There are a variety of techniques available in the field of
cosmetic dentistry. For individuals looking to enhance their smile, cosmetic
dentistry options range from tooth whitening and tooth reshaping to veneers and
braces.
If you ever considered getting a cosmetic dental procedure done,
this article may help you know your cosmetic dentistry options.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening can greatly improve the appearance of the teeth.
This is probably why it is one of the most commonly recommended cosmetic dental
procedures. It utilizes peroxide-based materials to remove stains and
discoloration, and help patients achieve whiter teeth. But to maintain it,
tooth whitening must be repeated from time to time.
Whitening does not typically cause severe side effects, although
some patients may experience teeth sensitivity or mild gum irritation for a
short while after the treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
This cosmetic dental procedure recreates the natural look of the
teeth by using custom-made thin pieces of porcelain that is bonded on the
surface of a tooth. It provides strength, while also repairing tooth damage. In
addition, it may be used to correct a handful of dental problems, including
discoloration, stains, chips, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth.
Tooth Reshaping
Reshaping, or dental contouring, alters the shape or size of the
teeth. It involves removing a thin layer of the tooth enamel to repair slight
tooth damage or make your set of teeth proportional. Similar to whitening,
tooth reshaping may cause slight tooth sensitivity. But this can be easily
remedied with in-office desensitizers or specialized toothpaste. The treatment
itself is not painful, though, and is usually completed in less than half an
hour.
Resin or Tooth Colored Fillings
Resin is a material dentists use to fix small chips or cavities in
the teeth. Like veneers, fillings repair tooth damage, although they’re not as
strong and would require fixing every few years. These also wear and discolor
over time.
Crowns and Bridges
These cosmetic dental options are usually fixed prosthetics that
can only be removed by the dentist. Crowns and bridges are most ideal for
patients with missing or damaged tooth or teeth. Crowns, or caps, strengthen
damaged tooth by covering it entirely with porcelain or ceramic, while bridges
fill in the gaps left by missing teeth using the same material as crowns.
Orthodontics
Braces are often recommended for patients with widely-spaced or
crooked teeth. It can be uncomfortable and time-consuming, but it can
definitely enhance your smile, and the appearance of your face and jaw.
Invisalign is another orthodontic treatment that basically produces
the same results as braces. The difference is that Invisalign is less
painful, and because it’s virtually invisible, it’s more appealing.
Before investing in one or more of these cosmetic dentistry
options, it is important that you first consider the dentist that
will be doing the cosmetic dental procedures. Does the dentist specialize in
cosmetic dentistry? And is he/she highly experienced in the practice? Your
dentist should be able to discuss with you the outcome you desire and be able
to recommend all the possible cosmetic dental options and alternatives
available prior to starting treatment.
.jpg)
