People often think of the dentist as a way to eliminate cavities, but they can do so much more. For instance, a Cosmetic Dentist in Toms River NJ can clear up a stained smile or cover up crooked or misshapen teeth. Of course, the methods they use will vary because every mouth is a little different and the effectiveness of each procedure can depend on the circumstances.
The most common procedure performed by a Cosmetic Dentist in Toms River NJ is dental whitening. This is a simple process where the dentist places a carbamide peroxide solution over the teeth. Once this paste or gel is in place, the dentist will introduce a bit of water to activate a chemical process. Water causes the peroxide solution to change into hydrogen peroxide and this is what allows the solution to remove stains.
Sometimes, the stains are too difficult to remove completely. This could be due to them existing for too long or the result of certain foods such as strong teas or other beverages that seep beneath the enamel. In this situation, the dentist may suggest the use of a veneer. Veneers are simply a very fine layer of material placed over one of lesser quality. In the case of dental veneers, the finer material is a porcelain shell. Porcelain is preferred because it is strong and durable. A perfect combination for the abuse that occurs from biting and chewing foods.
Veneers may also be used to cover other problems such as slightly misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, and misshapen teeth. One thing to remember about a veneer is that it is not a repair. That is, the veneer is simply a cosmetic solution because it fits over the front or visible portion of the teeth. If the teeth need a repair that covers things completely, then the dentist may recommend a crown.
There is one dental procedure that is both a cosmetic repair and a solution for certain problems. This is the use of an implant. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and can help restore a smile. An implant can also be used to anchor a bridge if multiple teeth are missing. This is often necessary to keep teeth from shifting, which results in a crooked smile. Visit the experts at Atlantic Dental to learn more about improving the smile or keeping it looking great.
