Your smile is an important part of who you are. It’s one of the first things people notice about you, and it can say a lot about your personality. A beautiful smile is warm, inviting, and contagious; it quite literally invites positive interactions with others. On the other hand, a less than stellar smile can make you appear unapproachable or even untrustworthy. Recent psychological studies have found that there are certain cues we take from a smile that cause us to make snap judgments about a person’s character. While this is obviously not an accurate assumption, first impressions matter, and it’s important to be aware of the messages your smile is sending.
If you’re not happy with the way your teeth look, cosmetic dentistry can help. Cosmetic dentistry is any type of dental procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. It can be something as simple as whitening your smile or getting rid of a small chip; it can also be a more complex procedure like getting veneers. No matter what your specific needs are, there is a cosmetic dental procedure that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
With that being said, cosmetic dentistry is not just about making your smile look gorgeous – although that’s certainly an important part of it. It’s also about building your confidence and improving your overall self-esteem. When you feel good about the way you look, it shows in your attitude and in your interactions with others. You become more self-assured, and that confidence can spill over into other areas of your life.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, the first step is to contact our Washington, DC office and learn more about our services! You can also review the below information to make an informed decision regarding your cosmetic procedure.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry is delivered in the form of teeth whitening. Due to its quick, convenient, and rather comfortable process, it is well-loved by patients and providers alike. At District Dental Group, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. This allows patients the freedom to choose the right method for their smile goals and lifestyle.
- Our in-office whitening procedure utilizes a high-intensity bleaching serum that is applied to the teeth and left on for about an hour. Once removed, patients will enjoy dramatic results, with stains and discoloration dissolved entirely. This procedure makes for an excellent solution for any patient seeking quick results.
- Thanks to our take-home whitening kit, patients can control their whitening results through a gentler whitening gel and custom-crafted bleaching trays—all from the comfort of their own home. Using our Biostar machine, we can produce the perfect bleaching trays in our own office. Patients will simply apply the bleaching gel to their tray, and wear them overnight. Within only a week or two, patients will have a brighter, lighter, stain-free smile!
Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure in which tooth-colored resin is applied to your teeth, then hardened with a UV light. The resin can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth by filling any chips, cracks, or minor areas of damage. Bonding is generally a quick and painless procedure that can be done in one office visit. It is also one of the more affordable cosmetic dental procedures.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an exceptional cosmetic dental treatment that has a versatile array of uses—capable of accomplishing the most dramatic transformation, subtle change, and everything in between. Their application can be used on gaps, chips, and stains. In addition, porcelain veneers are also very strong and durable, making them a reliable and long-lasting option for those hoping to improve the aesthetics of their smile.
Porcelain veneers work by concealing damage rather than repairing it, which means that your natural tooth remains virtually the same, aside from the removal of a very thin layer of enamel. The veneer itself is a thin, porcelain shell that is bonded to the front of your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers are made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth so that they appear seamless and undetectable. This non-porous material is also resistant to staining and discoloration, so you can be confident that your smile will remain bright and vibrant for years to come.
If you are considering porcelain veneers, it is important to understand the impact of the application process. The enamel removed from your teeth allows for the veneer to be placed, but this layer of protection can never grow back. As a result, your teeth will become more vulnerable and always require the protection of a veneer or crown.
It is important to have a candid conversation with your dentist about whether or not porcelain veneers are the right choice for you, and to make sure that you fully understand the implications of the procedure before moving forward.
Smile Makeover
Are you struggling to select just one procedure to fulfill your smile goals? You may want to consider a smile makeover. A smile makeover is a combination of two or more cosmetic dental procedures to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Some common procedures that may be included in a smile makeover include the following:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Invisalign
- Composite fillings
Smile makeovers are custom-created directly to the patient’s smile goals. Because of this, the procedures that are included in a smile makeover will vary from patient to patient.
If you are interested in a smile makeover, contact our office and come in for a consultation. During this visit, we will discuss your concerns, requests, and goals to ensure we recommend the appropriate procedures for you.