Cosmetic dental procedures can change the way you feel about yourself. If you are confident when smiling, that confidence will carry over to other areas of your life. If there is anything that bothers you about your smile, you should consider a visit to a cosmetic dentist in Houston.
There are many options available, depending on the condition of your teeth and the reasons why you would like an enhancement. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss the reasons why you wish to undergo particular treatments and may show you various smile options, tooth shapes and smile styles. This will be done by applying a removable wax-type material to your teeth.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular treatments patients opt for. There are many reasons why you may require this treatment. Teeth can become stained because of smoking, drinking too much coffee, tea or red wine, or due to bad oral hygiene. Whitening of your teeth can be done during one office consultation.

You may also be offered a system you can use in your own time, at home. Your dentist will show you exactly how to make use of the system at home. Studies have shown that this procedure does not cause weakening or brittleness of teeth. Sensitivity to hot and cold might be experienced by some patients for a day or so.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers will help if you have not had much success with whitening your teeth. These are porcelain laminates which fit exactly over the front areas of the teeth. The veneers will completely mask all stains, yet allow some light through so that the teeth appear natural. They are fixed to the front areas of the teeth, much like fake fingernails. They are used to correct chips, stains, gaps, crooked teeth and discolorations.

Composite Bonding

Chipped, discolored, decayed or broken teeth can be repaired or their appearance corrected by using composite bonding. A material that looks like dentin and enamel is applied to the surface or into the cavity of a tooth. This is then sculpted and contoured into the required shape. It is hardened using a high-intensity light.

Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more of your permanent teeth, your cosmetic dentist in Houston may offer you the option of dental implants. During this procedure, small titanium posts are placed beneath your gum to act as the roots of the missing teeth. An artificial tooth is then fitted to the post.

If you have lost several teeth, your dentist will be able to use a bridge to connect the teeth and give you a full set of teeth. Dental implants are also available to those patients who make use of dentures. Dentures often become loose because of the loss of bone in the jaw, due to the missing teeth. This makes it uncomfortable for the wearer to chew and can cause secondary health problems. The dentures are secured to the jawbone by making use of a number of implants.

In the event that there is insufficient bone to secure the implants, your dentist may refer you to a surgeon who is able to do a bone replacement operation. Single dental implants can be placed during a single consultation. If you require more intense work before the implant can be placed, you may need several consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Houston.