From minor changes to major repairs, your dentist or orthodontist can perform a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures to improve the outlook of your teeth and to give you a Hollywood like smile. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can be used to repair teeth problems like:
- Discoloration
- Chipping
- Cracking
- Staining
- Worn out teeth
- Reshaping teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are a wide variety of procedures used to improve dental aesthetics but the following are the most commonly used.
Teeth Bleaching/ Whitening
Teeth whitening or bleaching is one of the simplest and inexpensive ways to improve the look of your teeth. Bleaching is a simple procedure which involves the dentist either using a bleaching agent to clean your teeth at the clinic or the dentist would get a mold designed specifically for your teeth and he would also give you a gel like bleaching agent which you may use at home.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are really thin, custom-made shells of either porcelain or a resin composite. These veneers require the slight removal of the tooth enamel before they can be bonded to the teeth using special dental cement. Veneers can be used to change the size, shape, color, and length of teeth; they are often used by people looking for more of a Hollywood smile.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding involves using a putty-like resin material which is adjusted to best represent the color of your teeth, and then it is applied to the damaged tooth and hardened using an UV light. The hardened bond is then shaped and polished to mimic its neighboring teeth. Dental bonding is useful in repairing cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth and it is a good alternative to metal fillings.
Dental Caps/Crowns
Dental crowns are often called caps and they are used to cover an entire tooth to restore the shape, size and appearance. Dental crowns can be used to fix immensely discolored, weak or cracked teeth. Candidates can choose between ceramic, metal, metal fused with porcelain and resin dental crowns.
Dental Implants
Implants involve artificial titanium roots which are inserted directly in the jaw bone socket of a missing tooth. As time passes and the bone grows, it creates a solid base around the titanium root holding it even firmly in place. A temporary tooth replacement might be added before the final adjustments.
Periodontal Surgery
People who have major damage to their teeth and gums and they are looking to regain a perfect look might be required to undergo periodontal surgery. This usually involves using tissue from the ‘roof’ of the mouth to add to areas where tissue is missing. Over time, it heals and starts to grow back normally.
Consulting a dentist is a better option if you wish to go for a dental cosmetic treatment, as not all patients qualify for every procedure. Depending on your immune system, age and dental problems, a dentist can better advise you which procedure to go for. Come and visit our practice for a consultation to find out the best way to take to care of your smile!