If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth, there are measures you can take to improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dental applications can quickly transform teeth that are misshapen, damaged or discolored. Here are a few cosmetic dental procedures that may benefit you:

Composite Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can be used for multiple purposes. It can correct teeth that are gapped, cracked, chipped or discolored. The bonding material, which is made of composite resin, can be molded to the shape needed to correct your teeth. 

For gapped teeth, the material can be used to fill the empty space, and a dividing impression that mimics the inter-dental line can be fashioned in the resin to maintain a natural appearance.

For cracked teeth, the bonding material can be applied to fill the breach in the tooth enamel and protect the underlying dental layers. A crack in a tooth may expose the dentin that lies beneath the enamel. Although the dentin is a hard substance, it is more porous than tooth enamel. Thus, bacteria have better access to the interior pulp of a tooth, and infection may result. In addition, the dental nerves may become more exposed, causing an increase in dental sensitivity.

Composite can also be applied to a small chip to fill in the missing portion of a tooth.

Since the bonding material is made of resin, which is a type of plastic, it may wear away over time and eventually have to be reapplied.

Dental Veneers

Veneers can be used to correct many of the same cosmetic issues for which dental bonding is used. However, veneers tend to last longer than composite bonding.

Each veneer is a thin sliver of resin or porcelain that can be bonded to the front of a tooth. Once the veneer is in place, a crack, chip or area of discoloration is concealed. 

Before a veneer is constructed, a mold of the patient's mouth must be made. A dental laboratory creates the veneer based on the dental impression.

Once the veneers are ready to be applied, your dentist debrides the front surface of the teeth that will be covered by the veneers. This debridement damages the teeth irreversibly, so you should discuss any concerns about veneers with your dentist prior to the procedure. 

There are many different cosmetic dentistry applications that can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. To learn about the applications that may benefit you, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in your area — like Artistic Dentistry by Gerard Wasselle, DMD.