Cosmetic Dentistry in Columbia, MO
Whether your teeth are crooked, chipped, or stained, our dentist can help correct what is wrong with them. The many procedures available in cosmetic dentistry in Columbia that can revive your smile that you’ve may have been hiding due to your teeth’s condition. Fortunately, with the procedures available to dentists, it’s possible to change their appearance.
Procedures for Great Looking Teeth
Stains on teeth can be embarrassing and frustrating because you cannot remove them. Fortunately, our dentists have the skills to change their looks. For teeth stained from foods and drinks, teeth whitening procedures can remove the appearance of stains by lightening them two or three shades.
Teeth that are moderately cracked or chipped can either undergo dental bonding or dentists can apply veneers on your teeth to hide these imperfections. For teeth that might be severely fractured, dental adhesives can glue the pieces back together to save the tooth and have a dental crown placed over it so that the tooth blends in with your natural ones.
Veneers can be a great way to improve the appearance of your front teeth. Veneers require a small preparation of the enamel. A thin porcelain “veneer” with ideal color and shape can then be made and bonded to the teeth. This can quickly transform your smile into a more confident one!
Tooth-colored fillings are also used to transform smiles. Gone are the days of old, metal fillings. White fillings can also be used on front teeth to fill cavities, enhance small imperfections, and fix chipped areas.
Call All American Dental in Columbia, MO at 573-449-1918 to keep your smile healthy!
Our cosmetic dentists will take the time to make your teeth look as natural as possible, while also helping them function normally as well. Although some procedures may be cosmetic, they can save teeth that have been broken, and allow you to use them again.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Along with saving teeth, some cosmetic procedures can replace missing teeth. Our dentists can replace teeth that are missing with dental implants. Implants look like natural teeth, so most people won’t know about your dental work unless you tell them. Whether it is one tooth or a mouthful of them, not only do they look real, but they can function like real teeth too.
If a filling falls out, then our dentists will be able to fix that issue as well. They can replace a missing filling with an inlay or onlay to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from getting in it. Also, your dentist can match the color of the onlay or inlay to the color of your natural teeth, so it doesn’t look so obvious.
Don’t fret about the appearance of your teeth. Contact our offices to make an appointment to consult with one of our dentists.
FAQs
Focusing on the aesthetic enhancement of your smile, cosmetic dentistry addresses concerns with your teeth and gums through procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and bonding. These treatments correct common issues—ranging from discoloration and chips to misalignment and gaps—ensuring that your smile not only looks beautiful but functions optimally.
By correcting imperfections such as discoloration, gaps, chips, or crooked teeth, cosmetic dentistry transforms your smile. Treatments including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and crowns, work to reshape and brighten your teeth. An experienced cosmetic dentist will evaluate your specific requirements and suggest the optimal procedures to improve your smile.
As a cosmetic procedure aimed at eliminating discoloration and stains, teeth whitening transforms your smile into a more radiant and luminous version of itself. It’s safe when done under the supervision of a dentist. Over-the-counter products can be effective but may cause sensitivity, while professional treatments ensure safety and better results. Always consult your dentist before whitening to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
Veneers are slender shells made from porcelain or composite resin, designed to overlay the front surfaces of your teeth. They are tailored to fix issues like chips, discoloration, or gaps, delivering a natural and attractive solution to improve your smile. Known for their durability and resistance to stains, veneers can maintain their aesthetic for many years.
Veneer placement usually takes two appointments. At your initial visit, your dentist delicately removes a slight layer of enamel and takes precise impressions of your teeth. Temporary veneers can be placed during the production of your personalized veneers. On your second appointment, your dentist will affix the veneers with precision and make detailed adjustments for a perfect fit and a truly natural aesthetic.
The veneer procedure is typically divided into two appointments. In your first appointment, your dentist will meticulously remove a small amount of enamel and capture detailed impressions of your teeth. Temporary veneers might be applied as your personalized veneers are in production. During the follow-up visit, the dentist secures the veneers onto your teeth and fine-tunes them for an ideal fit and natural appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry is generally not painful. Most procedures are minimally invasive, with your dentist using local anesthesia to numb the area during treatments such as veneers or crowns. Afterward, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this typically subsides within a few days. Your dentist will guide you through aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery.
Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the appearance of crooked teeth through treatments such as veneers or bonding. However, these procedures are not substitutes for orthodontic treatments like dental braces or clear aligners, which are designed to correct significant misalignment. If your teeth are mildly crooked, cosmetic dentistry may be a faster solution, but for major issues, orthodontics may be necessary.
Results from cosmetic dentistry can be seen immediately after treatments like teeth whitening or bonding. For other treatments like veneers or crowns, it may take a few weeks as the custom restorations are created and placed. The timeline varies based on the procedure, but your dentist will guide you through the expected recovery time and final results.
Yes, cosmetic dentistry can fix a gap between your teeth with treatments like bonding, veneers, or braces. Bonding and veneers are often used to close small gaps quickly, while braces or clear aligners may be necessary for larger spaces or misalignment. Your trusted dentist will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best dental care solution for your smile.
To preserve the pristine condition of your cosmetic treatments, commit to a consistent oral care routine that includes brushing and flossing every day. Steer clear of foods and drinks that can cause stains, such as coffee and wine, and think about stopping smoking if you do. Also, using a mouthguard during sports or if you have a habit of teeth grinding will help safeguard your dental work, while routine dental visits will monitor your treatments effectively.
By refining your smile through cosmetic dentistry, you can elevate your self-esteem and confidence. This approach effectively corrects imperfections like discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment, ensuring a natural-looking and durable outcome. Beyond aesthetics, some cosmetic treatments can also improve the functionality of your teeth, such as repairing damaged teeth or improving bite alignment.