Everyone wants to have an attractive smile. However, few people have one naturally. Cosmetic dentistry is a popular choice to achieve the smile of your dreams, but it isn’t a new field of dentistry. There’s evidence of early civilizations trying their hands at various aesthetic treatments. Thankfully, you don’t have to file your teeth or gargle with urine to improve the appearance of your smile. Here’s how cosmetic dentistry has evolved over the years.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Teeth come in many shades and tones naturally, but you can’t put a price on a bright, white smile. Early civilizations used various methods to combat tooth stains, like pumice stones, urine, and chewing on sticks. These methods were quite damaging to teeth.
Modern teeth whitening uses safe ingredients to dissolve stubborn stains. You can even achieve in-office results from the comfort of your home. Your dentist can give you everything you need to lift stains and discoloration to get your teeth up to 8 shades brighter.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Fillings have been the go-to solution to treat tooth decay for generations. Traditionally, amalgam was used for treating cavities, which are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury. Concerns over long-term mercury exposure have arisen over the years. Not to mention, metal fillings stand out when smiling.
Most dentists use tooth-colored fillings nowadays. They are made of a composite resin that’s biocompatible and metal-free. It is shaded to match the color of your enamel to blend in with the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers were first used in Hollywood to transform actors’ smiles for film shoots. Although they changed the appearance of their teeth, they didn’t last very long and they were bulky. As a result, dentists were kept on film sites to reapply veneers as needed.
Porcelain and a unique etching method transformed veneers. Now, they are minimally invasive and can last for a decade or more with the right care. They are lightweight and durable while providing results that look natural.
All-Ceramic Dental Restorations
Dental crowns have been made from a number of metals. There are even metal crowns with a porcelain cover to make them look more natural. Although they are very durable, they have many disadvantages.
All-ceramic restorations are the standard in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They are customizable to look like real teeth.
Clear Correct
Brackets and wires aren’t the only methods of fixing bite and alignment problems anymore. You don’t have to worry about unsightly headgear or metal braces drawing unwanted attention to your teeth.
You can achieve a straight smile with clear aligners worn over your teeth. They are virtually undetectable while providing the same results as traditional braces.
If you’re ready to invest in cosmetic dentistry, don’t choose a dentist who uses outdated solutions. Instead, visit a dentist who embraces the latest technologies and techniques to achieve superior results.
About Dr. Marley Rinoldo
Dr. Rinoldo earned her dental degree at the SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and has continued her education in many specialties, like cosmetic dentistry. She is passionate about helping each patient achieve their best smile using the latest solutions in dentistry. Contact her office at (315) 627-6358 to schedule an appointment.