3 ways to change your smile

The most well-known of the options and the one that comes first to most people’s minds, are porcelain veneers.  Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain “facings” that cover the front surface of teeth to straighten or mask colors of the teeth.  Advantages of porcelain veneers are the rigidity and high strength of the material as well as very natural looking esthetics.  The main disadvantage of veneers is the slight removal of tooth structure required to make space for the porcelain.  Porcelain veneers are a great option when it is desired to change the color of the teeth or when a sizable change is shape is desired.

 

The second option to discuss is cosmetic bonding.  Cosmetic bonding is a reversible addition of white filling material over the front teeth to change the shape and do subtle color changes.  Highly esthetic results can be achieved by using many of the different shades of colors of filling material to match your natural teeth.   Advantages of cosmetic include no need to remove any tooth structure, no need for numbing the teeth and relatively low cost.  Disadvantages include the inability to drastically change the tooth shade and the long-term strength of cosmetic bonding is not as strong as veneers or crowns.  This is a great option for changing the shape or size of a few teeth or an economical short term option to “try-out” a new smile.

 

The last option to discuss is porcelain crowns.   Porcelain crowns, like porcelain veneers are made of strong and highly esthetic and natural porcelain materials.  While veneers are a thin facing over the tooth, porcelain crowns are a “cap” that covers the entire tooth.  When teeth already have large fillings or have been chipped or broken, crowns are often required to replace the missing tooth structure and give strength and support to the tooth.    If your front teeth are intact, that crowns may not be the most conservative option.

 

If you have any questions or are interested in changing your smile, please call us at 805-967-0272 to set up a free esthetic consultation with Dr. Miller.

Author
Kevin Miller DDS Dentist located in Goleta and Santa Barbara, CA

You Might Also Enjoy...

Eat This, Not That: Teeth Whitening Edition

You probably already know that certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth, but do you know which ones are the worst offenders? Find out more in our teeth whitening edition of “Eat This, Not That!”

Why Am I So Scared of Going to the Dentist?

Fear of going to the dentist is one of the most common phobias. And for many people, it can keep them from getting the oral care they need. Read on to find out why you’re so scared and what we can do to help.

Early Gum Disease 101: We Can Help You Reverse Gingivitis

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease — and it’s reversible. If you have gingivitis, we can help you improve your oral health and avoid the complications that come with untreated, advanced gum disease.