More than one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile. People associate a healthy, beautiful smile with a better social life, a better love life, and even success.

It makes sense that people would want to correct flaws in their smile to create a better self-image and confidence so they don’t have to hold back and can freely smile, laugh, and speak in public. Cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Asheville can help make this possible.

Cosmetic dentistry includes a number of dental procedures specifically designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. For people who want to change the color, shape, or alignment of their teeth, cosmetic dentistry offers something for everyone.

While more focused on your appearance, cosmetic dentistry can also help restore your smile’s health and function, and so these procedures may overlap with some that would traditionally be considered restorative dentistry.

Who qualifies for cosmetic dentistry? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the available procedures and your candidacy for each.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that can remove stains in your smile and leave you with flawless white teeth. People not only associate whiter teeth with youth, but with health and cleanliness as well.

Anyone who wants whiter teeth is a potential candidate for teeth whitening. However, it’s important to note that if you have tooth decay or gum disease, you’ll need to get these underlying health issues treated before moving forward with your whitening procedure.

People who have sensitive teeth are still candidates for teeth whitening procedures, although your Asheville dentist may take extra precautions to ensure any sensitivity you experience in the hours following your procedure is kept to a minimum, such as by applying a fluoride treatment to your teeth.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry that consists of a durable yet lightweight shell that’s placed over your natural teeth. Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain ceramic, which is highly stain resistant and strong.

Your natural teeth will require a bit of preparation work, but for patients who qualify for veneers, the treatment can be transformative and cost-effective.

Patients who qualify for dental veneers may have one, several, or all of the following dental concerns:

• Deeply stained teeth that don’t respond to a professional teeth whitening
• Teeth that have numerous chips and cracks
• Crooked teeth
• Teeth that are pointy or otherwise oddly-shaped
• Smiles that have severe dental fluorosis

People who have numerous issues with their smile may want to consider dental veneers to correct all their issues at once. Veneers are considered an irreversible form of treatment, so it’s important to be sure you’re making the best choice when opting for dental veneers!

Dental Implants

While also a form of restorative dentistry, dental implants also play a crucial role in the appearance of your smile.

While partial dentures and bridges can help fill in the gap left by a missing tooth, many patients find that dental implants are a more functional, secure option and one that looks just like your natural teeth.

A dental implant is a post made of ceramic or titanium that’s surgically implanted into your jaw and allowed to heal, which will function as an artificial tooth root. Once the post is healed, a dental crown that’s made specifically to match your natural teeth will be placed on the end, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile like normal.

Patients who qualify for dental implants are those that have enough remaining bone in their jaw following a missing tooth; otherwise, the implant post won’t be properly supported.

People who are missing natural teeth may experience bone reabsorption, meaning the jaw bone is no longer being stimulated by the missing tooth’s roots and so the body no longer sees a need for it.

Dental X-rays with your Asheville dentist can tell if you’re a candidate for dental implants. However, even if you don’t qualify for dental implants, don’t fret you may have the option of doing a bone graft to support a regular dental implant, or you may qualify for mini dental implants instead, which are typically used for front teeth instead of molars.

Dental Crowns

While most patients will qualify for a dental crown, a dental crown isn’t always appropriate for every given situation.

Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain ceramic and are extremely durable. People who have teeth that have undergone root canal therapy  or a dental implant procedure will have their tooth fitted with a dental crown.

When else would someone qualify for a dental crown?

• When a tooth has extensive decay that can’t be fixed with a filling alone
• For teeth that have been cracked and need extra protection
• People who opt for dental bridges will receive dental crowns as part of the reconstruction
• For teeth that are irreversibly discolored
• To restore teeth that have a compromised structure due to numerous dental procedures

Dental crowns are designed to protect teeth and restore your appearance, but are also considered a permanent form of treatment. Your dentist can suggest the appropriate use of dental crowns for your unique smile!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is when your Asheville dentist uses composite resin a tooth-colored material that’s also used for modern fillings to correct minor issues with your smile.

Dental bonding has many uses, including for smiles that have been chipped, cracked, or discolored. Dental bonding can even help fill in gaps between teeth.

People who qualify for dental bonding will be those experiencing the above issues with their smile. Dental bonding can help a single discolored tooth, and is a minimally-invasive treatment can play an instrumental role in restoring a smile’s appearance.

Almost everyone will qualify for dental bonding, although you’ll need to have this procedure completed every few years to maintain your appearance.

Schedule a Consultation with Us!

At Saunders DDS, we know the importance of a smile goes beyond its function. People want to feel secure about their teeth in regards to more than just their health.

If you’re located in the Asheville area, give us a call to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services or to schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Saunders is experienced in helping patients of all ages have the smile they’ve always wanted.

Why wait for your dream smile? Call us at (828) 277-6060 or click here to make an appointment!