Cosmetic dentistry is a professional oral care approach to improve the overall look of your teeth, mouth, and smile. The cosmetic dentistry procedure is optional but it provides restorative benefits in some cases. The usual procedures are very simple while others need special care and are very complex.
1. Inlays/Onlays
Also called as indirect fillings, which are used with moderate or mild decay or when there is no structure to hold the filling, inlays, and onlays are made by dental lab. The inlay is positioned on the tooth surface, especially when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth. Onlays and inlays are made in a dental lab from a composite resin and are attached with adhesive cement. They have added strength to the teeth and they also recover their shape.
2. Dental Veneers
They are usually made with medical-grade ceramic for each patient to look like their natural teeth. They look very real and can fix a lot of cosmetic issues like cracked, damaged enamel and crooked teeth. The veneer is applied to the front of the tooth with an adhesive.
3. Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is basically repairing the damaged, decayed or discolored teeth with material which looks like the color of enamel. The tooth decay is drilled and a composite is applied on the surface of your tooth.
4. Teeth Whitening
It is one of the most widely used and common procedures for cosmetic dentistry. Teeth bleaching and teeth whitening are performed at the clinic. Whitening is ideally done after cleaning tarter, plaque, and other wastes from the teeth surface to restore their original look. To achieve lighter shade than the original color, your dentist can also bleach the teeth.
Teeth are known to get worn out and stained due to drinks, food, personal habits like smoking, and medication over the years. This way, teeth whitening procedure covers the teeth and it is performed at the dental clinic or home. In addition, orthodontists also recommend toothpaste and toothbrushes to get the best results in a few weeks. This product is offered in various formulas and whitens teeth for over 3 shades within 2 weeks and for best results in four weeks.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best procedures and are recommended to replace teeth due to tooth loss. A small titanium screw is inserted by the dentist on the jaw at the area of the missing tooth, which is known to support the crown. These types of implants are virtually invisible and are hard to notice from the nearby natural teeth. Once the supporting tissue and bone fuse well with the implant, they are almost secured. You have to ensure proper oral care on the period of implant placement to clean up food debris and plaque.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentistry process, you need to choose a cosmetic dentist who offers the option you like. It is important to ask friends and family for recommendations before looking for a dental professional. You can also refer to local listings to find the best dentist.