Cosmetic dentistry is a professional oral care method that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. It consists of several procedures that can provide both aesthetic and restorative benefits. The most common procedures are teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, invisible braces, gingival contouring, adhesion and dental implants. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best aesthetic dentists will explain why these procedures are needed. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Depending on the particular variety of teeth whitening treatments you choose, you may be able to lighten the color of your teeth by two to nine shades. The results are temporary and last for several months (depending on how well you take care of your teeth).Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain veneers that fit over the facial surface of the teeth. They are offered for several aesthetic reasons, including makeover of chopped, chipped and broken teeth, to lengthen teeth, for discoloration (where typical whitening doesn't work), including speckled enamel, and as an alternative to orthodontics to provide a homogeneous smile appearance. The process usually takes a few weeks from consultation to adaptation. Invisible braces are another popular option for those looking for an orthodontic solution without a mouth full of wires and braces.
There are several variants of invisible braces, including ceramic braces in the color of your teeth, inner braces (placed on the back of your teeth), or clear aligners (such as Invisalign or ClearCorrect). The different types are not necessarily interchangeable and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Gingival contouring is a common smile concern that many people share. Also called excessive gingival visualization, gingival smile can be treated in a variety of ways, including laser treatment, surgical repositioning of the lips, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and gingival sculpting. Gingival contour treatments are usually performed by specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists or, in some cases, an oral surgeon. Adhesion is when resin is added to the edges of the teeth to make them look straighter.
Bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. The composite resin used in the bond can be molded and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, it is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth. Dental implants are the cream of the cream of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and provide the highest level of strength and durability with a natural aesthetic similar to that of teeth. A permanent solution to tooth loss, implants consist of an artificial tooth root (usually titanium) that is surgically implanted in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
A crown is placed on top of the implant to serve as a real tooth replacement. Orthodontic dentistry is designed to straighten teeth. You've probably heard of clear Invisalign braces, which are placed in front of and behind your teeth. And for those who don't want braces but still want straighter teeth, adhesion is an option. Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for improving your smile. Each procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The best aesthetic dentists will not only provide the procedures necessary to give their patients the best smile of their life, but they will also explain why these procedures are needed.
