In this blog article we will try and answer the question, “what is cosmetic dentistry?” Cosmetic dentistry is the practice of dentistry that focuses on improving a person’s smile by correcting its appearance, structure, and function. There are several treatments for teeth that are in need of cosmetic repair. These treatments restore worn, damaged, and stained teeth. They can also straighten or alter the way in which your teeth are aligned or appear so that you can smile with confidence.
Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures
There are several cosmetic dentistry treatments that may help you improve your smile, including:
Teeth Bleaching & Teeth Whitening
Teeth bleaching, one of the most frequent dental procedures, involves the use of chemicals to lighten the teeth. Some people choose to remove stains with this method, while others want a whiter tone. Stained or discolored teeth can be attributed to hereditary issues. However, they can also be caused by (or made worse by) smoking, drinking tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, and taking certain medicines. Naturally, this becomes more pronounced as we age.
Bonding
The purpose of bonding is to close gaps between teeth. The dental bonding treatment procedure may be completed in one visit. It lasts for years and can also be used to repair chipped or fractured teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are covers made for your teeth in order to alter their shape and color. They’re used on teeth that are discolored, chipped, unevenly spaced, or misaligned, etc. They are typically made from porcelain, but sometimes they can be made of composite and other materials.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to cover the top of a tooth so that its natural form, function, and shape can be restored. Crowns are a type of tooth restoration that is one of the most long-lasting. They take longer to wear away than veneers and are an alternative to them, although crowns are frequently more costly.
Dental Implants
The purpose behind dental implants is to replace one or several teeth. When they are replacing multiple teeth, they are referred to as implant supported dentures. The implant is placed in your jaw and acts as an artificial root. They are considered the best method for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. However, their one downside is that they are expensive.
Dentures
A cheaper method for replacing lost teeth are traditional dentures. Dentures are usually used in connection with an adhesive or some sort of suction. They give you an appearance of having normal teeth, though they are not as secure and easy to speak or eat with as implants are.
Braces or Invisible Aligners
Crooked, crowded, misaligned teeth are something that can be fixed by a dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces are the most common method for fixing this issue. However, Invisalign and other types of invisible aligners are gaining in popularity. This is because they offer discreet treatment. They also make oral hygiene easier and they tend to be less uncomfortable compared to braces. Invisalign is usually more expensive than braces though.
Which cosmetic procedure is for me?
A cosmetic dentist can help you decide on a restorative option because they are familiar with the procedures that may improve your smile. The most effective treatment is determined by the state of your smile, as well as your goals and budget.
If you’re considering a cosmetic dentistry operation, talk to your dentist about a few things before making your decision:
- What will the end result look like?
- What can I expect to experience during treatment?
- How long will it take for me to complete treatment?
Which are the factors to consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist?
Another critical step in receiving aesthetic dental treatment is selecting the proper dentist. Is the dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry? You might want to ask for or look at examples of other people’s before and after pictures. You’ll also want to do some research and see what people are saying about the dentist. Check online reviews. Also, ask people you know about different cosmetic dentists they have used.
Get to know the dentist a little bit. Talk to them. Communication with your dentist and their staff is extremely important. So, don’t hesitate to go somewhere else if you don’t really enjoy the staff and the atmosphere of a specific office.