Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever. Many people are dissatisfied with their smile and are seeking ways to improve it.
Cosmetic dentists perform a variety of procedures to help boost the beauty of your smile. These procedures can also improve your oral health by making it easier to floss and brush correctly.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are a permanent solution and look, feel and function like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which can easily slip out in public or become painful when biting, they are sturdy enough to allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods without discomfort. Moreover, you don’t need to take them out at night or rely on special care procedures to keep them clean and fresh.
A cosmetic dentist will recommend this procedure if you’ve lost one or more teeth. These artificial tooth roots not only replace the structure of a missing tooth, but also help stop bone loss. In fact, the implant procedure can be considered a form of cosmetic dentistry because it improves your oral health and makes you smile again.
Before you can get an implant, you’ll need to visit a dentist for a clinical assessment. They’ll take X-rays and possibly a CT scan to ensure you’re a good candidate for this treatment. In addition, they’ll create a treatment plan to determine where you need the implant, what type of restoration is best, and if you need to have any underlying oral health issues addressed before proceeding with surgery.
During this consultation, they’ll also explain the process to you, including how long it will take and what to expect during each appointment. They’ll also discuss whether or not you can qualify for CDG funding to offset the cost of your treatment.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a restorative procedure that can improve the color, shape, and size of teeth. It can also close gaps in the teeth. This procedure involves applying a composite resin to the surface of the tooth and curing it with a special light. The procedure is relatively painless and does not require anesthesia. It is one of the simplest cosmetic dentistry procedures.
The bonded material is color-matched to the natural tooth structure for an aesthetic result. The process is simple and quick, and it can correct a wide range of cosmetic dental problems. However, it may not be suitable for severe damage, decay, or structural concerns. For instance, if you have crooked or misshapen teeth, you should consider orthodontic treatments before considering cosmetic treatment.
In addition, bonding is not as strong as your natural teeth, so it may chip if you chew on hard foods or candy. It is also not as stain-resistant, so you should avoid smoking and drinking coffee.
A dentist can fix the issues that you are not happy with by using tooth bonding or porcelain veneers. Both of these methods are safe and effective for improving the appearance of your smile. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front of the teeth and can hide stains, chips, gaps, or discoloration. They are a popular treatment option for people with crooked, crowded, or thick teeth.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the existing color of teeth without damaging them. It is a very effective way to whiten teeth and is used by millions of people worldwide. However, it is not a permanent treatment and does not work on all types of stains. In most cases, the whitening effect only lasts for a few months.
If you are considering a teeth whitening treatment, be sure to consult with a cosmetic dentist. These professionals can help you choose the best type of whitening for your needs and help you maintain it at home. They will also be able to identify other problems with your oral health, such as cavities or gingivitis.
A dentist can use a variety of methods to whiten teeth, including professional bleaching. The bleaching gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down the molecules that cause staining on your teeth. The result is a lighter, brighter smile. The dentist may put a protective gel on your gums to prevent irritation and use trays to hold the whitening solution against the teeth.
A laser whitening technique is also available to remove stubborn stains. This procedure uses a light to activate the chemicals in the whitening gel, which is applied to the teeth. The result is a much faster whitening process than traditional techniques.
Porcelain veneers
Whether you have just one chipped tooth or you’re looking to close a gap in your smile, porcelain veneers could help you achieve that picture-perfect smile. They are thin shells of porcelain or resin composite that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are stain resistant and can brighten your smile. Although they are not permanent, if you take good care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing, dental visits, and mouth guards, they can last up to 10 years.
While many patients worry that they will ruin their natural teeth, it is not true. During the process of applying veneers, the dentist must prep your natural teeth by reshaping them to better fit the veneer. This includes removing a small portion of your enamel to prepare it for the bonding process. It’s important to understand this step and be comfortable with it before you move forward with the process.
Porcelain veneers are an ideal cosmetic solution for anyone who has healthy teeth but wants to correct aesthetic issues, including crooked teeth, gaps, uneven teeth, and stubborn discoloration that doesn’t respond to tooth whitening treatments. However, veneers cannot fix underlying dental problems such as decay or gum disease. They also cannot restore teeth that are missing. So if you have any of these issues, they should be addressed before getting veneers.