Dental Cosmetics Federal Way, WA
Dental cosmetics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence. There is a wide range of dental cosmetics procedures to help people smile with confidence.
It is important to consult a cosmetic dentist to learn more about the available treatments and services. Dental cosmetics are available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental cosmetics can improve your smile.
Cosmetic vs. General Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry as it aims to improve people's appearance rather than bettering oral health. There are various dental cosmetic procedures people may choose from depending on their wants and needs. Whitening procedures help with stained or discolored teeth. Some possible whitening services are chemical whitening, veneers, bonding, or cosmetic crown placement. The right whitening option often depends on the reason for the staining. For example, a tooth with a dead root may have a grey tinge and appear darker than the surrounding teeth. Whitening may not fix this, as the discoloration is on the inside. In this case, a better option may be a veneer or a crown.
Other cosmetic procedures aim to create a more even, pleasing tooth shape. Services can include placing a crown over a misshapen tooth, enamel shaping, or orthodontic treatment. In some cases, these cosmetic procedures can also improve the patient's oral health. Some distorted teeth configurations, while aesthetically bothersome, can also negatively affect the health of the teeth and jawbone.
“Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry as it aims to improve people’s appearance rather than bettering oral health.”
Dental Cosmetics Restorative Options
Many cosmetic procedures are considered restorative as well. Restorative procedures replace damaged or missing teeth and are more aimed at improving function and oral health. These options aim to return a smile to its former form and function and prevent future oral problems. Some popular restorative procedures that also improve teeth cosmetically are:
- Bonding: This procedure involves using tooth-colored resin to repair a damaged tooth. Bonding corrects decayed, damaged, or misshapen teeth. It provides cosmetic and functional restoration for minor damage.
- Crowns: These tooth-shaped caps fit over a damaged tooth. They imitate the size, shape, strength, and appearance of natural teeth. Crowns can also cover implants or anchors for bridges.
- Implants: An implant replaces the root of a tooth. It may hold a crown or dentures in place. Dental implants are a permanent and robust replacement for missing teeth.
“Cosmetic dentists can perform procedures that serve restorative as well as aesthetic purposes.”
Exclusively Cosmetic Procedures
Other dental cosmetic procedures serve purely cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles. Some common purely cosmetic procedures include:
- Enamel Shaping: A cosmetic dentist can shape the enamel to improve its appearance. People with crooked, overlapping, irregular, or damaged teeth will often get enamel shaping. Patients will commonly combine enamel shaping with other treatments like bonding.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth become stained over time from consuming foods and drinks, smoking, or taking certain medications. People can choose between getting teeth whitening under the supervision of a dental professional or at home using less effective over-the-counter products. Some professional teeth whitening options are tray-based tooth whiteners and in-office bleaching.
- Veneers: When getting a veneer, a patient will have a small amount of enamel shaved down to improve the tooth’s appearance. A wafer-thin ceramic shell replaces the shaved enamel. A bonding material then attaches the ceramic shell to the tooth and allows normal tooth function.
“Cosmetic dentistry continues to empower people to improve their smiles.”
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The Benefits of Dental Cosmetics
Many people yearn for a more attractive smile. Correcting damaged teeth, bite straightening, and teeth whitening are a few of the many solutions people can use to improve their smile. These treatments can give people the confidence they need to smile bigger and more often. A 2017 study found that various dental disorders like malocclusion, anterior traumatic tooth, tooth loss, and untreated decay profoundly affected adolescents' appearance and psychosocial behavior, thus affecting their self-esteem. Dental cosmetics may have positive psychological effects, as some patients have reported improved self-esteem after receiving treatment.
Dental cosmetics can have other benefits by offering solutions to improve a patient's aesthetic appearance. Some procedures can fix aesthetic issues like crooked, damaged, or diseased teeth. In some cases, dental cosmetics can also improve facial appearance and structure. Although the primary focus of dental cosmetics is improving appearance, specific procedures can also improve health and function. For example, implants are a common way to address the difficulties of missing teeth. Bonding and crowns can fix the appearance of a chipped tooth and alleviate the resulting discomfort.
“Dental cosmetics can have other benefits by offering solutions to improve a patient’s aesthetic appearance.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can cosmetic dentistry restore teeth?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. What are the benefits of dental cosmetics?
Q. What differentiates cosmetic dentistry is from general dentistry?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Q. What is a health savings account?
Q. How can I find out if my employer's plan covers dental treatments?
Q. What home care routine should I follow?
Q. What should I look for in choosing the right dental practice?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who can benefit from dental cosmetics?
A. Anyone who is not happy with their smile can benefit from dental cosmetics. People experiencing problems with their teeth or gums may need to get treatment first. Patients should discuss their goals with a dentist to determine which procedure is right for their particular situation.
Q. When do insurance companies cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. People sometimes assume insurance will not cover a cosmetic procedure. However, this may not be true if the dentist identifies a health-based necessity. Patients should speak with their insurance provider and cosmetic dentist to clarify coverage for a particular procedure.
Q. How long will my teeth stay white after whitening treatment?
A. Teeth bleaching is a popular type of cosmetic dentistry. Most chemical whitening processes help teeth stay white between one and two years. Eating and drinking certain foods and drinks that result in staining can shorten this period.
Q. Is there any reason to get cosmetic dentistry for healthy teeth?
A. Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth can gain a lot from dental cosmetics. A person with healthy teeth can still have poor health in terms of self-confidence. In these cases, cosmetic dentistry may improve a patient's confidence and self-esteem.
Q. How long does it take to get dental implants?
A. Most patients will need at least two appointments that are four to six months apart to complete their dental implant. In some cases, a cosmetic dentist may be able to do everything in one appointment. In other cases, a patient will need additional visits to complete the dental implant placement.
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Dental Terminology
Schedule an Appointment
If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, dental cosmetics may be for you. Our team is here to help you love your smile. Call (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment at Smile Center Dental Care.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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