Cosmetic dentistry, as referred by dentists, is an oral procedure that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Most people opt for cosmetic dentistry as an elective procedure. There are, however, another group of people with whom cosmetic dentistry is essential.
Below are some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that dentists perform
COSMETIC DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns are prosthetics that are placed on damaged teeth to get it back to its original size and shape.
On the first dental visit, dentists will give you a temporary crown awaiting a permanent one. It takes roughly 3 weeks for the permanent crown to be ready for installation. It is on the 2nd visit that a permanent crown will be cemented onto the damaged tooth.
Dental crowns are used to treat teeth that are decayed, broken, chipped or poorly shaped. For severely decayed teeth, dental crowns look good and stop further infection. They can also be used to address the issue of gaps between the teeth.
When placed, dental crowns cover the whole tooth protecting it against further damage.
COSMETIC TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening is the most common type of cosmetic dentistry. Stained teeth can be as a result of the food, drinks and the medication we take. It may also be due to dirt that has accumulated over the years or unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking.
There are various ways in which brighter teeth can be achieved. The most common is by the use of bleaching and laser treatments. Laser treatments can be used to achieve shades of up to 16 times lighter than the original color of the teeth.
COSMETIC DENTAL VENEERS
Just as the name suggests, they are thin shells that are made out of porcelain and then bonded to the front of the tooth. They are commonly used on a specific tooth in case the tooth has chipped or is greatly discolored as compared to the other teeth. Dental veneers can also be used to treat gaps in between the teeth.
One thing you should note is that since veneers are made of porcelain and are thin, they may wear out over the years and a replacement will one day be required.
COSMETIC DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are specifically designed to replace tooth after tooth loss. During a dental implant session, the dentist will insert a small screw into the jaw beneath the missing tooth. This is what acts as a support for the crown that will be installed.
After some time the bone, tissues and the implant will fuse together permanently, securing it into place.
In conclusion, cosmetic dentistry does not only improve the physical appearance of teeth but also improves your quality of life. You are able to smile more often and this boosts your self-confidence. If you are considering having a cosmetic dentistry procedure done, make sure you do a lot of background research on your desired procedure. Once you have made a solid decision on your preferred procedure, make an informed decision on the best dentist to visit because the only thing that will stand between you and your broad smile is an unqualified dentist.