If you have stained, misaligned, damaged, or misshapen teeth, you might be feeling self-conscious about smiling and talking to people. This is a normal feeling to have. In fact, studies around the world have shown that the look of our smile can greatly impact our self-confidence, happiness, and overall quality of life. The good news is that a straight, bright set of teeth is possible to achieve with the right dental care.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. When combined with general dentistry and preventative care, patients can have healthy teeth and gums they can be proud to show off. At Stoney Trail Dental, we offer the following cosmetic dentistry services.
Often referred to as “Hollywood teeth”, dental veneers can transform the look of yellowing, misshapen, and gapped teeth. They are made of tooth-coloured porcelain or composite resin and are bonded to the front of the teeth. One of the greatest benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are minimally invasive with very little recovery time. Patients must have strong enamel and overall healthy teeth and gums to be a good candidate for veneers.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures that has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. What makes professional teeth whitening different from over-the-counter whitening products is that in-office whitening products are more powerful, achieving a patient’s desired outcome in less time.
Additionally, our dental team will assess the health of your teeth and gums and identify any areas that may not whiten evenly. Commercial whitening products may produce uneven results. With professional teeth whitening, what you’re left with is an even, bright, and beautiful smile.
If you have a “gummy” smile or receding gums, gum contouring (sometimes called gum reshaping) can be a solution. Gum contouring involves gently cutting away excessive gum tissue or completing a gum lift for receding gums. This procedure not only provides aesthetic benefits but can also prevent loss or damage, as receding gums can expose the root of the teeth.
Composite bonding, often referred to as dental bonding, can repair chipped, cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth. The procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured, putty-like resin to the tooth that is then bonded with ultraviolet or laser light. To be a good candidate for dental bonding, the tooth must be strong enough with healthy surrounding gums. If not, we can offer a different restorative solution to help you get the smile you desire.
Bone grafting is required when bone loss has occurred in the jaw and is impacting the patient’s oral health. This surgical procedure is sometimes recommended before dental implant surgery to replace missing bone. Bone grafting material encourages regeneration and, as the natural bone grows, the result is an integrated area of new bone.
Cosmetic dentistry services can significantly transform the look of your smile. It’s important to know that cosmetic dentistry does not deal with the function of your teeth. If you have one or more missing teeth, misalignment, or severe gaps, we may need to look at restorative options. In any case, we can work with you to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on November 5, 2021