Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry: 3 Procedures That Will Fix Your Smile Without Destroying Your Enamel

Traditionally, porcelain veneers have been the top choice for people looking to totally transform their smile. However, the procedure used to apply veneers to the tooth surface can cause damage. In order to get veneers to bond to the tooth surface, cosmetic dentists remove or etch away part of the tooth enamel. The enamel never replenishes, which results in everlasting damage to the tooth. That's why people who get veneers have to keep them permanently. 

Fortunately, new innovations in cosmetic dentistry are allowing dentists to take a more conservative approach, allowing them to perform cosmetic procedures without damaging the existing tooth enamel. If you want to restore your smile but don't want to destroy your tooth enamel, consider one of these three procedures. 

Composite Veneers

Veneers made from composite materials are thinner and more lightweight. Therefore, they can be bonded to the tooth surface without a great deal of damage to the tooth enamel. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with composite veneers. While they cause less damage to the teeth and are harder to break than porcelain veneers, composite veneers are prone to staining and discoloration. Dentists hope to develop a hybrid veneer, made from porcelain and composite materials, that will possess the benefits of both materials.

Speedy Orthodontics

Moving teeth into a more natural or straighter position is a great way to dramatically transform a smile without damaging tooth enamel. However, most orthodontic alignments require the prolonged use of braces or other orthodontics, which is not ideal for adults. A new orthodontic treatment that uses clear braces and tooth-colored wires can get the job done in just six months. What's more, these new braces are reportedly more comfortable than traditional metal braces. 

Tooth Bonding

While it's been around for a while, tooth bonding is a more conservative cosmetic dentistry approach that is becoming more popular. During this procedure, a cosmetic dentist applies composite tooth material directly to the surface of the tooth in order to reshape it or make it a more attractive color. Bonding can make crooked teeth appear more straight and misshapen teeth appear more proportionate. It can even make gaps and spaces disappear. 

If you want to transform your smile without causing damage to your tooth enamel, talk to your dentist about one of many conservative cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available today. In addition to the procedures mentioned above, your dentist likely has other conservative options that may be just what your smile needs. For more information, consult a dentist at http://www.vfdental.com.