What You Can Do With Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth are one of the first things people notice in business and social situations. If your smile could use a little work, it's hard not to feel a little self-conscious whether you're at a business meeting or out on the town. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry treatments offer an easy way to improve your smile. Dr. Joseph DuRoss, your Long Beach, CA dentist, shares information about a few common cosmetic treatments.

Teeth whitening

White teeth not only look better, but can also make you appear a few years younger. Over-the-counter whitening kits may lighten your smile, but you'll have to use the products for weeks to notice a difference. When you want a whiter smile without the wait, it pays to visit your dentist. He uses professional-strength whitening agents that are stronger than those you'll find drugstore kits. Whitening will only take about an hour, and best of all, you'll enjoy whiter teeth for several years.

Veneers

Veneers hide minor issues that make you want to stop smiling. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are attached to the fronts of your teeth only. They're an excellent choice if you want to conceal a discolored tooth, hide a crack or chip, or cover small spaces between teeth. Veneers also offer an excellent option if you're looking for a more long-lasting way to whiten your teeth.

Crowns

Do you have one tooth that looks like it doesn't belong in your mouth? Maybe it's extremely pointy or noticeably crooked, or perhaps it's just a little too short. Crowns are the perfect answer to your problem. These dental restorations encase your teeth completely and provide coverage on all four sides.

Bridges

A missing tooth not only affects your appearance, but also makes it hard to chew. Bridges replace missing teeth by suspending an artificial tooth or two between two crowns.

Dental implants

After you lose a tooth, you might wish you could just pop a new tooth in that empty socket. Thanks to dental technology, you can. Implants replace your tooth roots and fuse to your jawbone. The transformation is complete when your dentist adds a crown to the top of the implant.

Cosmetic dentistry can change your smile and your life. Call Dr. Joseph DuRoss, your Long Beach, CA dentist at (562) 424-8537 to schedule an appointment to learn which cosmetic procedure is right for your dental issue.