Numerous dental techniques have been developed to improve the appearance of teeth and gums, enabling people to smile with confidence. Understanding different types of dental procedures will enable you to choose the correct procedure for yourself. Options available range from tooth whitening and veneers to gum contouring and dental implants that offer solutions for almost any cosmetic dental problem. In this article, we will take you through some of the most common treatments and procedures of cosmetic dentistry as well as their advantages.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening is a very common cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and yellowness from teeth and makes them brighter by several shades. There are many options available such as those administered by professional dentists or those patients use at home as OTC whitening solutions. While the professional treatment aims at providing lasting solutions with instant results, OTC teeth whitening may take a relatively longer duration to start showing promising results.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are porcelain or cosmetic resin-made thin shells. They are a popular cosmetic treatment choice for individuals with damaged, crooked, or poorly shaped teeth. These shells are designed to fit over the front surface of the tooth thus hiding any defects and making them look brighter and similar to other teeth. They can also be used for gap filling between teeth. If properly cared for, they may last a longer time, around 10-15 years.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are permanent solutions to missing teeth problems. They are dental roots made from metal or ceramic materials. The technique involves inserting a small metallic rod into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. They are comparable to natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and functions. Moreover, they can stay in place for life with reasonable care taken towards their maintenance. It’s worth mentioning that implants are increasingly becoming popular among people who consider dentures or bridges as these are less convenient methods of dealing with missing teeth. Although it takes some time; several months indeed, getting dental implants is worthwhile because you will end up having a prettier smile than ever.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a dental cosmetic treatment procedure where dentists correct the gum line in its shape. This technique is frequently applied to correct a gummy smile which is characterized by excessive showing of gums in smiling. This procedure involves the removal of excess gum tissue and reshaping of the remaining tissues into a more attractive and balanced gum line. Gum contouring can also be used to treat receding gums to improve a smile.
Invisalign or Clear Dental Aligner Treatment
Invisalign, also called clear dental aligners, straightens teeth without traditional metal braces. They are removable, replaceable, and can be washed. Every two weeks, the aligners are replaced with new ones that help gradually move your teeth to the final position that you want them to occupy. For adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly, Invisalign is considered best because it does not cause any pain or trouble involved in wearing braces.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure used to improve teeth’s appearance through the application of tooth-colored composites on them. It can be used to restore broken or fractured teeth, fill spaces between them, and mask stains and discoloration. The composite resin is applied layer by layer onto the teeth before being shaped and polished to look like natural ones. This method is one of the quickest ways to have your teeth improved in appearance without breaking the bank, as it requires just one visit to your dentist.
Dental Crowns
Cosmetic dentistry may include dental crowns. These are caps that cover damaged teeth and protect them from further damage, while at the same time making them more appealing aesthetically. These come in various types including porcelain, ceramics, and metals. Dental crowns come custom-made to fit over one’s tooth so that they look like real teeth and function as such. If well cared for, dental crowns can last several years; thus often being seen as a long-term solution.
Shaping Enamel
This is a cosmetic dental surgery that involves scraping off small amounts of enamel to enhance the overall look of teeth. It can be used to remove rough or pointed corners, correct minor cracks & chips, and reshape teeth as well. The exercise takes place within no time and causes no pain; thus, the outcome is instant. To enhance teeth appearance without necessarily going through more invasive procedures, enamel shaping suits best for individuals who are interested in making a few changes that can be done in minutes.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges refer to a dental cosmetic procedure that can replace one or several missing teeth with artificial teeth. These consist of fake teeth that may be locked onto surrounding or adjacent teeth using crowns or other types of dental implants. Individuals with missing teeth might prefer dental bridges as they offer more pocket-friendly alternatives compared to dental implants. If properly taken care of, dental bridges could last many years while still giving them natural outlooks.
Takeaways
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent times, offering several effective and affordable choices for transforming the look of teeth and gums. From teeth whitening to veneers, and gum contouring to dental implants, there is an answer for almost any cosmetic dental problem. The right procedure in cosmetic dentistry can boost your confidence and give you a beautiful smile that is healthy too.
Book an appointment with our experienced dentists today to find out more about different types of cosmetic dental procedures that exist and determine which one is best for you. They will walk you through other options available and come up with the most suitable treatment plan depending on the best match for your requirements and expectations.