Until fairly recently, the average person couldn't do much to improve the appearance of teeth. In the last two decades, however, dental materials and techniques have improved dramatically. Now, most can have almost model-perfect teeth that resist color changes and are almost as strong as the originals.
There's never been a better time to brighten your smile or fix imperfections. Demand for cosmetic dental procedures is greater than ever. That's partly because baby boomers with money to spend are looking for ways to feel and look younger.
However, you should keep a few things in mind while making your decision:
One of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry is that the final results are easy to predict. Whether you decide to have a gap filled, a chip repaired or a stain concealed, you're unlikely to have unpleasant surprises later. Dentists have many methods for repairing, restoring or otherwise changing the appearance of the teeth.
A dentist who has this technology can project an image of your teeth on a computer monitor. Then, while you watch, the dentist can "correct" the imperfection or modify your teeth on the screen.
Imaging may not be necessary. If you want a chipped tooth filled or a space between teeth narrowed, you may be able to picture that easily. If you are considering something more complex or involving more than one tooth, however, imaging can be helpful.
Many, although not all, cosmetic dentists use computer imaging in their practices.
