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The Facts About Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many people who express a desire to have a beautiful smile. However, when it comes to discussing cosmetic options, many of them are nervous about the procedures involved. While some cosmetic treatments do require surgery, not all forms of cosmetic care are so invasive. There is a growing number of non-invasive cosmetic dentistry options available at dental clinics all over the world. If you’re wondering what conservative cosmetic dental options are available today, keep reading!

The Facts About Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry

Conservative dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on using minimally invasive procedures. Any such procedure aims to provide effective treatment without damaging healthy dental tissue. There’s a reason that extraction is always the last option when it comes to treating infection or decay. Your natural teeth do more than just make your smile beautiful and help you chew. They also serve an important role in maintaining the position and stability of the teeth near them. Conservative treatments are those that seek to preserve this healthy tissue so it can continue to support your oral health.

Minimally invasive treatments focus on eliminating any decayed tissue with the goal of effective restoration. Cosmetic dentists who focus on a more conservative approach want to improve the appearance of your smile without impacting the remaining dental structures. This is done by reducing the amount of tissue that needs to be removed, strengthening and reinforcing it rather than replacing it. There are also procedures that don’t require the removal of any dental tissue at all. Consider the following:

  • Teeth Whitening: This is one of the most popular non-invasive procedures. It has the ability to brighten a person’s smile without eliminating any dental tissue whatsoever. A few sessions may be needed to reach the desired shade, but the results are worth it.
  • Invisalign: This is a type of orthodontic appliance that can improve the appearance of your smile. It does this by moving your teeth into their proper space and alignment over time. This is done without the removal of any tissue and doesn’t require the placement of braces, wires, or brackets.
  • Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a material that is used to repair minor damage to the teeth. Its malleable nature makes it easy to shape to match the contours of your tooth. It also has the ability to be color-matched to your natural enamel color.
  • Microabrasion: This form of cosmetic procedure is slightly more invasive than the others. This process removes minute amounts of enamel to prepare the location for further restoration. This is a common procedure to happen before veneers are placed, for instance.

A Subtle Means of Treatment With Great Effects

Minimally-invasive procedures are great options for those who want to improve the appearance of their smile without surgery. Cosmetic dentists are able to use these techniques to give you a bright new smile quickly, easily, and painlessly. Reach out to your dental specialists to determine what they offer in the way of minimally-invasive cosmetic dentistry. You may find that a great smile is just one painless visit away!

April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD

April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD

The team at Lifetime Dental Care brings a full range of services to patients in and around the Woodbridge, VA area. These four doctors bring a range of experience, diverse backgrounds, and professional knowledge together to provide families with a safe and friendly home for their oral health needs.