Cosmetic Dentistry in Albuquerque, NM

Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth and your smile. It includes a number of different procedures, from teeth whitening to dental implants. Cosmetic dentistry is often referred to as elective dentistry, meaning it is not essential that you receive these treatments, but they can improve your smile’s appearance.

Why Do People Seek Cosmetic Dentistry?

There are many reasons why patients seek cosmetic dentistry. The most common are:

• Aesthetic improvements:Many patients seek cosmetic dentistry for aesthetic improvements. These can include straightening teeth, whitening teeth, correcting the size and shape of teeth, and more.
• Self-confidence: Many patients seek cosmetic dentistry to improve their self-confidence. Correcting issues such as discoloration, gaps, misalignments, and more can boost confidence.

What Are The Different Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures that a dentist may offer.

• Teeth Whitening

While teeth stains can be a sign of an unhealthy smile or poor oral hygiene. A teeth whitening procedure can help whiten teeth and brighten a smile with ease. With teeth whitening, a dentist can brighten the smile with several shades with in-office whitening or through take-home whitening kits. Both options provide patients with a long-lasting smile. In-office teeth whitening is designed to whiten your teeth by several shades in a single office visit. Your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully apply the whitening gel to your teeth. The gel will be activated by a UV light or laser, which will penetrate the tooth enamel. This treatment typically takes less than one hour.  

• Composite Fillings

When patients develop tooth cavities because of tooth decay or other causes, the cavities could get worse and infect the tooth if left untreated. Additionally, the cavities appear as unsightly holes on the surface of the tooth. Fillings can repair the teeth by filling up the cavities, closing them from further infection and harm. Composite fillings match the smile’s natural appearance, making them a great choice for patients looking to restore their smiles.

• Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a major cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve the appearance of your smile. They are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to fix misshapen, chipped, cracked, or stained teeth. They can even make your smile appear straighter. They could also fix spaces between your teeth, which can inhibit your bite from functioning properly.

• Dental Bonding

Bonding is a non-invasive, inexpensive cosmetic dental treatment. Bonding fixes numerous dental issues, such as chipped or cracked teeth, missing tooth enamel, and discolored or stained teeth. In this procedure, your dentist will clean your teeth and prep them for bonding. Your dentist will apply a bonding resin to your teeth and sculpt it into place. Once the resin is set, your Albuquerque NM dentist  will polish it until it blends in with the rest of your teeth.

• Dental Crown

Dental crowns are caps that fit over your entire tooth. They are used to protect teeth that are heavily decayed, broken, discolored, or worn down. They can also support a bridge or denture. Dental crowns are custom-made in a dental lab from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, resin, or gold. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

• Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatments help straighten teeth, correct bites, and improve the appearance of your smile. Orthodontic treatment can be used to treat both adults and children. Braces and aligners are the standard treatment options. Braces are a series of brackets and wires that gradually straighten teeth over a period of time. On the other hand, Invisalign® aligners are a series of clear, removable aligners that align teeth invisibly. 

To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.