Cosmetic dentistry involves general mouth care to improve the appearance of the smile, mouth, and teeth. According to Dr. Travis Spillman, a cosmetic dentistry specialist at Spillman Family Dental in Rockwall, TX, cosmetic dentistry procedures primarily focus on the improvement of teeth looks and smiles.
In contrast, general dentistry helps in treating various oral complications. In most cases, these procedures are used for aesthetic reasons but can have therapeutic benefits too. Here are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures today.
Table of Contents
Inlays and Onlays
They are also referred to as indirect fillings and are made in a dental laboratory using porcelain, gold, or composite materials. The fillings are moulded in to place by a professional dentist. They are called only when the fillings cover the biting surface of teeth or involve one or two points of a tooth.
When the fillings are bonded within the centre of the teeth, they are called inlays. They also serve as alternatives for crowns, as they help to preserve and maintain healthy teeth. Charges for cosmetic dentistry are applied per tooth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is also commonly known as teeth bleaching and can be done in your dentist’s office. This procedure involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and other debris from the teeth surface, thus restoring their natural look.
Some of the reasons for staining and wearing out of the teeth include habits such as smoking, various medications, and certain foods and drinks that you take. Teeth whitening can slowly be achieved at home by the use of toothpaste to clean your mouth.
Dental Crowns
They are also referred to as caps and are made of porcelain or acrylics fused to metal to enable them to withstand pressure when biting. In cosmetic dentistry, crowns are used for treating:
- Badly decayed teeth
- Broken and chipped teeth
- Poorly shaped teeth
- Teeth that have had large feelings
- Teeth with large spaces in between them.
Dental Veneers
Dentists recommend dental veneers to patients that have noticeable gaps between the teeth, crooked teeth, or teeth with damaged enamel. Veneers are made of medical-grade ceramics that resemble the natural teeth of a patient.
Dental veneers are also recommended in situations where teeth whitening fails to restore the natural appearance of a discoloured tooth. By the use of a dental adhesive, dentists apply veneers in front of the teeth.
Composite Bonding
The procedure is used to treat discoloured, decayed, and severely damaged teeth by the use of a material resembling tooth enamel. The process begins with the removal of damaged teeth, then the application of composite to the surfaces of the teeth.
The composite is then sculpted into the correct shape, and then curing is done using high- intensity light. For any person with tooth decay, cracked or chipped teeth, or teeth that have worn-down edges, the most cost-friendly procedure to undertake is composite bonding.
Implants
Implants are designed to replace your lost or missing teeth. At the site of a missing tooth, the dentist inserts a small titanium screw that supports the incoming implant. Provided that you maintain oral hygiene during the implant placement period and keep away food and other debris around the implant area, the procedure can be a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Before having a cosmetic dental procedure, you must consult an experienced dentist who has specialized in the particular procedure you want to undertake.
Comments