Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there's no need to live with a smile that doesn't make you happy. Dr. Karen Jahimiak, Dr. Joel Jahimiak and Dr. Cathleen Raz, your Waukesha, WI, family dentists at Complete Family Dentistry, share information about several cosmetic procedures that can transform your smile.

Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is an excellent choice to correct many imperfections and is one of the least expensive dental treatments. Tooth-colored composite resin is used to lengthen teeth, cover discolorations, close gaps, hide chips, conceal roots revealed by receding gums or improve the shape of a tooth. After applying the resin to your teeth, a special light is used to harden and bond the material.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are used in place of fillings. Inlays fit inside the cusps of your teeth, while onlays extend beyond the cusps. Since they're made of tooth-colored material, they're not noticeable, plus your dentist won't need to remove as much healthy tooth structure when you receive them.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a good choice if you want to conceal chips and discolorations, lengthen or whiten teeth, close small gaps or improve the appearance of crooked or oddly shaped teeth. Since they're bonded to the fronts of your teeth only, you won't need extensive dental work to improve your smile.

Teeth Whitening

Your Waukesha, WI, family dentists also offer teeth whitening, which can provide you with a dramatic way to brighten your smile. In-office whitening treatments offer immediate results and may lighten your teeth up to eight shades. If you prefer to use an at-home kit, you'll place whitening gel in your custom-made bleaching trays following the schedule recommended by your dentist. At-home whitening usually takes about two weeks.

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are used to strengthen teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. These hollow restorations fit snugly over your teeth and offer impressive strength and durability. Porcelain crowns may be used to strengthen and restore damaged and fragile teeth, cover discolorations and imperfections and change the shape and length of a tooth. They're also used to anchor artificial teeth in bridges.

Isn't it about time you improved your smile? Call Drs. Karen and Joel Jahimiak and Dr. Raz, your Waukesha, WI, family dentists at Complete Family Dentistry at (262) 549-6850 to schedule an appointment.