Cosmetic Dentistry Options from a Family Dentist

Many people think that only a cosmetic dentist can alter the appearance of a person’s smile, but a family dentist provides treatments that can transform a smile too. In addition to preventing disease and decay and keeping the gums and teeth healthy, a dentist who has the right training can utilize advanced techniques to improve both the appearance and functionality of a smile. Patients who want a smile refresh may need to look no further than their generalist.

Cosmetic changes a family dentist provides

For some people, enhancing the appearance of the teeth may require nothing more than routine maintenance and care. For others, the transformation can be a little more complex and involve in-office treatment. Whatever the case, a family dentist can help.

Preventative dental care

Maintaining routine preventative measures is the number one way to keep the smile looking happy and healthy for years into the future. It is important that parents invest in dental care for children at a young age since the earlier maintenance and treatment begin, the better the outcome. However, it is never too late for a person to benefit from pre-emptive care since regular cleanings can help keep plaque, gum disease and other unsightly issues at bay.

Crowns and fillings

Many family dentists are just as qualified to place crowns and fillings as cosmetic dentists. Crowns and fillings can help strengthen impaired enamel and hide damage from decay, stains and unsightly wear. Fillings may be sufficient if the patient’s tooth only shows slight signs of decay or discoloration while crowns are ideal for situations in which most or all of the tooth is in poor condition.

Crowns and fillings today are very different from the ones dentists used 20 to 30 years ago. Whereas amalgam. which is a mixture of metals, and silver used to be the standard materials for fillings and crowns, many dentists today opt to repair a patient’s tooth with porcelain or ceramic that matches the existing teeth. To strengthen the repair, a dentist may use a layer of metal and coat it with porcelain or ceramic.

Whitening

Patients who have healthy, functional teeth may require little more than teeth whitening. In-office teeth whitening and prescription whitening trays are powerful methods for eliminating discoloration from enamel. Patients who opt for in-office treatment may see results in as little as one treatment session. Those who choose or are prescribed at-home trays often notice drastic results as soon as one to two weeks.

Though whitening can drastically improve the appearance of one’s smile, it is important to note that it does not work for every case of discoloration. Though many instances of staining are the result of outside factors, such as smoking, coffee and wine, some occurrences are the consequence of injury, over-fluoridation or medication use. When discoloration is the result of one of the latter conditions, the teeth rarely respond to whitening treatments. In these cases, a family dentist may need to resort to other methods, such as crowns and veneers.

Conclusion

A family dentist is the first line of defense against unsightly tooth damage and decay. If these issues do occur, a patient can often rely on this dental practitioner for assistance with an attractive restoration.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carpinteriasmiles.com or call Carpinteria Smiles at (805) 920-2141 for an appointment in our Carpinteria office.

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