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Cosmetic dentistry is a dental service focused on improving the appearance of your smile. This type of dentistry includes numerous dental treatments. Since cosmetic dentistry treatments vary in cost and complexity, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist to determine which ones would be most appropriate for your dental health needs.

Some of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry include:

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because it can greatly improve the appearance of your smile. Tooth discoloration may be the result of any number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain medications, or tobacco use. Fortunately, teeth whitening can reverse this damage by removing unsightly stains.

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over your teeth to improve their appearance. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because they offer a natural look for teeth that are stained, chipped, misaligned, or uneven. Veneers are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, so they aren’t removable.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry treatments. A dental crown is a restoration that can completely cover a tooth. Dental crowns can be made from different materials, including gold, porcelain, or resin. Dental crowns can be customized to complement the existing teeth, providing a natural, beautiful look.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is bonded permanently between two dental crowns and uses the surrounding healthy teeth as anchors. It is custom created to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. A titanium post is surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once healed, the implant acts as the root of an artificial tooth. The artificial tooth is anchored to the post using a small connector called an abutment.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You?

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t for everyone. It’s best suited for patients who want to improve their smile appearance. With cosmetic dentistry, you can address imperfections such as stained teeth, cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, misalignment, and crookedness. Many patients choose cosmetic dentistry for a smile makeover, but in some instances, it’s used to address dental damage.

Your dentist can help you determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for you, but the following list may give you an idea:

• Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth
• Patients who want to improve their confidence
• Patients who have dental damage such as cracked or broken teeth
• Patients who want to improve their smile’s overall appearance

Rivermark Dental at Santa Clara is happy to educate and provide exceptional dental treatments to the community. Please schedule an appointment online or call us at 408-988-7788 to have a consultation with our dentist, and we will be happy to assist you further.