What has your SMILE done for you lately??? Here's look at Cosmetic Dentistry!!!

A smile can be the most eye-catching feature of a face.  You might be thinking what can a great smile do for me? It can improve your self-confidence, which can have a positive impact both the social and professional aspects of your life.  Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself.  In fact anyone can have a great smile.  With the field of dentistry's many advances, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.
    

In the past, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark or black spots on the teeth. Dental crowns and bridges were fabricated with a metal core under the white porcelain which sometimes caused gum tissue or teeth to appear dark over time. A wide variety of dental materials and technique options are now available to improve how your teeth function and the way your smile appears.  I would like to now go through some of the improved dental techniques currently available to improve both the function and appearance of your smile. 

Teeth Whitening is possibly the most common form of cosmetic dentistry that can enhance your smile by removing staining caused by food, drinks, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.

Composite bonding is more commonly known as the tooth colored filling material.  There are many uses for composite bonding it can replace previous metal fillings, it can fix chipped, broken, discolored, misshaped or decayed teeth may be repaired.  The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

Dental Veneers are comprised of lab fabricated porcelain facing that is bonded to the each individual tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks to help restore a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration.  Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth, correct misalignment of your teeth or whiten teeth if you have not had success with teeth whitening.

Dental Implants are artificial root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss.  Once the implant is placed the dentist can construct on the implant a crown to replace the missing tooth.

Full Porcelain Crowns also known as "caps," preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. A dental crown may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown.  With full porcelain crowns elimination of the metal core allows for light transmission through the porcelain for better optical, life-like properties and a higher level of esthetics.  Porcelain crowns are esthetic, strong and durable.

Snap on Teeth(also called Snap on Smile TM) is a temporary smidesign appliance that snaps over your natural teeth gives you a picture perfect smile at a fraction of the cost of veneers ! The teeth simply snap onto your own teeth, instantly giving you a beautiful smile.  Perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or interviews, snap on teeth can also be a way to "test drive" a new smile before committing to more expensive and permanent cosmetic dental procedures.

Smile Makeover is a common term used when there are more than one or two teeth that require treatment.  We can use digital picture, imaging and computers to help improve and create a smile that patients dream of everyday. 

With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years and possibly decades.  Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations.

For more information about Cosmetic Dentistry visit Hershey Dental Video Library