Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the aesthetics of the teeth. Cosmetic dental treatments can be used to improve the color, size, shape, alignment, and spacing of the teeth, as well as to repair damage. Cosmetic dental restorations are also fabricated out of high quality dental materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth while also providing strength and durability. There are different cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, composite veneers, dental bonding and smile makeovers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom made, thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your natural tooth, providing both function and aesthetics for years. Porcelain veneers are often made from ceramic material that is baked at high temperatures in a laboratory to form a custom, smooth shell that can be bonded to your teeth. The porcelain used by a dentist is of the highest quality, and is capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear while also resisting staining from foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine or smoking. Their custom design, however, means they look like your natural teeth. With normal oral hygiene, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Candidates: porcelain veneers work well for covering healthy teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, crooked, oddly shaped, unevenly sized, or improperly spaced.
The Procedure: Dr. Farahi will first need to prepare the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel so that the veneer can fit properly. Then a dental impression is taken and set to a dental lab so they can fabricate your veneers. Once the veneers have been completed, a second appointment is needed to permanently bond them to the surface of your teeth.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers use resin to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Composite veneer treatment takes only one visit and usually requires little to no preparation, since the resin veneer can be fabricated entirely in the mouth. The composite material is bonded to the surface of your teeth, allowing it to perfectly mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. While composite veneers can be used similarly to porcelain veneers, they are not as strong and work better for minor corrections.
Candidates: Composite veneers are a good option for people suffering from minor dental damage such as small chips in their teeth. They can also be used on teeth with mild discoloration or misalignment problems.
The Procedure: Once Dr. Farahi prepares the surface of your teeth, the resin material will be bonded to the front side of your teeth. Composite veneers only require minimal preparation and Dr. Farahi may or may not need to remove any enamel.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a process that uses composite resin to cover the tooth enamel. This procedure can be used to repair broken or cracked teeth, hide minor discolorations, close gaps between your teeth, and reshape certain parts of your teeth that are uneven.
Candidates: Dental bonding can be used to treat damage from cracks, chips, discoloration, and even minor misalignment problems.
The Procedure: Composite resin is applied to the treatment area and cured (hardened) by a special light. After the material is hardened and shaped, it can be polished to form an even surface that blends in with your natural teeth.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover is designed to give you a completely new look by improving the appearance of your teeth and, in some cases, gums. This procedure often involves multiple treatments that address a range of cosmetic concerns to enhance the appearance of your teeth.
Candidates: Smile makeovers are best suited for people who have healthy, but imperfect teeth.
The Procedure: Dr. Farahi will select various cosmetic dental procedures based on your oral health, aesthetic needs, and budget.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an effective way to lighten the color of your teeth, which can help brighten your smile. Professional whitening solutions contain higher amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down stains caused by colored pigments in foods and beverages, as well as stains caused by smoking or poor oral hygiene.
Candidates: The majority of adults are candidates for teeth whitening treatments. However, if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or current tooth decay, you may not be able to undergo teeth whitening procedures.
The Procedure: There are two main types of teeth whitening treatments: in-office and at-home.
- In-office treatments, also known as chairside whitening, use a stronger bleaching agent and can provide dramatic results in as little as an hour.
- At-home treatments use a lower concentration of bleaching agent and take longer to achieve results, but they are more affordable and can be completed in the comfort of your home. At-home treatments may also be used to maintain whitening results obtained during chairside treatments.
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the McLean Virginia area who can help with all your cosmetic dental needs, contact us today at SmileMcLean Dentistry. Dr. Frederick F. Farahi has years of experience working to deliver excellent results that will leave you feeling confident about your smile.