If our dentist has recommended cosmetic dentistry, chances are good that this care can improve your smile’s appearance or restore missing or damaged teeth. At White Oak Dental LLC, various procedures, including tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening, fall under this category. In each treatment option, your cosmetic dentist will carefully examine your smile and offer one or more best treatments. For example, cosmetic contouring may be a good option if you are unhappy with the shape of your teeth. This relatively quick process involves removing small amounts of enamel from a tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth’s shape. Tooth bonding is another standard cosmetic dentistry procedure involving applying a composite resin to a tooth to conceal chips and hide other minor imperfections on a tooth’s surface.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also known as composite resin bonding, can repair minor decay or replace old metal fillings in a tooth with a tooth-colored composite material. The material used is a mixture of plastic-based and powdered glass-like materials. The material bonds to your tooth and strengthens it in the process. After applying the material to the tooth, your dentist will shape the material into the desired shape and polish the bonded area to ensure the tooth's surface is smooth and free from jagged edges.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials to cover the front side of teeth. They are typically made of porcelain or resin composite materials and are used to improve the appearance of many cosmetic flaws, including chips, discolorations, minor misalignment, and more. During the initial visit, the teeth are prepared by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. An impression is taken of the prepared teeth, which our dental lab will use to craft your veneers. During a second visit, the new custom veneers are placed securely using bonding cement to bond them to the tooth’s surface. Our dentists will work with you to ensure your new smile is attractive, functional, and long-lasting.
SureSmile® Aligner
A SureSmile aligner is a removable orthodontic appliance that uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are created using 3D imaging of your mouth to ensure optimal comfort and results. SureSmile can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in a comfortable and convenient method.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are two main methods of teeth whitening. One is an in-office treatment where the dentist applies prescription-strength bleaching gel to the teeth for a certain period. The other method is wearing a custom mouth tray at home, and whitening the teeth with bleach-based gels, purchased from a dentist or over-the-counter. Some patients will experience discomfort from wearing the mouth trays for the required time. In-office treatments are faster and provide results much more quickly than home kits.
Recent advances in cosmetic dentistry have made cosmetic treatments more comfortable, efficient, and affordable. Patients looking for ways to achieve a whiter, healthier smile should consider the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. For the best dental care, visit White Oak Dental LLC at 11247 Lockwood Dr. Suite A, Silver Spring, MD 20901, or call (301) 681-6306
