Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Enhance Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry Pittsburgh PA procedures improve the appearance of teeth and gums. These treatments are not typically considered medically necessary or covered by dental insurance, but they can enhance the health and beauty of your smile.

When choosing a cosmetic dentist, it is important to look for advanced training and extensive experience. Review testimonials and patient reviews, and check online ratings and rankings.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an innovative treatment option for tooth replacement that cosmetic dentists commonly use to improve patients’ smiles. These oral prosthetics are designed to mimic the roots of natural teeth so they look and feel very similar to the patient’s other healthy teeth.

They are also able to prevent bone loss in the jaw where missing teeth typically leave a gap that can cause the remaining bones to shrink and weaken over time. Implants can also eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removable dentures and messy adhesives.

While many patients consider them a cosmetic treatment, dental implants are actually classified as restorative dentistry rather than cosmetic, as they replace missing teeth and prevent the remaining ones from shifting out of place. They require the same care as your other natural teeth, including regular brushing and flossing and biannual visits to your cosmetic dentist for checkups.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a common procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to fix teeth and improve your smile. It can be used to conceal chips or cracks, close gaps between teeth, change the shape of your teeth and even replace old silver dental fillings.

A qualified cosmetic dentist can usually complete a bonding treatment in one visit. The dentist will start by selecting a shade of composite resin that matches the color of your natural teeth. Then, they will roughen the surface of your teeth and apply a liquid that allows the resin to stick to the tooth. The dentist will then shape the bonding and harden it with a UV light.

The lifespan of a bonded tooth will depend on your oral hygiene routine, but it can last up to 10 years before needing repair. While it is less durable than veneers, dental bonding offers a more budget-friendly option for improving your smile. This is especially useful for children and teenagers, who are not ready for more permanent options like porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are strong, thin “shells” crafted to cover the front of your teeth, concealing flaws like chips and cracks, discoloration, uneven spacing or crookedness. They also can be used to brighten teeth and enhance your smile’s overall appearance. The material is very durable, resistant to staining (though not as color-resistant as natural tooth enamel) and can reflect light in a way that mimics the look of your natural teeth.

While porcelain veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry Pittsburgh PA solution, they are not the right choice for everyone. They are not suitable for patients with weakened teeth (from extensive decay, large dental fillings, or clenching/grinding), or those who don’t have enough existing enamel on their teeth.

Traditional porcelain veneers require two office visits; during the first visit, your dentist Plum PA will reshape the surface of your teeth, remove a small amount of enamel (roughening the surfaces to ensure a strong bond), and give you temporary veneers to wear until your next appointment.

LUMINEERS®

Lumineers are porcelain facings that are placed over the front of your teeth. Similar to traditional veneers, they can correct a wide range of cosmetic problems like discoloration and staining, as well as minor crookedness. They are also much less invasive than traditional veneers, requiring no shots or dental drilling for placement.

During the first appointment, our dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower teeth and send it to the laboratory for your custom-made Lumineer to be fabricated. This process can be completed in two visits. During the second visit, your dentist will place and bond your Lumineer to your teeth. If any excess bonding substance oozes out from beneath your Lumineer, our dentist will remove it and polish the surface until your smile is completely smooth.

Lumineers are clinically proven to last up to 20 years, providing a long-lasting solution to discolored or chipped teeth. With regular brushing and flossing, Lumineers are designed to function like your natural teeth.