Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Andrew Bock at Northern Colorado Prosthetic Dentistry has selected several key cosmetic dentistry treatments that are often used in conjunction with prosthetic and restorative dental treatments to create well-rounded treatment plans that deliver the kinds of smiles that patients truly feel happy to show off.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses primarily on the aesthetics of a person’s smile or the physical appearance of the teeth and gums.
What Kinds of Concerns Does Cosmetic Dentistry Address?
Cosmetic dentistry treatments can improve the look of a person’s smile by:
- Correcting minor imperfections
- Masking or eliminating stains or other discoloration
- Hiding or correcting chips in teeth
- Covering misshapen teeth
- Improving the symmetry of a person’s smile
- Covering cracks or other damage
- Filling in gaps between teeth
- Straightening crooked teeth
While some cosmetic dentistry treatments offer health benefits, cosmetic treatments are primarily intended to improve the appearance of a person’s smile.
Cosmetic Treatments Available at Northern Colorado Prosthetic Dentistry
The cosmetic dentistry services available at NCPD include:
- Dental Crowns – Also called caps, dental crowns complete cover or “cap” a patient’s natural tooth.
- Dental Bonding – Dental bonding is a type of composite resin that can be painted onto a tooth or applied and molded to mask stains, cover fractures, and reconstruct chipped teeth.
- Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment that creates a completely new, refreshed look.
- Nightguards – We often recommend nightguards to patients who have dental devices or cosmetic dental work. These protect the teeth and dental appliances from excessive wear, tear, and pressure from clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth during sleep (sleep bruxism).
- TMJ Treatment – Temporomandibular joint disorder can be a complex issue to evaluate and treat. However, it can often be successfully addressed with a personally designed splint or mouthguard.
- Inlays and Onlays – When a tooth has suffered more damage than a traditional dental filling can address, an inlay or onlay can be used to protect the natural tooth while restoring its appearance.
- Teeth Whitening – Take-home trays and whitening gel offer patients professional-level whitening treatments in the comfort of their own homes.
How Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Work Together
While the purpose of cosmetic dentistry is primarily related to aesthetics, some cosmetic treatments also provide patients with restorative benefits that strengthen the natural teeth and help improve oral health.
For example, inlays and onlays are used to reinforce and reconstruct a tooth that has suffered severe damage due to wear and tear, injury, or tooth decay. Dental crowns are used to improve the appearance of teeth, but they are also commonly used as a last resort to preserve a patient’s natural tooth after a root canal procedure. Additionally, dental bonding offers benefits, as it protects the tooth enamel and can be used to cover up exposed dentin to combat severe tooth sensitivity.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
If your smile has major or minor imperfections that you would like to correct, then cosmetic dentistry treatments might be the right option for you.
If you would like to learn more about revitalizing the look of your smile with cosmetic dentistry or a combination of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bock at Northern Colorado Prosthetic Dentistry today. He can talk with you about your concerns and smile goals, perform a thorough evaluation, and provide you with a recommended treatment plan designed to help you get a healthy and beautiful smile that you love to smile about!
