Dentists: Not Just For Cavities

Traditionally, dentists are thought of those doctors that we seek out in times of great distress. We have a cavity, a filling, a root canal or something equally painful that needs to be fixed fast. However, in the last twenty years, a dentist is being seen for less stressful reasons: cosmetics.

For years now the technology surrounding cosmetic dentistry has become more and more streamlined. This makes the idea of enhancing ones smile more attainable. Once reserved for movie stars and celebrities, enhanced smiles are becoming affordable for average people as well.

One of the first things that people ask dentists when they make an appointment to discuss their smile is: can you make my teeth whiter? The answer to this age-old question is yes. Teeth can indeed be made whiter. Usually through a simple process of bleaching or whitening, teeth can be made a brighter, whiter color regardless of years of tobacco or coffee staining.

Bleaching and whitening can now be done at the dental office in the course of an afternoon. Although the at home, over-the-counter forms of bleaching and whitening can seem affordable, an office based bleaching is your best bet for whiter, brighter teeth. The technology available to dentists is greater than that available to you through your pharmacy.

Most people know that dentists are the experts of making teeth straighter. Of course, straighter teeth conjure up painful images of braces and retainers. Years of teasing and rubber bands left your teeth straighter but your ego a little diminished. Braces, however, are not the only technology available to clients today.

Veneers can be used to resize or give the smile a straighter look. With veneers the smile can be made brighter and straighter. Usually the veneers are made from porcelain and are only placed on the teeth that are showing when you smile. Your permanent teeth are prepared for the placement of the veneer and your dentist spends time designing the exact look of the veneer to recreate your smile.

Braces are still being used to update your smile. Often these braces come in an invisible form, not the embarrassing metal form. These braces work just like the traditional ones, straightening your smile permanently over a period of time. If you are interested in learning more about invisible orthodontics and whether they may be right for you, make an appointment and discuss it with your dental office.

Of course, one of the most common forms of dental cosmetics that often get over looked is the average cleaning. Because dental hygiene has gotten better over the fifty years, teeth are generally looking better. More and more people make the yearly appointment with the dentist to have their teeth cleaned by a professional. This is a form of cosmetic dentistry that should not be overlooked. These yearly cleanings can be a lifesaver for you and your tooth.

So, the next time you think of making an appointment to receive services from your dentist or dentists, think of discussing cosmetic dentistry with them.