Improving your smile is probably one of the most common reasons people get a cosmetic dentistry procedure. What could be more important than making sure your teeth are not only healthy but also look great?
If you are planning on getting dental procedures done, it is important to know the many different types of procedures that are available. Being informed will let you know that you are receiving the best possible treatment. This article will explore the various types of cosmetic dental procedures and what exactly they entail.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
The procedures available to enhance your smile are numerous. While some may be more expensive than others, the investment is well worth it for a beautiful set of teeth. Here are the different types of cosmetic dental procedures:
Teeth Whitening
Whitening teeth is one of the most common treatments people get done. Everyone wants to have whiter, brighter-looking teeth and this procedure can definitely help you achieve that. The procedure is also called “bleaching” and it involves the application of a bleaching gel or solution to your teeth to remove stains and discoloration.
Veneers
Dental veneers can be used to change tooth shape, size, color, or position in order to improve one’s smile. They are usually made from either porcelain or resin-based materials like plastic and glass ionomer cement (GI). Veneers will typically take a few visits to the dentist and will require some preparation of your teeth.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a covering that encases the entire surface area of a tooth to restore it back to its normal shape, size, color, or position in order to improve one’s smile. They are usually made from either porcelain or acrylic fused to the metal substructure. Crowns are typically used to fix teeth that are broken, give structure to dental implants, cover badly shaped teeth, or are used for cosmetic reasons.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that’s used to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The implant itself is usually composed of titanium alloy, which provides an excellent base for attaching artificial teeth.
Inlays and Onlays
An inlay and onlay is a cosmetic dental procedure that covers or strengthens teeth. These procedures require significant preparation of the tooth, so they are usually only applied to molars with large restorations such as fillings. Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, resin composite materials, gold alloyed with other metals, or a combination of these materials.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin material that is used as a sealant or coating for teeth in order to change their color, shape size, position, or texture so it will look more attractive.
Teeth Shaping
A cosmetic dentist is trained to reshape teeth in order to create a smile that’s more aesthetically pleasing. They may use Orthodontics, or clear aligners like Invisalign or braces, veneers, crowns, and bridges. It is also referred to as “enamel shaping”.
Cosmetic Orthodontics
There was a time when children are the only ones who needed to see an orthodontist. But now, with various cosmetic procedures available for adults, they are able to straighten out their teeth as well by undergoing adult braces or Invisalign treatment.
Bridgework
Bridges are also referred to as fixed partial dentures. They can be used to replace one or several teeth that have been lost due to decay, injury, etc. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face and prevent other teeth from shifting out of place. They can either be supported by natural teeth on both sides or implant posts.
Dental braces
Dental braces are used to align the front or back teeth and depending on what is required during treatment may be worn full time. Unlike the metal braces of yesteryear, these are smaller and less visible so they’re more comfortable to wear all day long. They have also become much sturdier over the years with no wire sticking out that can scratch your lips or cheeks.
Different Types of Cosmetic Oral Treatments – Conclusion
With so many different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures available, achieving that perfect smile is now very much possible. Choosing between these procedures is an important decision that should be done after consulting an expert dentist. So it is important that you do your research and find out which options work best for you and your budget. If you have further questions or are interested in getting some dental care done, then contact our dental clinic in Stamford, Ct today at (203) 496-8745.