Cosmetic dentistry can be a fun, painless, and effective way to take years off your appearance without undergoing surgery or altering the appearance of your smile.
Using cosmetic dentistry procedures and methods can have a whole new smile without going under the knife or taking any invasive measures. Check out the following cosmetic dentistry procedures and methods that are popular today.
Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses composite resin to fill in gaps between teeth. Resin is a tooth-colored substance that fills in the gap to create a beautiful smile.
For the dental Bonding to work correctly, it must match the color of your natural teeth so it will not be noticeable from up close or afar. The procedure can be done on just one tooth or many teeth, depending on what is needed. It typically requires no anesthesia, as it is a painless process.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening, which can be done at home or the dentist. Several teeth whitening methods include bleaching, laser whitening, and tray-based whitening. Bleaching is the most common method and involves using a bleaching agent to remove stains from the teeth.
Laser whitening is a more expensive option that uses a laser to speed up the bleaching process. Tray-based whitening is a less expensive option that uses custom-fitted trays filled with bleaching gel to whiten the teeth over time.
Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns are used to cover teeth that have been damaged. They are either made of porcelain or metal. Porcelain crowns may be more aesthetically pleasing, but they require more time to apply than metal crowns. Porcelain crowns also need to be replaced more often than metal ones.
Metal crowns are used in a single visit. Still, the patient will need a series of appointments with the dentist to ensure that it is appropriately fitted before being finished with the final layers of porcelain.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. They are made from ceramic or porcelain, which can be bonded to the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. After making them, they are carefully attached to your natural teeth with a light curing resin material.
To have a veneer applied, your dentist will remove very thin layers of tooth enamel from the surface of your teeth before using a unique adhesive to attach the veneer.
The tooth enamel that is removed cannot grow back. Your dentist will take impressions (molds) of your teeth to match them up with the correct size and shape for your new veneer.
Braces/Invisalign/Clear Braces
Braces are the most common type of cosmetic dentistry. They are also the most visible, which can be a turnoff for some people. Clear braces work the same way as traditional braces but use clear brackets and wires. Invisalign is a newer type of clear braces, making them much less noticeable.
Traditional braces typically require more appointments than Invisalign because they must be adjusted and tightened more often to prevent loosening over time. With both braces, teeth will gradually shift into their desired position over time; in most cases, this process takes anywhere from one to two years.
Implant-Supported Dentures
According to My Dentist San Francisco website, Implant-Supported Dentures are over-dentures fixed to the gums by mini implants. The implants are placed in the patient’s jawbone during the surgical procedure. They are then left to heal, or they can be covered with a protective shell while they heal.
After healing, the implant is removed from its protective shell and screwed into place to hold the denture securely in place.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
A tooth-colored filling is a restoration that is made of composite resin. The materials are designed to fill the space between teeth to prevent decay from forming on adjacent teeth or under the gum line.
The dentist will first remove any decayed or damaged areas of the tooth, then clean and dry the tooth surface before applying a thin layer of liquid composite resin. Next, he will shape and sculpt the filling using dental tools, such as files, needles, polishers, or burs, to give it a proper shape and size.
Conclusion
To have a healthy and beautiful smile, you must take care of your teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. However, sometimes our teeth need a little extra help.
That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. Many different procedures and methods are available to help improve your teeth’ appearance. Talk to your dentist about what options are best for you.