Cosmetic Dentistry

Everyone wants a bright white smile that can make them feel good. When you do not feel good about your smile, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. Usually, this may occur if your teeth are chipped, stained, misshapen, discolored, misaligned, and more. However, through cosmetic dentistry, the perfect smile may be achieved at the hands of professional dentists. There are many different types of dental procedures under cosmetic dentistry that may be utilized in order to create an excellent smile for anyone. No matter what phase in your life you may be in, you may be able to undergo cosmetic procedures in order to create that beautiful smile and build your self-esteem.

At Ganji Dental, our staff is experienced in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Located in the Hawthorne area, we utilize modern technological techniques to ensure cosmetic procedures that are affordable for anyone and as painless as possible. Cosmetic dentistry is different from more conventional dentistry in that is focuses more on the appearance of your smile, and there are a variety of procedures within this field. Whether it be a smile makeover, dental veneers, or a tooth replacement, we can help you. No matter what you need or what the state of your teeth are, we are ready and able to help you achieve your ideal smile. By visiting our dental offices, our staff can discuss with you about your vision for your smile and your options. We want to help you fix any imperfections you may have. With us, you can be sure that you will get excellent results and feel good about your smile. Getting a perfect smile is easier than you think.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella title for a variety of procedures that seek to help enhance the appearance of your smile. Also, these procedures can range from simple treatments or more surgical procedures—it all comes down to what you want and what it necessary. When deciding on what procedures are necessary for your smile, a dentist may look at the state of your oral health. Every smile is unique; thus, each smile will require certain procedures over others. A professional dentist will cover this information during your visit.

This is different from more conventional dentistry that focuses more on your oral hygiene and on treating various oral diseases. Cosmetic dentistry will focus on the appearance of your smile and will provide restorative treatments. Each cosmetic dental procedure is utilized to fulfill specific purposes and provide specific treatments for certain cases. Common cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Teeth whitening
• Smile makeover
• Veneers
• Dental Bonding
• Dental Bridge
• Dental Crowns
• Dental implants
• Dentures
• Tooth replacement
• Gap-tooth replacement

Again, every smile is unique. Finding the right dental procedure for you and your smile will be determined through discussions with your dentist. Ultimately, it may come down to your vision and what your dentist feels is necessary for your teeth. Below, we will go over some details about these common procedures and what they entail.

Teeth Whitening

One popular cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening. As its title suggests, this procedure focuses on whitening your teeth through a bleaching process. This is a simple procedure that produces quick and noticeable results for most patients. Often, this procedure is utilized when your teeth have become stained from food, drinks, smoking, poor dental hygiene, and more natural reasons.

Even though there are teeth whitening products that can be found at any local store, a professional teeth whitening procedure will provide more consistent and noticeable results. Usually, this is a concentrated procedure that involves the use of heat and light which will react with certain substances. With this, discoloration and stains will be removed from your teeth.

Usually, teeth whitening treatments will only require a single visit to the dentist, and it can be quickly done. However, depending on the severity of the stains and discoloration, you may have to make multiple visits for treatment. Yet, it must be noted that teeth whitening is not permanent. Your teeth can always become stained or discolored again by eating and drinking certain foods as well as having poor oral hygiene.

Veneers

Another type of cosmetic dental procedure may include the use of dental veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, or resin composite, that may be bonded to teeth. This is done to cover up any imperfections and greatly enhance the appearance of your teeth. Veneers may be used to fix discoloration, chips, gaps, and cracks. More than this, veneers may be suggested to fix discoloration and stained teeth if regular teeth whitening proves to be not so successful. Not only may veneers provide enhanced appearances, but they may also add extra strength to your teeth.

Common reasons for receiving veneers may include tooth discoloration due to staining, chips and, cracks on teeth, uneven or misaligned teeth, and gap teeth. Veneers are meant to provide visible corrections to your teeth.

There are specific options when it comes to veneers. The type of veneer may be determined by your specific case and on the affordability. Usually, veneers can last for many years and may continue to provide an enhance appearance for as long as they last.

Similarly, to teeth whitening, adding veneers is a simple procedure that can be done within a single visit. Just from this simple procedure, you may see lasting results that can significantly change the appearance of your smile.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, or composite bonding, can provide corrections to decayed teeth, chipped teeth, broken teeth, or discolored teeth. Bonding can both repair and improve the appearance of these imperfections. Within this procedure, a dental composite of enamel and dentin may be applied into a cavity area or onto the surface of the tooth itself. Once this is put into place, it will be sculpted to fit the shape of the tooth, contoured to provide an enhanced appearance, and hardened into place through the use of intense light. Bonding is meant to provide restorative results that look natural and blend into your tooth’s surrounding structure.

This procedure is very similar to other procedures such as dental crowns and veneers. However, bonding does have certain benefits of its own. This is probably one of the simplest procedures to undertake and one of the quickest. Thus, providing a more affordable and fast option that will enhance the appearance of your smile. Bonding can also help in cases where your gum has receded and revealed the root of the tooth. Lastly, bonding is an option that does not remove as much enamel as others; thus, retaining more of the tooth’s natural structure.

However, it should be known that bonding does not last as long as other procedures and it may necessitate more upkeep. Also, bonding treatments may be chipped in the future that might need to be fixed. Even though bonding might help with discoloration and stains, it can still be stained in the future. Just like with normal teeth, you still have to maintain good oral hygiene practices even with bonding. When thinking about dental bonding, it is important to take into consideration these advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist can help in determining whether or not this option is best for your situation.

Dental Bridge

If you have a gap between your teeth, then a dental bridge may be the cosmetic dental procedure for you. As its name suggests, this procedure involves the bridging of a gap within your teeth. This procedure may even be utilized if you are missing any teeth. Not only can this procedure enhance the appearance of your smile, but it may also restore functionality to your mouth and teeth.

A dental bridge procedure involves the use of fake teeth, or otherwise known as “pontics.” These fake teeth are placed between two of your natural teeth for added strength and support. Besides being affixed to your natural teeth, these fake teeth may even be attached directly to your jaw with a strong adhesive depending on your case. Dental bridges may also be added alongside dental implants. This may be indicated as implant-supported bridges. Of course, everyone’s case is unique and the details of a dental bridge may change depending on your oral health and on the dentist’s recommendation.

The dental bridge procedure is somewhat more complex and requires more than a single visit to the dentist. In order to create accurate renderings of the fake teeth within the structure of your mouth, an impression may be made in order to shape and mold the fake teeth. During this phase, you may receive a temporary bridge. Typically, on the next visit, the bridge will be placed in your mouth and cemented into its proper place. From this point on, the bridge may last up to 20 years with proper oral hygiene. This is a durable and natural looking solution to imperfections that may arise due to gaps and missing teeth.

Dental Crowns

Another common cosmetic dental procedure is the insertion of dental crowns. Usually, crowns are used to replace the upper part of the tooth that may have been damaged or have decayed due to certain complications. Often times, crowns are inserted after a root canal procedure in order to restore your teeth to its natural shape and appearance.

Dental crowns have many possible uses. They may be used to cover up and support a dental filling in cases in which there is not enough of the natural tooth left to support. Also, a dental crown may be inserted in order to protect a weakened tooth from possible chipping, breakage, or any other form of damage. They may also be used to attach a dental bridge within your mouth. Dental crowns may be used to restore a broken or damaged tooth. They may even be used to cover a dental implant. Lastly, a dental crown may be used to cover up a root canal since much of the natural tooth may be lost within this type of procedure.

Usually, crowns are made with porcelain which provides a more natural appearance since it matches the appearance of a real tooth, and it is a more durable material. With this type of procedure, an impression of your teeth will be made on your first visit in order to construct a fitting and natural shape for the crown. On the next visit, the crown will be placed on the upper part of the affected tooth.

Dental Implants

If you have lost a tooth, dental implants may be used in order to provide corrective treatments. Implants may even be used if you have a broken tooth that cannot be removed. For this procedure, an artificial tooth root replacement. Not only can dental implants fill in for missing teeth, but they can provide corrective treatment for any changes and shifts that may have occurred to your mouth’s structure.

This is a surgical procedure in which a titanium post or screw is inserted within the bone order to hold the implant in its place. After this, the implant is inserted and becomes fused with the bone; thus, acting as the root. When this is done, a crown is placed so that a tooth may be replaced. In cases in which you are receiving a dental implant for a damaged or broken tooth, the procedure may begin with the removal of the tooth. After that, you will go through the regular steps of the dental implant. The insertion of dental implants is a serious and complex surgical procedure and requires professional handling and check-ups.

Dental implants are an excellent option for any individual who has missing teeth. With implants, any deterioration or shifts of the jaw shape may be stopped or reduced. If you have lost any teeth, or if they have fallen out, then the rest of your natural teeth may be left unstable which can lead to major issues. More than this, a dental implant may restore proper function to your mouth by allowing for better chewing with a full mouth of teeth.

Dentures

If you are missing teeth, or if you are missing tissue, then dentures may be the best option for you. Dentures are complete or partial sets of teeth that are removable. With the assistance of a dentist, it will be determined on whether you need a full or partial set depending on how many teeth you are missing. Partial dentures are often used when you have some natural teeth in your mouth. Dentures can help restore your smile while also restoring your mouth’s ability to function properly.

The process of getting dentures begins with creating a mold of your mouth in order to create a set that fits perfectly and comfortably. Once this part of the process has been completed, the dentures will be fitted and you can start using them.

Dentures can be quite durable and last for a while if given the proper care. Often times, over a certain amount of time, a set of dentures may need to be realigned, rebased, or remade due to wear that comes with using them. Once you receive your dentures, you should treat them as if they were your real, natural teeth. This means they require cleaning and upkeep. This is done in order to retain the beautiful smile that they may give to you.

Tooth Replacement

Another example of a common cosmetic dental procedure is tooth replacement. As its name suggests, this procedure is meant to replace any missing teeth you may have and to restore the look of your smile. When it comes to tooth displacement, there are a couple of options to know about. These include dental implants and dental bridges. As stated before, your dentist will discuss with you what your best option is depending on your situation. You may even choose to receive dentures if you have multiple missing teeth.

Gap-Tooth Replacement

Gap-tooth replacement is another common cosmetic procedure that may be utilized in order to achieve an ideal smile. Simply, this procedure seeks to resolve issues stemming from noticeable gaps between your teeth.

Since everyone’s smile is unique, the process of resolving this issue may differ for you. However, this type of treatment may involve multiple steps. It can involve a combination of veneers, orthodontic appliances, and dental bonding. Veneers may be used in order to shape your teeth into ideal shapes so as to fill in the gaps. Also, orthodontic appliances may be used in order to shift and move your teeth into a corrective position that will get rid of the gaps. Dental bonding is similar in purpose to veneer as it seeks to mold and shape your teeth to provide a better look. Lastly, dental implants may be suggested in more severe cases where the gaps are large enough to fit another tooth in its place.

Once again, everyone’s smile is different and the process of fixing gaps within your teeth may vary depending on the circumstances and severity. You can discuss with your dentist about your available options and suggest what the best route you can take to achieve that perfect smile.

Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is not a single procedure. Instead, it is a comprehensive set of procedures meant to improve the overall appearance of your smile. As its name suggests, this type of treatment seeks to provide a complete transformation. Usually, with a smile makeover, your dentist will go through a comprehensive assessment of your smile and determine what is needed to improve the overall appearance. At the end of the assessment, the dentist may recommend multiple cosmetic procedures. This can include any of the above described, such as veneers, dental implants, dental bonding, whitening, tooth replacement, dentures, dental crowns, dental bridges, and even gingival sculpting. Also, this procedure will encompass the whole mouth, meaning that the procedures may affect multiple teeth. This is done in order to improve to overall aesthetics of your smile as well as the structure of your mouth.

Within the smile makeover, your dentist will take into consideration areas like teeth length, smile line, tooth proportions, tooth color, and tooth texture. With attention to these details, your dentist will sculpt and craft your teeth into a beautiful line.

No smile makeover is the same. Since every smile is unique and everyone may have their own issues, a smile makeover is individualized to target your specific issues. However, the end result is the same for everyone—a beautiful smile that you can feel confident about showing off.

Finding a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

If you have a less than stellar smile, then you may feel embarrassed when you smile or ashamed about your teeth. When it comes to your smile, you may lose confidence or develop low self-esteem. Yet, you do not have to live with an imperfect smile forever. With cosmetic dentistry, the perfect smile can be attained—and easily. Today, there are a variety of methods that can be utilized by dentists to shape and correct your smile. With more modern advances in technology, the ability to do so has never been easier or less painful. With cosmetic dentistry, many common issues may be fixed. This can include whitening stained teeth, replacing lost teeth, filling in gaps between teeth, and reshaping your teeth for an ideal look. Within this field, small details are just as important when it comes to your smile.

At Ganji Dental, our dentists are experienced in the field of cosmetic dentistry. We aim to provide excellent results while also maintaining a trusting relationship with our clients in the Hawthorne area. Our team can provide a wide variety of cosmetic procedures. We will always listen to you about what you want your smile to look like. If you feel embarrassed about your smile, or if you just want to fix a few details, you can contact us today. Call our Hawthorne cosmetic dentist at 310-643-8045. With a call, we can begin discussing how we can craft a beautiful smile. After all, your smile is the first impression you make—so why not make it your best?