 and 20 years. No-prep veneers only last between five and seven years. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are also called indirect fillings. Your dentist may recommend this option if a tooth is too decayed for a typical filling. A lab will create your fillings before your cosmetic dentist bonds them into place.

If the material is bonded to the center of your tooth, it's an inlay. If the filling covers one or more parts of the tooth, or the entire tooth, it's an onlay.

As an alternative treatment to dental crowns, inlays and onlays can preserve your natural teeth. They'll strengthen and restore a tooth that's experienced deterioration or decay.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, or caps, are designed to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth. A crown could protect a weakened tooth from further damage. They're also used as a cosmetic option to cover severely discolored and misshapen teeth.

Your dentist may use a dental crown if you're scheduling other procedures, such as:

• Enamel fillings
• Dental bridges
• Root canals
• Dental implants
  
  

For example, if you're missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend implant dentistry. They'll first install the dental implant into your jawbone. Once the area heals, they'll place an abutment and dental crown over the implant. 

Dental crowns can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. They can protect your teeth from sustaining additional damage. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves using tooth-colored composite resin to improve your smile. Using this resin, your cosmetic dentist can:

• Repair chips
• Close gaps between your teeth
• Change the shape of a tooth
• Improve a discolored tooth
  
  

Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures, this treatment is reversible. With other treatments, your dentist may need to remove some of your natural tooth enamel. This process isn't necessary if you choose dental bonding.

However, the results aren't permanent. You may need a touchup every three to 10 years. Make sure to schedule follow-up appointments at your Macedonia dentist's office.

Your dentist may recommend this course of treatment if you have damaged or discolored teeth. It's one of the most frequently performed procedures in the US.

Your dentist may use the same composite resin material to replace old fillings, protect teeth roots, and fill cavities. 

Enamel Shaping

Your dentist may recommend tooth or gum contouring to change the shape of your teeth. Tooth contouring involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel. Your dentist can complete this procedure during a single visit.

Some patients are born with excessive gum tissue. You could have a "gummy" or unbalanced smile. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend gum contouring to remove excess tissue.

They'll reshape your gum line to produce a more balanced appearance.

Consider Cosmetic Dentistry in Macedonia, OH

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, don't wait to visit your local dentist. With cosmetic dentistry in Macedonia, OH, you can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. Get ready to start grinning with renewed confidence!

Ready to find your desired smile? Our team at Q & A Dental Care is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care. Contact us to schedule your appointment.