If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile, you may be planning to visit a cosmetic dentist to help improve the look of your teeth or gums. Still, you may be unaware of some of the applications that can be used to correct dental imperfections.

Here are a few common cosmetic dental services that can enhance your smile.

Gum Contouring

Sometimes, the gingival tissues may cover too much of the tooth enamel. As a result, a smile may appear gummy, only displaying a small amount of the tooth material. A cosmetic dentist can remove some of the gum tissue using a contouring procedure. During the procedure, the dentist can trim away any excess gingival tissue. 

Likewise, if the smile appears toothy because the gums have receded, additional tissue can be harvested and added to the existing gums. 

Chemical Teeth Whitening

Even though the teeth may be healthy, they may not be attractive due to yellowing from food and drink-related stains. As you eat and drink, your teeth are exposed to the pigments or colorants that give the food or drink its characteristic hue. The pigment molecules may accumulate in the pores of the tooth enamel, resulting in dental discoloration. 

The staining of the teeth from food, beverages, or tobacco is not considered permanent and can be bleached away by chemical whitening products. 

Professional and at-home teeth-whitening products are available. Professional products are applied by a dentist as an in-office procedure. In-office applications are generally considered the safest since they are applied by a professional and used the safest products. The dental provider even protects the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth during the application.

At-home whitening products are offered by dental offices, or they can be purchased over-the-counter. Although these products are effective, consumers should be sure to adhere strictly to the included instructions. Overuse or the improper application of a whitening product can result in chronic dental sensitivity.

Veneers

Veneers are white, tooth-shaped shells that are applied to the front of the teeth, covering any blemishes or imperfections. Veneers can be selected to cover all of the teeth that are easily seen in the mouth, or a single veneer can be used when only one blemished tooth is present. 

The dentist prepares the teeth for a veneer application by removing a small amount of tooth material from the front surface of each designated tooth. The removal causes the veneer to fit flush with the other natural teeth.

For more information about cosmetic dental services, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist like one at Kemper Pond Dental in your local area.