The endless quest for that perfect, gleaming smile has led many to the doors of a cosmetic dentist. Modern cosmetic dentistry has opened up numerous options for those seeking to improve their smiles. There are a plethora of procedures available that can correct a wide variety of dental issues such as discolored, misshapen, or missing teeth. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve that perfect smile.
1. Teeth Whitening: This is perhaps the most popular and commonly sought-after procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Over time, our cosmetic dentistry teeth can become stained or discolored due to various factors such as food and drink, smoking, medication, aging, and trauma. Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a quick and easy way to brighten your smile. The concentration of the whitening agent used by the professional cosmetic dentists leads to superior results than at-home whitening kits.
2. Dental Veneers: These are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can provide an ideal solution for individuals with teeth that are discolored, chipped, broken, worn down, misaligned, or with gaps. The veneers are usually made from porcelain or resin composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.
3. Dental Bonding: This involves the application of a tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the tooth, which is then hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light, bonding the material to the tooth. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes it. Dental bonding is a good option for those with decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshaped teeth.
4. Dental Crowns: A dental crown, also known as a cap, fit over and replaces the entire decayed or damaged tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns keep a weak tooth from breaking or hold together parts of a cracked tooth. They can be made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic materials.
5. Inlays and Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a filling. Created in a dental laboratory, these fillings are made from porcelain, gold, or composite materials and are attached to the teeth with dental cement.
6. Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth root replacements that provide a strong foundation for removable or fixed teeth.
7. Composite Resin Fillings: Unlike the more noticeable silver amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, providing a natural appearance. This has made them an increasingly popular choice for fillings.
Finally, remember that maintaining the results of your cosmetic dentistry procedures is just as important as the procedures themselves. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to a dentist coupled with a healthy lifestyle will contribute to a long-lasting, perfect smile. Cosmetic dentistry has indeed revolutionized the way we perceive oral health, proving that functionality and aesthetics can go hand in hand.