Cosmetic Dentistry 101 – A Complete Guide to Dental Cosmetic Procedures
Having a beautiful smile and strong teeth are essential for many reasons — esthetically and in relation to overall health. All of us encounter yellowing, crooked, and broken teeth at some point in our lives. If you’re not satisfied with your smile, modern cosmetic dentistry can help. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more popular, with the industry as a whole.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
When it comes to your smile, what is cosmetic dentistry? A cosmetic dentistry procedure is a specific kind of dentistry procedure that is intended to improve the appearance of your smile and teeth. Esthetic dental treatments are commonly referred to as “smile makeovers.” There are many ways of accomplishing this, and each one depends on the patient’s unique oral structure and own specific needs.
What are the Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Who doesn’t want to look their very best? Cosmetic dentistry offers apparent benefits. It improves your appearance. The old saying, “Beauty is more than skin deep”, applies to cosmetic dentistry.
Enhancing your smile is more than improving how you look. Dental imperfections can boost confidence and self-image. Even the most minor changes in your smile or teeth can make a big difference in how you feel.
You might not think of visiting your dentist as a way to change your life. Sometimes, a smile makeover can change your outlook and improve your confidence. You can feel more confident, and it will change how you see the world.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry uses advanced and invasive methods to make your teeth look better. This type of dental procedure includes teeth whitening, braces, veneers and a wide variety of other techniques. Let’s look at these dental procedures in more detail.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin, porcelain-like material placed on top of a natural tooth to repair or replace chipped, stained or misaligned ones. Veneers can be of both porcelain and resin. They’re custom-made for each patient to resemble their natural teeth. Your dentist will match the veneer with your existing teeth to give you a natural-looking smile.
Crown
A crown, a prosthetic tooth, is made from various materials such as porcelain, stainless steel, and ceramic. Crowns are an excellent choice to fix a broken or weakened tooth. It is usually necessary if a simple filling cannot repair a tooth.
Commonly, a crown is completed in two appointments. During the first appointment, decay is removed from your tooth. Next, the tooth is filled with resin and prepared for the crown. A digital impression of your teeth will be taken and the permanent crown made in a dental lab. Your dentist will match your crown colour to other teeth, so it blends in naturally.
While you wait for your permanent crown to be made, a temporary one is placed. The crown will be cemented on top of your tooth during your second visit.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your smile. Over time, our teeth can lose their natural brightness. Certain foods, like coffee, red wines, and berries, can stain teeth.
Whitening can change your smile from a yellowish-coloured one to one that is whiter. A lot of people prefer to have their teeth whitening done at home. For at-home whitening, make use of custom-made trays. These trays come with preloaded syringes that allow you to use the whitening product easily. They are suitable for use during the day and night.
Tooth whitening performed by a cosmetic dentist in-office is the most effective way to get the best and safest results. Professional whitening can be done in a dental clinic in about an hour. Stronger agents are used, but the mouth and gums are protected, and the dentist can customize the concentration of the bleaching agent.
Enamel Shaping and Contouring
To improve your teeth’ appearance, parts of the enamel are removed or carved away. If you have crooked or overlapping teeth, chipped teeth, or a problem with your bite, this cosmetic procedure may be a good option for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. By fusing metal to the jawbone and attaching a crown to the implanted metal, a tooth that looks natural is created.
Why Should You Consider Seeing a Cosmetic Dentist?
Cosmetic dentists are being sought out by more people, both for their advice and to help them improve their smiles. These are just some of the many dental services cosmetic dentists can offer:
- Tooth discoloration or staining
- Broken or cracked teeth
- You may have small gaps or minor ones between your teeth.
- Asymmetrical teeth
- Misshapen or small smiles
- Replacement of metal fillings
You have many options for cosmetic dentistry. So how can you pick the right one? It is crucial to consider the type of problem you wish to fix. In some cases, more than one option may work.
You must determine if any cosmetic problems in your teeth are due to gum disease. Your dentist can identify potential issues by conducting a thorough dental exam.
The most effective cosmetic dental procedure will depend on your individual needs, including your gum health, periodontal health and bite. Your dentist will discuss your options with you to find the right type of cosmetic dentistry for you. If you’re unhappy with your smile, there are ways to fix it. There are many options to improve your appearance and your dental health, so let’s discuss all of them with our Chroma Dental Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I consult a cosmetic dentist instead of my regular dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry can improve or prevent oral disease and improve oral health. Crowns can also be used to restore the original shape of your teeth if they are discoloured and susceptible to cavities.
Q: Is cosmetic dentistry painful or not?
Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to be painful with the latest technological advancements. Cosmetic dentists now can use less invasive techniques and preserve as much natural tooth material as possible to minimize discomfort. Cosmetic dentistry is now more comfortable and accessible than ever.
Q: What is an alternative to veneers?
The name composite bonding can also refer to dental bonding. This is an alternative to veneers and offers patients a lower-cost option. Dental bonding, which is relatively simple, can be used for cosmetic purposes to correct misaligned, chipped or cracked teeth.
Q: Is it possible to whiten your teeth for everyone?
Unfortunately, not everyone can use teeth whitening. There are certain types of discoloration that cannot be corrected by whitening treatments, and there are certain dental or medical conditions that may reduce the chances teeth whitening will work for you.
Q: Are there side effects to teeth whitening treatment?
Tooth whitening can cause a temporary increase or sensitivity in the teeth and slight irritation of the mouth’s soft tissue, especially the gums. Tooth sensitiveness is most common during the first stages of bleaching.