We often hear that a good smile is the first feature people notice when meeting someone new. A great smile can make you look younger, healthier and happier!  If you want to get noticed and look your best, start with making your mouth look its best too.  Daily brushing and flossing are a great first step, but they don’t fight the natural aging of our teeth and mouth. Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of treatments that will brighten your smile and repair imperfections that keep you from looking your best.

You probably wouldn’t consider a dental professional when looking for methods to fight aging. You might visit a dermatologist to improve the look of your skin. Or make a trip to the hair salon to brighten your locks. But your teeth can show signs of aging too. Cosmetic Dentistry is geared towards improving the look of your mouth, smile and teeth. Treatments such as veneers, implants and overlays not only improve the look of your smile but make you look younger too. Read on to learn more about these and other great cosmetic treatments available from your dental professional.

Teeth Whitening – Over time your teeth can become stained and discoloured. Tobacco use is one of the major causes of yellowed teeth. The consumption of food and beverages such as wine, coffee and tea can also leave your teeth a dull shade. Teeth whitening is one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry. Sometimes called bleaching, teeth whitening should be done after a good professional cleaning.

Composite Bonding – Your dentist can sometimes repair chipped, broken or discoloured teeth with composite bonding. A composite material that looks like tooth enamel is applied to the tooth and sculpted into shape.

Implants – If you’ve lost an adult tooth, it can leave a large unsightly gap in your mouth. Dental implants are often used to replace a missing tooth. To attach a dental implant, a small titanium screw is fixed to the jaw, which acts as the base of the tooth. Once the surrounding tissue has fused to the implant, they are permanently in place.

Braces – Braces have been used for centuries to straighten teeth and improve other dental conditions. But they are often regarded as an unattractive solution until they are removed. Stoney Creek Invisalign is a popular new alternative to metal braces. These clear braces are comprised of custom made aligners that fit tightly over your teeth. The clear aligners are updated frequently and work by shifting the teeth slightly until they are in the desired position.

Dental Veneers – Dental veneers can improve a number of dental issues such as cracked or chipped enamel and severe discolouration that can’t be improved with tooth whitening. They can also be used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth or large gaps between teeth. The veneers can be made from medical-grade ceramic, or composite or porcelain laminates. They are specifically made for each patient in order to look as close to their natural teeth as possible.

Inlays and Onlays – Often referred to as as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are used on teeth with moderate decay or when there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling. An inlay is set directly on the surface of the tooth and can be applied when most of the tooth is intact. An onlay is used instead to cover the tooth’s entire surface when not enough of the tooth remains to support a filling on an inlay.

All of these methods can help you achieve a healthy, bright smile that defies aging. Be sure to look for a cosmetic dentist who specializes in the treatment you’re considering, and discuss all your options before moving forward.