Soddy Daisy Smiles shares the sparkling secrets of cosmetic dentistry

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and for some, the idea of having all those family photos taken is daunting. If you are wondering whether your smile can be camera-ready in time for that annual Christmas photo, do not fret, because Soddy-Daisy Smiles has the answers.

"There are multiple cosmetic treatments, and some of them can be done in just a couple short visits," said Dr. Robert Shearer of Soddy-Daisy Smiles. "There are a number of treatments that can help erase imperfections and improve the appearance of your pearly whites so you can move forward with more confidence, prepared to celebrate in style."

He added that while most people have heard of whitening and veneers as options for cosmetic dentistry, there are other ways a dentist can help enhance your smile, such as bonding and contouring.

"Like veneers, bonding helps make your smile more symmetrical by addressing any teeth that are disproportionally small or overly sharp or misshapen," Soddy-Daisy Smiles' Dr. Mandy Shearer said. "Bonding can be completed in as little as an hour during a single office visit, making it one of the fastest and most affordable ways to improve a smile."

Bleaching is another common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth, according to Robert Shearer. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while others just want a whiter shade.

"Discoloration occurs in the enamel and is caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes," he said. "Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older."

Bleaching can be done by the dentist in the office, or under a dentist's supervision at home.

"Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient," he said. "Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve."

Mandy Shearer said that bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth and lasts for several years.

"Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration," she said. "When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice."

Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Because of their cost, they are typically used in cases in which other procedures are ineffective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time-consuming, according to Robert Shearer.

Tooth reshaping and contouring are procedures used to correct crooked, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth, or even overlapping teeth, in a single session. Mandy Shearer said that tooth reshaping and contouring is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth. Contouring teeth may also help to correct small problems with the bite.

"This procedure is great for patients with normal, healthy teeth who want subtle changes to their smile," she said.

Both dentists also want to remind their patients to be sure to take advantage of any unused insurance benefits or unused flexible spending account or health savings account benefits before the end of the year.

"By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road," Mandy Shearer said. "The yearly maximum usually renews every year, and if you have unused benefits, these will not roll over. When the new year begins, you will need to meet that deductible again, and this year's benefit will be lost."

Noteworthy:

"There are multiple cosmetic treatments and some of them can be done in just a couple short visits," said Dr. Robert Shearer of Soddy-Daisy Smiles. "There are a number of treatments that can help erase imperfections and improve the appearance of your pearly whites so you can move forward with more confidence, prepared to celebrate in style."