A healthy, confident smile is one of the first things people notice—and thanks to modern dental cosmetic services, achieving that smile is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re dealing with stains, chips, gaps, or missing or misaligned teeth, there are a range of safe and effective treatments that can help you look and feel your best.
From professional teeth whitening to veneers, implants, and orthodontics, each service is tailored to enhance your appearance while supporting your overall dental health. In this blog, we explore some of the most popular services available today, how they work, and what you can expect from each one.
Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and other discoloration from your teeth to bring them back to their natural whiteness. Teeth discoloration can come from multiple sources such as eating dark-colored foods or tobacco use. Teeth whitening works by using specific whitening agents, like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to remove the stains on your teeth without harming your gums or enamel.
You have several options when deciding on treatment; you can use a box kit with strips at home, or you can visit a dental practitioner. Using a home kit is cheaper, but is less successful with more severe discoloration. You could use a combination of in-office whitening for your first whitening and then home kits for further whitening over time. If you visit a dentist the process will start with a consultation where your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if whitening is necessary. If it is, they will apply a specialized liquid to your teeth, and once applied they will activate the liquid with high-powered lighting technology to accelerate the results.
Another way to maintain your confidence, if you need to, is through veneers.
Veneers are shells, often made of porcelain or composite materials, that are placed over damaged teeth to protect them and give you a full smile.
Veneers are used to treat:
Veneers work well as they are more plaque-resistant than ordinary teeth, meaning they are less susceptible to discoloration and damage over time. Some dentists can even create custom-made veneers that match the shape of the rest of your smile, giving you the perfect smile for you.
The process for getting veneers first involves a consultation, if they determine veneers are appropriate then they will start by reducing the surface area of your tooth to create a comfortable fit for the shell, which is then placed over the tooth. Veneers do need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years, depending on the materials used to make them and how well you take care of your teeth. However, they are not used to replace missing teeth, if you have a missing tooth, then a good option may be dental implants.
A dental implant is a replicated tooth made of titanium or gold alloy. They are used to replace missing teeth and use an artificial root that is embedded into your jawbone, which will over time fuse and stay in place. Dental implants are a powerful dental cosmetic service to address missing teeth. Implants are a relatively non-invasive procedure since it does not interfere with the neighboring teeth like a bridge would, in addition, they are long-lasting and more durable than natural teeth.
After your consultation to determine if you need a dental implant, your dental service provider will first remove the damaged tooth, if it is still there. Next, the dentist may, if necessary, prepare your jawbone through a process called grafting. After that they will place the screw and allow the jaw to heal before placing the abutment and finally the artificial tooth. The process can take several months based on how long it takes for your jaw to heal after the screw is inserted, but once it is done, you will have a complete smile you can be confident in.
Orthodontics are dental cosmetic services that straighten your teeth over time. Common examples of orthodontics include braces and Invisalign. Braces involve gluing metal brackets to the front of each tooth and threading metal wires through the brackets. This causes your teeth to shift slowly over time into the desired position. Invisalign involves 3D mapping your teeth and jaw, then creating clear mouthguards called aligners that shift your teeth as you wear them.
Orthodontics can be used for issues such as:
Braces work best for more severe orthodontic issues while Invisalign works best for milder issues. Invisalign also has the benefit of being removable which means you can eat whatever you want without issue, you just have to make sure you brush your teeth after each meal before you reinsert them. With Invisalign you also need to make sure you wear your aligners for 95% of the day.
Choosing the right dental cosmetic services starts with a conversation. Every smile is unique, and the best results come from a personalized approach that prioritizes both your oral health and your aesthetic goals.
At Eriks Dental Group, we’re passionate about helping you achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve. Our team is experienced in a range of cosmetic dentistry options and is here to guide you every step of the way—from consultation to care.
Call us today at 954-463-5051 or schedule a consultation online to start your journey toward a brighter, more confident smile.
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