A smile is a face’s most eye-catching feature. Advancements in dentistry mean clients no longer have to settle for stained, chipped or misshapen teeth. There are choices to help anyone smile with confidence.

Even the most subtle change in a smile can make a dramatic difference in the way a person looks and feels about him/herself. A dentist can advise of options most suitable for each client. Some options are:

• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance. Bleaching treatments are started in the dental office and are continued with a personalized at-home regimen.

• Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel and dentin is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of a tooth, where it is sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of the natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

• Enamel shaping: This procedure involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel. The process often is combined with bonding and is quick and comfortable. Results can be seen immediately.

• Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain laminates adhesively bonded to the tooth’s surface repair chips and cracks. Veneers will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. They also may be recommended for gaps in the teeth or if tooth whitening has not been successful.

• Smile Makeover: Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of smile esthetics in order to improve overall appearance. Typically, one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening would be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches for a smile makeover.

Cosmetic dentistry offers hope for people unhappy with their smiles.  There is no reason not to be confident in a healthy, beautiful smile.  Call our office today and enjoy complimentary x-rays and smile evaluation with your initial cleaning appointment.

Cannon Doan, D.D.S. - Cannon Doan, D.D.S., graduated from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences School of Dentistry in June of 1984. He opened his preventive oriented practice in October of 1984.