Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Enhance Your Smile

At Iqaluit Dental Clinic, we believe that your smile is one of the most noticeable features that others see when they meet you. A bright, beautiful smile can help boost your self-confidence and make you feel more attractive. However, not everyone is born with a perfect set of teeth. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile.

1. Teeth whitening – Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing stains and discolouration from the teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure can be done in-office or at home with custom-made whitening trays.

In-office teeth whitening typically involves applying a strong bleaching gel to the teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. The procedure can be completed in a single office visit and can provide dramatic results.

At-home teeth whitening involves using custom-made whitening trays and a milder bleaching gel that is applied over several weeks. This method can be more convenient for some patients and can also provide great results. Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of your smile and make you look younger and more vibrant.

2. Dental veneers – Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure that involves placing thin, custom-made shells over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, including chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration.

During the procedure, the dentist will remove a small amount of the tooth’s surface to make room for the veneer. They will then take impressions of the teeth and send them to a dental lab, where the veneers will be custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth. Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will bond them to the teeth using a special adhesive. Veneers can provide patients with a natural-looking, beautiful smile that can last for many years with proper care.

3. Dental implants – Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jawbone and topped with a dental crown. Implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth, giving you a full, beautiful smile.

The procedure involves several stages, including the placement of the implant, a healing period, and the placement of the dental crown. Implants are a long-lasting and effective solution for missing teeth, and they can help prevent bone loss and other dental problems associated with missing teeth.

4. Invisalign – Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. It is a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Invisalign can help correct a variety of dental issues, including overcrowding, gaps, and crooked teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible, making them a discreet option for those who want to improve their smile without the noticeable appearance of braces.

The treatment typically takes about 12-18 months, and the aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Invisalign is a comfortable and convenient way to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile.

5. Gum contouring –  Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gum lifting, is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth. This procedure is often used to treat a gummy smile, where the gums appear to cover too much of the teeth, making them look smaller than they actually are. Gum contouring can also help create a more even gum line, which can improve the overall appearance of your smile.

During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist will use a laser or scalpel to remove the excess gum tissue. In some cases, they may also reshape the bone tissue to create a more aesthetically pleasing gum line. The procedure is generally painless and can be completed in a single office visit.

6. Dental bonding –  Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the teeth to improve their appearance. This procedure is often used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and improve the colour of discolored teeth.

During the procedure, the dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The resin material is then applied to the tooth and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. Once the material has been shaped, it is cured with a special light and polished to give it a natural appearance.

7. Dental crowns – Dental crowns, also known as caps, are a cosmetic dental procedure that involves covering a damaged or discoloured tooth with a tooth-shaped cap. Dental crowns can improve the appearance of a tooth while also providing protection and support.

During the procedure, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage and shaping it to fit the crown. The crown is then custom-made to fit the tooth and color-matched to the surrounding teeth. Once the crown has been created, it is cemented in place over the prepared tooth.

8. Full mouth reconstruction – Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive cosmetic dental procedure that involves restoring all of the teeth in the mouth to improve their appearance and function. This procedure is often used to treat patients with extensive dental damage, such as those with missing teeth, cracked teeth, or severe decay.

The procedure can include a variety of treatments, such as dental implants, dental bridges, dental crowns, and gum contouring. The exact treatment plan will depend on the patient’s individual needs and goals. Full mouth reconstruction can be a complex and lengthy process, but it can provide patients with a beautiful and functional smile that they can be proud of. At Iqaluit Dental Clinic, we suggest you talk to your dentist to discuss which cosmetic dental procedure is right for you. Whether you’re looking to improve the colour of your teeth, fix a chipped tooth, or create a more even gum line, there’s a cosmetic dental procedure that can help.