Many patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth and gums consult with a cosmetic dentist in Naperville for aesthetic improvements. Fortunately, these patients can take a number of steps in order to get the sparkling smile that they long for.
In some cases, the fixes are relatively minor. A cosmetic dentist may only need to give the patient a whitening treatment to have a dramatic effect. Whitening treatments, which involve applying a bleaching gel to the teeth, can change the teeth’s coloring by as many as 10 shades in some patients. If the rest of the patient’s smile is structurally sound and well-aligned, the whitening may be the sole treatment necessary to achieve aesthetic goals.
Other patients need a cosmetic dentist to perform major work to attain their ideal smiles. They may have crooked or missing teeth, a misaligned bite, or an unsightly gum line, and a cosmetic dentist can perform a variety of procedures to help these patients, as well.
A dentist can correct significant flaws through veneers, which are thin layers of porcelain that sit atop the natural teeth. Veneers can address a number of issues, as they can cover up chips or cracks in teeth. They can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth or straighten out a stretch of slightly misaligned teeth. Dental crowns can also be useful in covering up misshapen or broken teeth.
Missing teeth are also detrimental to the smile’s appearance. Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular method for replacing missing teeth. The tiny screw-like structures are inserted into the jaw and then topped with an artificial tooth-shaped cap.
In cases of severe problems that require surgery or additional specialty care, a cosmetic dentist may also collaborate with other experts in those particular fields. For example, if your teeth are so crooked that veneers alone will be insufficient, your cosmetic dentist may refer you to an orthodontist and then follow up with you for additional treatments that can give your new smile an extra boost.
The procedures listed above are just some examples of the techniques used in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a specific problem you’d like to address, call the office of Dr. Kevin P. Ryan at 630-355-1940 and schedule a consultation to begin developing a plan that will lead you to your ideal smile!