The Latest Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry: Are They Right for You?

October 21, 2022
teeth whitening artificial

These Dental Health Services Are All About Achieving a Confident Smile

The popularity of cosmetic dentistry is easy to track; in recent years, Kansas City area residents are seeing the bright, perfect grins of influencers and local celebrities and wanting teeth that look just like that!

Bright white teeth and straight smiles make a big impact on your perception and self-confidence, so it’s no wonder people are turning to cosmetic dentistry. If you’re in pursuit of a smile you can take pride in, consider these cosmetic dentistry trends.

You’ll Want to Find Teeth Whitening Near You

One of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry is in-office teeth whitening, which helps you quickly brighten your smile by several shades. Dentist-prescribed, at-home whitening kits are also available.

How does it work? The process of teeth whitening is a simple one. Every whitening product contains a tooth bleach, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. These bleaches break down tooth stains, which diffuses the color concentration and results in whiter teeth.

Tooth whitening, whether at your dentist’s office or using a do-it-yourself kit, isn’t permanent. Your teeth can develop stains again if you smoke or consume drinks that affect your teeth, like coffee or red wine. People who are very careful with their oral hygiene can see their results last for up to a couple of years, but most people repeat this cosmetic dentistry service over time.

Clear Aligners Straighten Your Teeth

Orthodontia, including clear aligners, are generally considered part of cosmetic dentistry. Although there are certainly health benefits to having straight teeth – in particular the ability to more easily remove harmful plaque that can cause gum disease – most people opt for aligners to feel more confident in their smile.

Clear aligners can correct bite errors such as an overbite or open bite and can close gaps or even out spacing between teeth in patients of nearly any age.

Getting clear aligners requires planning; your cosmetic dentist will create one that straightens your teeth over the course of six months to two years. More extensive teeth straightening or jaw issue correction may require oral surgery and other forms of restorative dentistry for best results.

For Perfect Teeth Quickly, Consider Veneers Near You

Veneers give you a straight smile in as little as one dental visit! These porcelain covers fill gaps and conceal chips in your original teeth. As thin as a contact lens, each veneer is created especially for your mouth and covers the front of your teeth like a small shell.

Some people opt for porcelain veneers to achieve a “Hollywood smile,” one that is perfectly white, straight, and even. Others simply need a few veneers to hide blemishes. Whichever goal you’re going for, a cosmetic dentistry professional can help.

When cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last about a decade – which is a smart investment if you’re looking for a stunning smile!

Bonding and Contouring: This Cosmetic Dentistry Service Could Save You Money

The major downside to porcelain veneers is that they can be costly, which may not be in your budget just yet. In the meantime, a skilled dentist can bond and contour your teeth using a composite resin. This composite resin hides chips or gaps and doesn’t affect the structure of your teeth.

It’s a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that delivers results similar to veneers, at a generally more affordable price. It’s even effective for correcting staining!

Dental Implants Restore Your Smile

Although minor oral surgery is required to get dental implants, many people find it a worthwhile investment because of the natural-looking smile they can achieve without having to worry about wearing a partial denture. Implants are one popular component of restorative dentistry and are a permanent solution to tooth loss.

To get a dental implant, you will first need a titanium screw surgically implanted into your jaw – this is where the oral surgery comes in. Eventually, this screw fuses to your bone for a secure, tight fit. Then, a crown – or false tooth – is attached to the implanted screw.

Before you can have the crown permanently attached, you must wait about six months – the average recovery time. However, the natural-looking results are totally worth the wait!

How Do I Know Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Is Right for Me?

Not every cosmetic service is for everyone. Only your dentist can determine which procedure you qualify for. Before you can pursue cosmetic dentistry, you need to ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. You can begin doing this by scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning at least twice per year.

Your dentist will check your overall oral health, talk to you about your hygiene practices, and take an in-depth look at the condition of your teeth and gums. Together, you can make a plan that leads you to a bright, confident smile.

Ready to make progress toward your teeth goals? E-Care Dentistry in Olathe specializes in preventative dental health services and cosmetic dentistry – the dynamic duo necessary to get a gorgeous smile.

Make your first teeth-cleaning appointment to get started!