Cosmetic dentistry enhances the appearance of your smile using procedures such as tooth-colored fillings, veneers, and whitening. Smiling can relieve stress, improve your mood, and boost your immune system, as reported by Verywell Mind. It may even help you live longer.



You can give yourself the joy of a confident smile with a dental smile makeover from a cosmetic dentist in Hampton, VA. Find the answers to your cosmetic dentistry FAQs here and get the smile you've always wanted.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Can a Regular Dentist Do Cosmetic Dentistry?

A regular dentist can do cosmetic dentistry if they have the training and experience. The American Dental Association doesn't have a separate certification for cosmetic dentistry, so you'll need to do a bit of research when choosing a practitioner.

You can start by looking at the dentist's bio page. They will likely list any advanced training or continuing education they've completed.



You should also check their smile gallery to see examples of their work. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family are another useful source of information when you're looking for a dentist for cosmetic procedures.

Can a Cosmetic Dentist Do Fillings?

Reputable cosmetic dentists have the skills and training to do fillings. Cosmetic dentists must meet the American Dental Association standards for dentistry, which include earning a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree and passing a state licensure exam.



In fact, cosmetic dentists offer fillings that blend in with the natural appearance of your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are typically made of resin composite or porcelain. These fillings won't darken like metal ones do, and they're less damaging to your other teeth.

What Is the 50-40-30 Rule in Dentistry?

One advanced technique that cosmetic dentists use to design an aesthetically-pleasing smile is the 50-40-30 Rule. It describes the ideal contact area for your front teeth. Percentages describe the length of the contact area where two teeth should touch along the vertical height of the front teeth:

• 50% contact area for central incisors
• 40% contact area for lateral incisors
• 30% contact area for canines

This gradual reduction in contact area moving outward from the two middle teeth makes your smile more youthful and symmetrical. It enhances the aesthetics of your smile in a way that looks natural. Your dentist may use the 50-40-30 Rule for cosmetic dental procedures including veneers and bonding as well as orthodontics.

What Is a Veneer in Dentistry?

A dental veneer is a thin layer of material that is attached to the front surface of your tooth to improve its appearance. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend veneers to treat concerns such as teeth that are:

• Chipped or broken
• Discolored or stained
• Small or misshapen
• Moderately misaligned



The most common materials for dental veneers are porcelain or composite resin.

How Much Do Teeth Get Shaved Down for Veneers?

You may not need any tooth reduction before having veneers applied. The amount of preparation you need depends on your dental situation and the type of veneers you choose.

For example, if your teeth are large and misaligned, your dentist will probably need to shave them somewhat to get the results you want. If your teeth are smaller than average or have gaps in between them, you'll need less shaving.



Most cosmetic dentists try to be as conservative as possible with the amount of shaving they do. Less than 0.5 millimeters is usually all that is required, which is about the thickness of a fingernail.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years. This can be more than double the lifespan of composite veneers.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite, but they offer many benefits, including:

• Shine that closely resembles natural teeth
• Durability
• Stain resistance

Care for veneers is similar to your natural teeth:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Avoid biting into hard foods or objects
• Wear a mouthguard for sports or if you grind your teeth



Regular cleanings and dental exams will help ensure you get the best performance from your veneers.

What Is the Most Effective Teeth Whitening Method?

Despite the many teeth whitening options available over-the-counter, professional teeth whitening in your dentist's office is the most effective method. Professional treatment is customized to your specific situation. Your cosmetic dentist and their team use the highest quality products and advanced techniques.

Teeth whitening can remove stains due to:

• Drinking coffee, tea, or wine
• Smoking
• Eating dark-colored foods like berries and soy sauce
• Poor oral hygiene
• Aging
• Dental trauma
• Certain diseases and medications

Professional teeth whitening uses a specially-formulated bleaching product. Most people only need professional whitening once a year.

Traditional in-office whitening can take several visits to get the full effect. Modern laser whitening can lighten your teeth by several shades in one visit. The dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a special light.

Is It Too Late to Whiten My Teeth?

It's never too late to consider whitening your teeth. Your results will depend on a range of factors, such as:



• Overall dental health
• Type of stains
• Lifestyle habits

The enamel on your teeth wears down with age, showing the yellowish dentin underneath. Getting a bright white color may not be possible. If whitening isn't the best choice, your dentist will suggest other cosmetic dental procedures that may work better for you.

Answering Your Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

You can trust LeJeune Family Dentistry in Hampton, VA to answer your cosmetic dentistry FAQs. We specialize in whitening, veneers, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings. Our practice is dedicated to the highest standards of patient care and customer service.

LeJeune Family Dentistry provides services in general dentistry and orthodontics as well as cosmetic dentistry, giving you a complete oral health solution. We'll design the dental smile makeover that you've been imagining.



Schedule an appointment with LeJeune Family Dentistry today and see why your neighbors have been trusting us with their smiles for over 25 years.