Types of Cosmetic Dentistry in Honolulu, HI

Your Guide to Aesthetic Solutions at Advanced Restorative Dentistry

At Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Michael Nishime offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. While general dentistry focuses on disease prevention, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the art of improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. However, navigating the different types of cosmetic dental procedurescan be overwhelming. From simple color corrections to full-mouth reconstructions, knowing your options is the first step toward a beautiful smile.

Every patient has unique needs. Some require minor adjustments to fix chipped teeth, while others need extensive work to replace missing teeth or correct misaligned teeth. Our goal is to provide a customized plan that not only improves your appearance but also supports your oral health. If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, we invite you to contact our Honolulu dentist’s officetoday. We will evaluate your smile and recommend the most effective path forward.

Call Advanced Restorative Dentistry at (808) 732-0291.

1. Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whiteningis arguably the most recognized and accessible of the popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Over time, coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can stain the enamel, leading to discolored teeth. While there are many at home kits and whitening strips available at drugstores, professional treatment offers superior results.

• Professional Bleaching: This process involves using a high-concentration whitening gel that is applied under the supervision of a dentist. It can lighten teeth by several shades in a single visit, effectively removing deep stains that over-the-counter products cannot reach.
• Mechanism: The bleaching agents break down stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. This is a non-invasive way to improve your smile without altering the tooth structure.
• Suitability: Not everyone is a candidate for bleaching. It works best on yellow staining but may not be effective on gray discoloration caused by trauma or medication. It also does not change the color of existing dental crowns or veneers.

2. Porcelain Veneers

For patients looking to correct a multitude of imperfections at once, porcelain veneersare a versatile solution. These are thin, custom made shells designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. They are widely used to treat stained teeth that do not respond to bleaching, as well as chipped teeth, gaps, and minor misalignment.

• Material: Porcelain is the preferred material because it resembles tooth enamel color and reflects light in a way that looks completely natural. It is also highly stain resistant, meaning your smile stays bright for years.
• Procedure: The dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneer. An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. Once fabricated, the veneer is bonded to the tooth using strong dental cement.
• Benefits: Veneers offer a permanent solution for cosmetic issues. They can instantly give the appearance of straighter teeth without the need for long-term orthodontic treatments.

3. Dental Bonding

Dental bondingis one of the simplest and most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures. It is an excellent option for fixing minor cosmetic flaws such as small chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth.

• Procedure: The dentist applies a tooth colored resin (a putty-like composite material) directly to the tooth. The material is molded and smoothed to the desired shape. A special light is then used to harden the resin, bonding it to the tooth.
• Advantages: Unlike veneers, bonding usually does not require the removal of tooth enamel and can often be completed in a single dental office visit without anesthesia. It is virtually invisible when matched correctly to the patient’s natural teeth.
• Durability: While bonding is a quick fix, the composite resin is not as strong as natural teeth or porcelain. It is more prone to chipping and staining, so proper care is essential to maintain the results.

4. Dental Crowns

While often thought of as restorative, dental crowns play a significant role in cosmetic dentistry services. A crown, or cap, covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth above the gum line.

• Function: Crowns are used when a tooth has significant tooth decay or has been weakened by a root canal. However, they are also used cosmetically to cover misshapen teeth or severely discolored teeth that cannot be fixed with veneers.
• Materials: Modern crowns are made from ceramic or porcelain, which provides a natural appearance. They are custom made to match the shape, size, and color of the other teeth.
• Protection: Beyond aesthetics, crowns provide functional benefits by restoring the strength and structural integrity of the tooth, preventing further damage.

5. Dental Implants

For patients dealing with a missing tooth or multiple teeth, dental implantsare the gold standard in both restorative and cosmetic replacement. They are the only cosmetic dental implants option that replaces the tooth root, stimulating the jawbone to prevent bone loss.

• Structure: A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a sturdy anchor. Once healed, a crown is attached to the post.
• Cosmetic Value: Implants look and feel like natural teeth. They eliminate the sunken facial appearance associated with tooth loss and allow patients to eat and speak with confidence.
• Longevity: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment compared to bridges or dentures which may need replacement.

6. Orthodontics and Clear Aligners

Correcting crooked teeth or a bad bite is a major component of cosmetic dentistry. While traditional braces are effective, many adults prefer clear aligners like Invisalignfor a more discreet treatment.

• Clear Aligners: These are custom-made, clear plastic trays that gently shift teeth into their proper position. They are removable, allowing for easier cleaning and eating compared to metal braces.
• Benefits: Straightening misaligned teeth not only improves the look of your smile but also corrects functional issues like buck teeth or an overbite. Straighter teeth are also easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Timeline: Treatment times vary, but clear aligners often work faster than traditional methods for cosmetic alignment issues.

7. Enamel Shaping and Contouring

Enamel shaping, also known as contouring, is a quick and painless procedure used to correct minor imperfections in the shape of the teeth.

• Process: The dentist gently buffs away a tiny amount of tooth enamel to smooth out rough edges, shorten overly long teeth, or alter the shape of pointy teeth.
• Results: The results are immediate. This procedure is often combined with dental bonding to achieve a balanced and harmonious smile.
• Sensitivity: Because only the outer layer of enamel is touched, there is typically no tooth sensitivity following the procedure.

8. Inlays and Onlays

Sometimes referred to as “indirect fillings,” inlays and onlaysare used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling but the tooth is not damaged enough for a crown.

• Cosmetic Appeal: Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays are made from tooth colored porcelain or composite resin in a dental laboratory. They are bonded to the damaged teeth, blending in seamlessly.
• Preservation: This method preserves more of the natural tooth structure than a crown, which is always a priority in conservative dentistry plays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Procedure for You

With so many types of cosmetic dentistry available, selecting the right one depends on your specific goals, budget, and oral health. Dr. Michael Nishime has the experience and artistic eye to guide you through these choices. Whether you need to replace a missing tooth, whiten stained teeth, or completely reshape your smile, we have a solution.

Investing in your smile is an investment in your self confidence. Contact us to schedule a consultation: Let us help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.

Call our top cosmetic dentists in Honoluluat (808) 732-0291.