Many people desire more visually appealing smiles, and cosmetic dentistry includes many treatments that can repair, brighten, or straighten teeth. While countless Hollywood movie stars serve as living proof that these procedures work, some people might have concerns about how deep these procedures can go. Here are three minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedures that can have you looking great without any massive medical intervention.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Do minor flaws in your teeth annoy you every time you look in the mirror? Cosmetic dental bonding is a quick, affordable, and non-invasive way to fix small cracks, chips, gaps, or stains that can be completed in minutes during a routine dental exam. Your dentist will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in or cover up these defects. They will then shape the putty-like substance to match the curves of your tooth before hardening it with a special light. The process involves no anesthesia or recovery period, meaning your smile will be as good as new when you walk out of the office.
Porcelain Veneers
If you’re wondering what the secret is behind your favorite movie star’s smile, wonder no more. Porcelain veneers can cover cracks, chips, stains, and other flaws too extensive for cosmetic bonding and can sometimes even fix teeth’s alignment without the use of braces. Veneers are thin shells that mimic the color, luster, and shape of natural teeth, and they can be placed in as few as two appointments.
During the first appointment, your dentist will shave a tiny amount of enamel from the teeth being treated to make room for the veneers. They will then take bite impressions to be sent off to a lab to manufacture your veneers and then place a temporary set on your teeth to serve in the meantime. When the permanent set is done about two weeks later, you return to the office to have them cemented in place. The process requires only a local anesthetic and may cause temporary sensitivity in the treated teeth afterward.
Metal-Free Dental Crowns
Traditional dental crowns made from metal or alloys can be uncomfortably conspicuous. With enough time, even metal crowns fused to a porcelain exterior can show a thin dark line where they meet the tooth. Luckily, modern dentistry has made metal-free dental crowns a reality. Today, you can replace your old restorations with metal-free crowns designed to match your smile exactly. CEREC technology allows your dentist to set you up with a customized crown in a single visit.
If you’re interested in a pretty smile while being slightly nervous about extensive dental work, you’re not alone. Non-invasive cosmetic dental treatments can be done without extensive interference with your existing tooth structure, providing you with a clearer path to your ideal smile.
About the Practice
Weiss Dental Arts prides itself on advanced equipment and prompt service in Skokie, IL. Led by Drs. Brad Weiss and Ali Fulreader, the team uses the latest techniques and technology to stay lightyears ahead of the competition. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as the treatments listed here. If you’re interested in minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, contact the office online or dial (847) 864-0188.