New Year, New Smile: 5 Reasons to Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

A great smile often enhances your first impression of a new acquaintance, and you may wonder how effective your own smile is at showcasing the real you. When you’ve got the basics of dental care under control — cavities, tartar control, and hygiene — there’s plenty I can do to help you achieve a truly spectacular smile. And with it being the start of a new year (and new decade) now, more than ever, is the time to consider investing in cosmetic dentistry.

When you’re serious about refining your image, consider what your smile says about you and visit Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS to learn more about these top-shelf smile enhancement treatments.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dentistry service in the United States. You’re already bombarded with ads for whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, and if you use any of these products, you may not think that a dentist can add much to the game. But there’s an enormous difference between the strength of the abrasives and bleaches you can buy at the store and those used at the dentist’s office. Dr. Culotta-Norton offers both Phillips Zoom!® in-office whitening and at-home whitening trays. 

Phillips Zoom!® in-office whitening

Because Phillips Zoom!® in-office whitening contains a strong whitening formula (composed of peroxide and other chemicals that aren’t available over-the-counter), your teeth can whiten up to eight shades. While in-office Zoom! treatments take about 45 minutes, the results from just one appointment can last for years to come.

At-home Zoom! kit

We understand that you don’t always have time to make it to the dentist for a 45-minute whitening appointment. That’s why Dr. Culotta-Norton also offers at-home whitening. She’ll quickly work with you to create a whitening take-home kit that’s customized to your specific teeth. In time, you can achieve teeth that are up to four shades whiter. 

Tooth colored fillings 

Many people have silver or gold amalgam fillings. You know the look — dark and metallic. You may have a few yourself. From a practical standpoint, amalgam fillings have been the standard of care for many years, because they’re strong, easily shaped, and affordable. One thing they’ll never be, however, is a reasonable stand-in for natural tooth enamel.

Tooth colored fillings, on the other hand, match the color and translucence of your teeth. An amalgam filling on a front tooth screams “dental work”; replace it with a filling made from composite resin and porcelain and the evidence of your filling disappears. There’s no metallic interruption to your smile, just an even, all-natural look.

Veneers 

There are some stains and tooth discolorations that polishing and whitening can’t address, and veneers may be the answer for putting your best tooth forward.

You may have a chipped tooth, a gap, or minor unevenness that affects the appearance of your smile. Veneers are ultra-thin shells typically made from special porcelains that can correct any of these issues; they may also serve to strengthen a cracked or damaged tooth.

If you are unhappy with your smile or have issues with your teeth that you want to tackle in the new year, cosmetic dentistry could be your answer. Contact our office today by calling 202-833-1111 or requesting an appointment online.