Your smile says a lot about you, so it makes sense that you seek to put your best smile forward. If you lack confidence because of discoloration or chipped teeth, cosmetic dentistry offers smile-saving solutions that can quickly change the appearance of your mouth. As dental technology advances, you may benefit from working with a dentist in El Paso who is keeping up with the latest and greatest in smile design. Here are four trends in aesthetic dentistry to explore that could change your smile this year.
Ultra-thin veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic solution that places a thin covering on the front of teeth to help correct stained, crooked, or damaged teeth. Since veneers are adhered to the front of the tooth, some patients can feel the bulk of traditional veneers extending beyond their normal tooth’s width. However, technological advancements have resulted in a new wave of ultra-thin veneers that fit so closely to the existing tooth that there’s little to no discomfort, plus the added benefit of needing to remove far less tooth enamel during the procedure.
Personalization
Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry. Thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), patients can receive a tailored smile designed for their bone structure, lip appearance, and teeth. Dentists can craft a treatment plan using AI and VR technology and show patients how their smiles may look with different treatment options. Patients can virtually try on new smiles before undergoing treatment. As a result, they may be more likely to have the desired outcome before signing on for any cosmetic procedure.
Accelerated orthodontics
One of the primary aims of a cosmetic dentist is to create straight smiles. While traditional orthodontia, like braces, can take multiple years to get results, new accelerated orthodontic solutions let cosmetic dentists leverage clear aligners to quickly change the structure of a smile in just a few months. Depending on the severity of alignment issues, your dentist may recommend clear aligner treatment to subtly shift teeth, changing aligners every few weeks to move teeth to their new position rapidly.
Gum contouring
Some patients have uneven gums across their teeth, which can be caused by recession or gum overgrowth in some regions of the mouth. To create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, patients may want to modify the gum line to create a more even appearance across teeth. Through contouring, gums may be restored or reduced in areas to create a straighter gum line. When paired with veneers, gum contouring can increase the surface area of the tooth so that veneers can adhere and help create a bigger, bolder smile.
The Bottom Line
Aesthetic dentistry is constantly evolving to meet the demands of patients looking for faster, more affordable cosmetic solutions. If you’re in the market for a new smile in El Paso, talk to your local dentist to understand what they offer in terms of ultra-thin veneers, personalization, accelerated orthodontics, and gum contouring. And be sure to ask about other smile design trends that may suit your dental needs.