The global cosmetic dentistry market reached $29.6 billion in 2021 and could grow by a CAGR of 13% by 2030. More people are improving the appearance of their smiles with cosmetic dentistry services like dental implants, Invisalign, and more!
Not sure which cosmetic dentistry services in Lexington suit your needs? Here are five treatment options you can find in Lexington, KY that can improve your smile.
Read on to learn more!
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. The implant itself looks like a small screw. Your dentist can place a dental crown atop the screw (abutment) to restore your smile.
Dental implants are designed to look and function like your natural teeth. You can use an implant to restore your smile, allowing you to avoid future oral health issues.
For example, a gap in your smile can cause surrounding teeth to lean toward the gap, causing your teeth to appear crooked. You might also develop a lisp or experience issues chewing food.
As you explore this list of cosmetic dentistry services in Lexington, consider scheduling a consultation appointment. Your cosmetic dentist can assess the state of your smile to make personalized recommendations.
For example, they might recommend dental implants if you’re missing one or more teeth. However, you’ll need a healthy jawbone to qualify for the dental implant procedure. Otherwise, your jawbone could struggle to hold the implant.
Your cosmetic dentist can also help you determine what type of dental implant suits your needs.
For example, maybe you’re missing multiple teeth in a single arch. Your dentist might recommend all-in-4 dental implants to ensure additional stability.
The Procedure
First, your cosmetic dentist will numb your mouth using local anesthesia. If you recently damaged a tooth, your dentist will need to remove the remaining pieces first. Then, they’ll create an incision in your gum line.
Your dentist will then surgically place the implant before closing the incision site. Over the next few months, your gums will need time to heal.
This process, called osseointegration, ensures the implant is stable enough to hold a crown. Osseointegration can take as long as six months. However, you’ll need to consult your dentist to get an accurate timeline.
After the osseointegration process, you can schedule your follow-up appointment to have the crown placed atop the abutment. The crown will restore your smile. Your dentist can color-match the crown so it blends among your existing teeth.
2. Veneers
You might also want to consider cosmetic dentistry in Lexington if you have a chipped or damaged tooth. Instead of replacing the tooth, your dentist might recommend dental veneers.
Veneers are small, porcelain caps your dentist can place atop an existing tooth. They can help fix dental problems like:
- Misshapen teeth
- Missing teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Veneers can camouflage cosmetic issues, though they aren’t an ideal option for all dental concerns. For example, if you’ve sustained more extensive damage, your dentist might recommend a dental implant instead.
Over 80% of dental patients are satisfied with the results of their procedure. Veneers can last between 10 and 15 years if you maintain proper oral hygiene.
The Procedure
Your dentist might need to first grind down part of the damaged tooth. With that in mind, they might recommend a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort.
Some dentists now offer non-prep veneers, which can shorten the treatment time. Your dentist won’t need to remove layers of your tooth to ensure the veneer is properly placed.
Your dentist will customize your veneer to ensure the shape, fit, and color matches your existing teeth. Then, they’ll stick the veneer to your tooth using dental cement. An ultraviolet light will ensure the cement hardens, keeping the veneer in place.
3. Porcelain Crowns
You might consider cosmetic dentistry if you need a dental crown. Dental crowns can improve the appearance of your smile. They’re designed to:
- Cover an implant
- Restore a broken tooth
- Protect damaged/weakened teeth
- Improve your ability to chew
- Replace a lost tooth
Your dentist might recommend a crown if your tooth was damaged in an accident or affected by decay.
The Procedure
If you have a tooth infection or a decayed tooth, your dentist might first recommend a root canal.
Otherwise, they’ll prepare the tooth by filling it down, ensuring there’s space for the crown. Then, they’ll create a mold of the tooth. Your dentist will also make sure the color matches your surrounding teeth.
Your dentist will then cement the crown into place, restoring your smile. It could last up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene.
4. Teeth Whitening
Take a look at your teeth in the mirror. Do your teeth appear dull, discolored, or yellow? Talk to your Lexington dentist about teeth whitening.
Whitening your teeth can brighten your smile, restoring your self-confidence. It can also improve your oral health by minimizing the spread of bacteria. Professional teeth whitening is more effective than at-home kits, saving you time and money, too.
5. Invisalign
If your teeth look crooked when you smile, talk to your cosmetic dentist about Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. The process involves using clear, plastic retainers that fit around your teeth. Each pair of retainers will bring your teeth into the desired alignment.
You’ll switch out your retainers over time to improve the appearance of your smile.
You can remove your aligners to eat or drink, allowing more flexibility. Since the plastic is clear, treatment is also discreet. You can talk to your Lexington dentist to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.
Explore These Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in Lexington, KY
You don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile. Instead, consider these cosmetic dentistry options in Lexington, KY. Schedule a consultation appointment today to determine which cosmetic dentistry services suit your needs!
With help, you can improve your smile and give your self-confidence a boost.
Want to get started? Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
