Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures. Cosmetic dentistry makes your teeth look better. Here are a few of the options.
1. Teeth Whitening
Also referred to as teeth bleaching, this is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. It’s a relatively simple procedure that doesn’t have to be done specifically by a cosmetic dentist. Over time, our teeth’s natural white fades due to the food and drink we consume and the staining and discoloration that results. Whitening can restore your teeth’s natural color and give you a whiter, brighter smile. The whitening process begins once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque. Depending on their level of discoloration, your dentist will use various strengths of bleaching agents. Results are immediate, visible, and long-lasting.
2. Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth. A small titanium screw is fitted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing; this is meant to support the crown that is to be fitted later. (Titanium is used since it fuses well with our mouth tissues.) Implants are normally smaller than natural teeth, and it’s hard to tell the difference between them and natural ones. They’re also permanent, secure, and won’t slip. But because the bone beneath the missing tooth tends to disintegrate, it’s best to have the implant fitted soon after the tooth is lost.
3. Dentures
These artificial teeth are designed to restore one or more missing teeth, are removable, and allow the wearer to eat, smile, and speak with little trouble. Both full and partial dentures are made using materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth and gums, typically low-staining, high-impact, and long-lasting acrylic bases. If you’ve lost all your teeth, conventional full dentures are ideal for both the upper and lower jaw.
4. Inlays and Onlays
These indirect fillings are made in a dental laboratory. They address both mild and moderate decay while sometimes being used on patients without enough tooth structure to support a filling. If the cusps of your teeth aren’t damaged, your dentist will bond an inlay to the surface of your tooth. If they are, the entire surface of your tooth may be covered by an onlay.
Inlays and onlays can only be attached to teeth with the help of dental cement. They’re great for supporting existing teeth and avoiding future decay. Additionally, they reduce deterioration and can restore teeth to their original shape.
5. Veneers
These thin, custom-made shells are crafted using dental composite or porcelain that covers the front part of a tooth. They’re designed to fit a patient’s tooth perfectly while resembling their natural teeth. Dental veneers address discolored and crooked teeth and fix spacing issues. They improve the shape, appearance, size, and strength of your teeth. When made from high-quality material and looked after, veneers should last up to 20 years without sustaining any discoloration.
6. Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is used to cover chipped, cracked, damaged, decayed and discolored teeth. It’s an inexpensive way to mimic the appearance of naturally healthy teeth. With this method, the dentist drills out the decay before applying a composite bonding on the surface. They then sculpt the bonding into the shape of the patient’s natural tooth/teeth. This can last many years with proper and continued care.
These are a few of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments. No matter your issue, you’re bound to find a procedure to treat your condition. The right cosmetic dentist can restore your pearly whites and give you a reason to smile again. Remember, it’s vital to practice good hygiene habits to take care of your oral health. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations after your procedure to enjoy a whiter smile for years to come.
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