Cosmetic Dentistry:
A Brighter and More Attractive Smile

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Oral care techniques offered at our practice in San Antonio, TX, focus on the appearance of your teeth can be considered cosmetic in nature. However, unlike many other cosmetic procedures, you may receive, dental cosmetic care often has a therapeutic use as well. For example, facial injections to smooth wrinkles and creases rarely address medical issues, but dental crowns may be chosen for a Hollywood-bright smile, or they may be used to save a damaged tooth.

Often the intention of treatment defines the line between cosmetic procedure or therapeutic technique, though there are some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, that are purely cosmetic with no therapeutic value.

What are some of the more common cosmetic dentistry techniques?

Teeth whitening is perhaps the most straight-forward cosmetic dental technique. There are many home solutions available, such as whitening toothpastes and whitening kits. River City Dental Solutions offer clinical-grade whitening treatments that help restore your teeth to their original color, as well as bleaching processes that produce tones lighter than your natural shade.

Composite bonding, sometimes called tooth-colored fillings, presents a way to repair cavities without the metal appearance of a silver amalgam filling. Using special resins that harden and cure with exposure to high-intensity light, bonding restores a healthy appearance to teeth that may be chipped, cracked, or worn down.

Crowns and veneers are complete or partial covers for teeth that provide several benefits. Both techniques can help support a damaged or misshapen tooth while maintaining the look of a healthy tooth. Both crowns and veneers may be used for strictly cosmetic reasons as well. If you’re seeking a bright and even smile, beyond what’s possible with your natural teeth, each technique is an option you can consider.

Orthodontic procedures produce therapeutic results by aligning your teeth to bite down properly, which may prevent issues with jaw inflammation and proper chewing of food. At the same time, straightening crooked teeth also addresses appearance. 

How do I know which cosmetic dentistry procedures will work for me?

Talk to Dr. Perry or any of the dental care professionals at River City Dental Solutions. Be frank about your cosmetic goals, and they can work out a treatment plan to achieve it.