Cosmetic dentistry has evolved to offer flawless and natural smiles. Whether you have stains, chips, or uneven gums, there are a few procedures that will give you real results. These therapies may be used to improve your smile and to add balance and symmetry to your teeth and gums. The following are some of the popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that you need to know about.
Inlays and Onlays
This type of cosmetic dentistry procedure is also known as indirect fillings. Sometimes, regular filling is not enough to restore a damaged tooth when the tooth has mild decay or the structure is not strong enough to support a filling. That is why inlays and onlays are used. They are custom-made and created by a dental laboratory. These inlays and onlays are designed to fit neatly into or over your tooth.
- Inlays are used when the damage is within the tooth’s surface, but no damage to the cusps.
- Onlays are a bit more extensive and cover the cusp or even the entire biting surface.
These restorations used to be made out of gold, but nowadays, dentists typically use porcelain or ceramic materials.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, teeth naturally lose their brightness due to food, coffee, wine, certain medications, and habits like smoking. Teeth whitening treatments are designed to reverse this. It is one of the most requested cosmetic dental services, as yellowing and stained teeth are the biggest concerns of people. This procedure is performed at the dentist’s office within a single visit.
A professional dentists firstly remove plaque, tartar, and other debris. Then, a bleaching agent is applied to lighten the tooth shade. It’s quick, safe, and makes a dramatic difference in boosting your overall appearance.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is an effective procedure to treat problems like chips, cracks, and even discoloration. In this treatment, decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth are repaired using material that resembles tooth enamel color.
Your dentist removes the tooth decay and applies the composite to the tooth surface, and then shapes it carefully. At the end, a special curing light is used to harden it. It not only gives the appearance of a healthy tooth, but it also protects it from further wear and tear.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are medical-grade ceramics that are customized to fit over the front surface of your teeth. A strong dental adhesive is used to apply veneers to your teeth. They give an exceptionally realistic look. These veneers are used to fix a wide range of cosmetic concerns:
- Uneven or crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Damaged enamel
- Permanent stains
Dental Implants
A lost or broken tooth not only affects your smile but also your functionality. The dental implants are a long-term solution in that case. During this process, a titanium screw is implanted into your jawbone through surgery, which acts as a support for a crown.
The bone and supporting tissue are then fused to the implant, which is then fixed permanently in place. Implants also take a little time to heal, and proper oral hygiene is the key to success.