Sometimes it seems that people are obsessed with their smile, but the truth is that a great smile can dramatically improve one’s life. However, getting a beautiful smile may require some effort and the skills of a Cosmetic Dentist in Annapolis. Cosmetic dentistry includes some procedures that improve the appearance of the teeth such as dental whitening, bonding, shaping and the placement of veneers. The procedure that a patient requires will often depend on the condition of their teeth and any dental problems they have.The most common cosmetic procedure is the whitening process. The actual procedure takes about a half hour with the final results becoming visible in about 5 to 7 days. Whitening the teeth is a simple task that requires the application of a paste or gel made with carbamide peroxide. This is a gentle form of peroxide that has a chemical reaction with water. Once the dentist introduces water into the mouth, the carbamide turns into hydrogen peroxide. The chemical change is what powers the peroxide and removes deep set stains.
Another common procedure performed by a Cosmetic Dentist in Annapolis is the application of veneers. Dental veneers are a thin, porcelain shell and are custom designed to cover the front teeth. A veneer can hide a lot of problems such as misshapen teeth, crooked teeth, and severe stains. However, a veneer is not an actual repair because it simply fits over the visible portion of the teeth and is held in place with dental adhesive. If teeth are missing or damaged, then the dentist may need to perform other procedures instead of or along with the veneer placement.
Other procedures such as shaping or bonding are done for specific problems. For example, placing a bonding material on a tooth is typically done to repair small chips and breaks. Once the bonded material has cured, the dentist will shape it to fit properly. Shaping over-sized teeth is one of those procedures that is only done when a small amount of work is required. This is mostly because filing a tooth removes the enamel and this leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay. In cases of severe size concerns, the dentist may recommend removing the tooth and using an implant. This is an artificial anchor and crown that replaces the original tooth. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry from the professionals at Annapolis Dental Associates.
