Your Guide To The Different Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry
A smile is one of your most important features. Not only is having a smile you love important for your own self-confidence, over half of the adult population over the age of 50 in the United States surveyed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry agree that a smile is the one physical feature that stays the most attractive as we age.
Taking care of your teeth now can guarantee that your smile keeps impressing everyone you meet throughout your life. Discover the dental treatments that can benefit your smile by consulting this guide to cosmetic dentistry.
Veneers
Typically made from ceramic or porcelain, veneers are perfect for anyone who has teeth that are pitted, chipped, broken, discolored, or uneven. Veneers can fix this multitude of problems because they function as a new front surface that fits over the imperfect tooth.
As cosmetic dentists individualize the fit of veneers to each patient, the process of getting them can take a few weeks. First, you have a consultation with your dentist to find out what procedure will be the best for your teeth. Your dentist will make a mock-up to see what your teeth will look like and then send a mold to the technicians. To ensure that the veneers will bond effectively, the technician will trim your tooth enamel. In the end, your veneers should look exactly like your real teeth.
Bonding
Out of all cosmetic dental procedures, bonding is one of the easiest to have done. In this procedure, a dentist adds a composite resin to the edges of your teeth. Bonding is primarily used to correct chipped or discolored teeth and to close gaps between teeth or make them look longer. It can also repair decayed or damaged teeth.
In contrast to a treatment like veneers that can take weeks to show results, a dental professional can typically complete bonding in about 30 minutes to an hour. You may need several sessions if you are having more than one tooth done. If you are getting bonding done to fix decayed teeth, your dentist will first need to drill out the tooth decay. They then apply the composite resin onto the tooth’s surface, sculpt it into the right shape, and cure it with a high-intensity light.
No matter the state of your tooth before you sat in the dentist’s chair, bonding will effectively cover up a damaged tooth and create the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place.
Whitening
Over the years, your teeth become stained. While many people may think that you only get stained teeth from personal habits such as smoking and recreational drinking, anyone’s teeth can start looking worn. Stains can start appearing from eating common foods and drinks and even taking medication. Teeth whitening can fix this discoloration by coating your teeth with a brighter color.
While there are whitening treatments that you can do at home, it’s always best to go to a professional to do it for you. When you go to a professional cosmetic dentist, they will have the experience and resources to ensure that your teeth truly look whiter and that the new shade lasts.
Crowns
Dental crowns toe the line between cosmetic and restorative treatments. They are primarily used to cap damaged teeth and preserve their functionality. Crowns can be made in several different materials. They can be gold, porcelain fused to metal, or all-ceramic porcelain.
Typically, porcelain crowns look the best and the most like natural teeth. They aren’t as thick as other crown options, allowing for more light to come through the crowns for a more natural appearance. Even with more transparency, porcelain crowns have good durability.
Implants
A missing tooth can severely impact a person’s confidence and their willingness to smile. Luckily, implants can replace missing teeth. To put in an implant, your dentist will insert a small titanium screw into your jaw where the tooth is missing. This tiny screw will serve as support for your implant.
Titanium naturally fuses to bone, ensuring that your jaw will accept the screw as a part of your smile. Once the supporting tissue and bone fuse to the implant, it will be permanently secured into place. Like other cosmetic dental procedures, implants are meant to make your smile look completely natural. Patients who are in the midst of implant placement simply need to be sure that they practice diligent oral hygiene so that the area is free of plaque and food debris before the procedure takes place.
Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders to improve your smile. Even the simplest treatment can rid your teeth of imperfections and simultaneously improve your dental health and your confidence. Contact Railroad Dental Associates today to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile.