Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry provides a safe and effective way to transform your smile if you have broken, stained, or missing teeth. At Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Maryland, experienced cosmetic dentist Eric Morrison, DDS, and the team provide various cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, and dental veneers. Call Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation, or book your appointment online.

Is cosmetic dentistry the same thing as restorative dentistry?

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry have many similarities, but they aren’t the same:

Restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on improving your general oral health. It repairs or replaces damaged and decaying teeth, enhancing your biting and chewing abilities.

Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on your smile’s appearance. It uses aesthetic treatments to make your smile whiter and more attractive. 

What are some examples of cosmetic dentistry services?

At Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Morrison and the team provide various cosmetic dentistry services, including:

Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening removes stains and discoloration from the surfaces of your teeth. Dr. Morrison provides professional in-office teeth whitening and a take-home teeth whitening kit.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding uses composite resin or other tooth-colored materials to repair chips, cracks, and other types of enamel damage. The bonding material restores your tooth’s shape and size and prevents further damage.

Gold dentistry

Gold dentistry uses all-gold restorations, such as inlays, onlays, and crowns, to repair severe damage or decay. Gold is strong and malleable. These characteristics make it ideal for correcting cosmetic tooth imperfections. 

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or ceramic bonded to the front of your permanent teeth. They cover up minor cosmetic imperfections, like tooth discoloration, chips, and gaps between the teeth.

Smile makeover

A smile makeover combines two or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile’s appearance. For example, if you have tooth stains and gaps between your teeth, the Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry team might recommend teeth whitening and dental veneers.

Are the results of cosmetic dentistry permanent?

The results of cosmetic dentistry aren’t permanent, but they usually last 10-12 years* and sometimes longer. Good oral hygiene is essential to maintain your results. The Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry team recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the practice every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

If you have dental restorations, take good care of them. Likewise, avoid bad habits like nail-biting, and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or habitually clench your jaw. A mouthguard protects your enamel from wear-and-tear, reducing the risk of chips and cracks.

Call Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment, or book your visit online.

*Individual results may vary.