While most people understand what general dentistry is, many are unaware of or don’t realize that cosmetic dentistry exists, or what it can do to improve their smile. Here’s a closer look at this elective branch of oral health care, and how it can give you the gorgeous, glowing grin you’ve always wanted!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is an elective branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile. Although many treatments offer oral health benefits, they are designed to help increase your self-esteem and confidence by making your teeth and gums look more pleasing to the eye rather than protecting or restoring them.

What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

Cosmetic dentistry can fix a variety of common dental problems, including the shape, size, spacing, and color of your teeth. The treatments range from instant procedures like cosmetic bonding (which can be done in under an hour) to more involved procedures that require several visits or months to complete like Invisalign, depending on the procedure.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Does My Dentist Offer?

Your dentist offers a variety of different cosmetic dentistry treatments, each designed to achieve a variety of smile goals. Here’s a closer look at a few popular options:

Invisalign

Do you have crooked teeth that make you want to hide your teeth when you smile? Have you thought about getting braces but don’t want to draw any more attention to your mouth than necessary? Invisalign could be the answer. These clear trays fit over your teeth to discreetly move them into a better alignment without the need for wires and brackets. Invisalign is widely considered more comfortable than traditional braces and can even be done in less time than other methods!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom made to fit over your existing teeth and change their shape, size, spacing, and shade instantly. This treatment can be completed in about 2 appointments, and with proper care you can enjoy your beautiful results for 15+ years.

Metal-Free Restorations

Metal-free restorations like dental crowns and fillings can replace older amalgam restorations that create unsightly dark spots when you open your mouth to eat, speak, or laugh. Natural-colored composite resin restorations can be completely color matched to your teeth, so they not only provide excellent protection, but also blend in seamlessly to your arches, so nobody must know you’ve ever had dental work!

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding uses the same durable, lifelike composite resin as tooth-colored fillings to rebuild teeth with small chips or deep discoloration. This treatment can be done in under an hour, providing beautiful, natural-looking results that are fully functional and can last up to five or more years with proper care.

Remember, while general dentistry is the go-to for protecting your teeth and gums from a variety of dangerous oral health problems, cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your smile, so you have the gorgeous, glowing grin you’ve always dreamed of!

About Dr. Vanderbrook

Dr. Drew Vanderbrook earned his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry.  In 2018, he earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is the proud recipient of the 2015 New Dentist of the Year award by the Dallas County Dental Society. He currently serves the Board of Directors for the Texas Dental Association and is a proud member of the Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association among many others. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Vanderbrook Family Dentistry, visit our website or call 214-821-5200.