Do you have healthy gums and teeth, but still notice having some slight imperfections, such as your front teeth having jagged edges?
Cosmetic dentistry might be just what you need.
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of specialized dentistry field that is purely dedicated to improving a patient’s smile Since aesthetics is the main purpose of cosmetic dentistry, dental insurance usually doesn’t cover it.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing dental health problems that relate to the gums and teeth, while cosmetic dentistry is comprised of optional dental procedures for improving a patient’s smile.
An improved look is the most sought-after and noticeable benefit provided by cosmetic dentistry. Improved functionality of your gums and teeth is a benefit provided by cosmetic dentistry that is often overlooked.
Cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, give a boost to your confidence and self-esteem, and strengthen your gums and teeth to prevent dental problems in the future.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures
What many people think of when they hear the term cosmetic dental procedures is they think about celebrities and their perfectly white and beautiful smiles. Most of the more common and popular cosmetic dental procedures are used by the rich and famous to achieve their iconic celebrity smiles.
Cosmetic dental procedures include the following:
Dental Implants
Invisalign
Dental Bonding
Inlays and Onlays
Veneers
In-office, professional teeth whitening
Dental Implants
Implants are a permanent and great way to fix those embarrassing gaps due to missing teeth. There are three parts to a dental implant: tooth-like crown, an abutment, and a titanium post.
The titanium post gets inserts into your gums. The abutment and crown are attached together and then attached to post.
Invisalign
Invisalign involves wearing a series of plastic clear trays. They shift the teeth gradually into the right alignment and positions. Invisalign is a very popular alternative, particularly among older teens and adults who would have to wear braces otherwise.
Invisalign offers an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable orthodontic treatment for people who have crooked teeth.
Since they are clear and also custom made so that they fit over a person’s teeth, they are nearly invisible.
Dental Bonding
This is a resin material that is tooth-color and firmly attaches to the surface of your teeth through the use of a curing light. Dental bonding is perfect for patients who have chipped or discolored teeth. Recently dental bonding has become a very popular alternative to gold or silver amalgam fillings.
Onlays and Inlays
Dental onlays and inlays are ideal treatment methods for patients who have tooth decay or concentrated cavities where the fillings have extensive damage but a crown would most likely cause the tooth to become even more damaged.
Onlays and inlays are similar to one another and are frequently mixed up ONlyays get applied to any area other than the biting surface of the tooth. Inlays are applied just to the part of the teeth that are in between the cusps (the rounded parts).
Onlays and inlays may be made of gold, porcelain, or resin and are similar in many ways to heavy-duty fillings. Onlays, in fact, are called “partial crowns” at times, depending on what size they are.
Veneers
Veneers are a porcelain thin shell that is put over the front of your teeth in order to provide your tooth with a white appearance, to smooth out the rough surface and to correct the tooth’s shape. Veneers are perfect for individuals who have cracked or chipped teeth, teeth that are misshapen, or seriously stained teeth.
Although a majority of veneers are made out of porcelain, they also may be made out of composite resin (lumineers). A special bonding agent is used to affix veneers to the surface of your teeth.
Veneers can last for a number of years if they are cared for properly.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
It is possible to purchase a whitening kit and then whiten your teeth from the comforts of home. However, whitening that is performed in a dental office makes use of a very powerful bleaching agent and UV light. Frequently the patient’s teeth are buffed and cleaned before the whitening procedure is performed, which ensures a longer-lasting and more natural whitening.
There are numerous cosmetic dental procedures that are available these days for addressing various dental imperfections. Invisalign, dental implants, dental bonding, inlays and onlays, veneers, and teeth whitening are the most common of today’s cosmetic dental procedures.
It is very important to speak with a cosmetic dentist to get more information on cosmetic dentistry and have a better idea of which cosmetic dental procedure can enhance your smile the best.