Woman Smiling

4 Best Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Enhance Your Smile

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It feels good to love the appearance of your smile. If you have stains on your tooth enamel, chips, or gaps in your teeth, you may feel self-conscious about how your smile looks. Cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can help.

1. Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening services can make your teeth several shades whiter in one efficient dentist visit. While many DIY teeth whitening products are available for sale at pharmacies, these products often take longer, aren’t always as effective, and may risk over-whitening your teeth. If you want whiter teeth, professional whitening is a preferred service by many dental patients.

2. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a composite material that’s attached to the teeth to cover chips, small gaps, stains, and other cosmetic damage. Dental bonding doesn’t last forever, but when it chips off, your dentist can restore it easily.

3. Gum and Tooth Contouring
Do you have a “gummy” smile or an uneven gum line? Gum and tooth contouring services can refine your smile to meet your expectations for your smile. Gum and tooth contouring is an effective way to help shape your smile and give you confidence in your personal appearance.

4. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are similar to dental bonding, but unlike dental bonding, dental veneers are intended to be permanent. Veneers are tooth-shaped covers that are attached to the teeth. They can only be attached when the teeth are shaved down to make space for them, so once dental veneers are installed, you should always have veneers in place. Damaged veneers must be replaced.

Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry in St. Louis, MO? Call the dental professionals at Smile Now STL. We’re here to help.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Partials

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Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, has presented the idea of partials. But what are dental partials anyway? Once you have your answer, you can determine if partials might work for you.

What Is a Dental Partial?
First, let’s start with what a dental partial is exactly. Another term for it is Removable Partial Denture (RPD). A dental partial is a type of dental restoration that can replace a missing tooth. If you have enough remaining teeth, you can always get dental partials in St. Louis, MO. A partial will have clasps that can grab onto your remaining teeth to hold them in place. It is a fake tooth with clasps and pink material that looks like your gum tissue.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Partial?
If you have a few stable teeth to support your partial, you’re a good candidate. However, if you have a very strong gag reflex, partials might not fit your comfort needs.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Partials
Are you ready for the run-down of dental partials? Here are your pros and cons.

Pros:

Safe and cost-effective way to replace missing teeth.
Easy and quick procedure.
Perfect for a temporary tooth replacement –as needed during further dental treatment.
Very minimal risk involved, and are very safe.
Cons:

Extra stress and wear from the clasps resting on remaining teeth.
Clasps can sometimes loosen, needing to be tightened to fit properly.
Not as natural-looking as other tooth replacement options.
People sometimes feel it’s bulky and uncomfortable.
In Search of a Dentist in St. Louis, MO?
If you think partials might be the answer to your tooth loss, you will need a dentist for that. Contact Smile Now STL today. We offer comprehensive general dentistry and can help fit you with partials. Dr. Thomas E. O’Connor (the dental practice dentist) has 45+ years of experience in dentistry. So, see what our office can do for you!

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Option Should You Choose?

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Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for your smile. But which cosmetic procedure should you choose? Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can help.

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Option Should You Choose?
Trying to decide which cosmetic dentistry option is right for you can be difficult. But fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. Your dentist can help!

You have the following cosmetic dental options to choose from.

Teeth Whitening
This is probably the one you are most familiar with. You will get better results if you opt for professional teeth whitening, which can be done in your dentist’s office. It’s a special carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide combination used to whiten your teeth. At-home products use a smaller amount of these ingredients than professional whitening does.

Dental Veneers
These are made of a thin custom-made porcelain shell or composite material that is bonded to the front side of your teeth to improve their appearance.

Dental Implants
Dental implants in St. Louis, MO, use a titanium post implanted into your jawbone to replace your tooth’s root. After the implant, your natural bone will grow around it. Then your dentist can add an abutment and a crown to finish the dental implant process. Dental implants are most often used to replace missing teeth.

Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is used to correct hairline cracks, chips, and stains on your teeth. It also fixes misshapen teeth and other dental damage or abnormalities. Your dentist will use a composite resin material to apply several layers over the affected tooth or teeth to correct the problem. This is a great alternative to other cosmetic options because it’s affordable, reversible, and typically lasts five to seven years.

Do You Need a Dentist in St. Louis, MO?
If you want cosmetic work done on your teeth, you’ll need a dentist. Contact Smile Now STL today. We have been helping the people of St. Louis improve their smiles for the past 40 years. And we can do the same for you too!