SmileBuilderz

Our payment portal is currently under construction. We will have a temporary payment portal available soon.

Lancaster & Ephrata - SmileBuilderz

Your Guide to Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry

added on: July 18, 2022

Lancaster and Ephrata dentists, along with everyone at Smilebuilderz, will tell you that one of the most gratifying, tear-jerking moments we experience doing what we do is when someone’s smile and life is improved and more confident. One of the areas of dental care that allow us the tools and treatments to complete this kind of transformation is cosmetic dentistry. There are so many custom approaches that can be used to fix or enhance your teeth. Let’s learn a little more about cosmetic dentistry and all it has to offer you.

Can Any Dentist Do Cosmetic Dentistry?

The answer to this question is generally, yes. However, some dentists are more qualified and trained to handle cosmetic cases compared to their dental peers. If you’re considering any cosmetic change to your smile, it’s always a good idea to check out your options 

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says you’ll want to check out these three things while you’re researching a dentist or an office that’s the right fit for you:

1) Before & After Shots – Any dentist who’s proud of their cosmetic cases should have some good before and after photos for you to see so that you can compare results. They’re usually available on most dental office websites and will tell you what kind of work a patient has done so you can decide if you’d like to learn more about a specific procedure.

2) Continuing Education – You can always find out if a dentist or dental team you’re considering is up-to-date with the latest treatment techniques and technology. There are so many innovations and changes that occur within cosmetic dentistry as the years progress, so it’s important to know what’s available and how to put it to good use.

3) References – Checking out patient testimonials or reading online reviews can be helpful if you’re looking to find a cosmetic dentist that provides the services you need within office hours that work for you.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Some cosmetic dentists offer a wider variety of services than others, so it’s best to know what you’re considering having done. These are just a few of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today, across the country:

  • Veneers – Most people know of or have at least heard about dental veneers. They can take your teeth from drab to Hollywood-worthy in just a short amount of time. Veneers are usually made of porcelain or plastic and are very thin. Your dentist places them over the front of your teeth for an immediate upgrade to the shape and color of your smile. Veneers can help you say goodbye to unevenly spaced, chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.
  • Crowns – You also might know these cosmetic dentistry solutions by another name called caps. We can use crowns to help fix deteriorating teeth by covering your tooth for better appearance and function. They tend to have the longest life expectancy compared to other popular cosmetic restorations.
  • Bonding – This tooth-colored material is expertly placed on teeth to help them be more uniform and free from gaps or discolorations. Slightly decayed or chipped teeth can often be fixed with bonding because it can cover the entire surface of your tooth for a change in shape and color. 
  • Whitening – Teeth whitening is probably the most widely recognized cosmetic dental treatment because it’s something we can do in the dentist’s office or in the comfort of our own home. This can help lighten and brighten your smile for any big occasion.

We hope you’ve learned a little something about cosmetic dentistry today. If you’re considering making a change to your smile, please don’t hesitate to talk to the Lancaster and Ephrata Cosmetic Dentists at Smilebuilderz to find out what treatments would work for you. Maybe it’s time to boost your smile and your confidence?

About The Author
Dr. Janelle Nassar

Dr. Janelle Nassar is committed to providing comprehensive dental care. Her strong desire to help individuals improve their smiles and overall health drives her commitment to offering personalized, compassionate care that enhances patients' confidence and quality of life.