Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Seven Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
When you want to have an attractive smile, you should visit a dentist to learn more about cosmetic dentistry. In many cases, repairing your teeth or gums will improve your facial appearance, but it will also make your bite more functional. Dentists are able to provide an assortment of cosmetic procedures, and you can request one or more of these repairs to boost your self-esteem.
Cosmetic Procedure 1: Replace Metallic Fillings
If you have old metallic fillings, then you can have the items replaced with color-matching composite resins. Changing to white fillings instead of metal fillings is especially important for the teeth that are located toward the front of your mouth. This type of procedure is typically completed during one office visit.
Cosmetic Procedure 2: Have Your Teeth Whitened
When you smoke cigarettes or eat brightly colored foods, the enamel on your teeth will develop ugly stains. These stains might look like dark spots on your teeth, or you might have overall discoloration instead. An in-office teeth whitening process lasts about one hour, and it involves having your restorations protected with a brush-on substance. A strong hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to each tooth, and with the addition of water, this substance begins to bubble, lifting away brown or yellow dental enamel stains.
Cosmetic Procedure 3: Application Of Dental Crowns
If you have a broken tooth, then a cosmetic dentist can fix it with a dental crown. First, your dentist may need to perform a root canal, or he might need to change the shape of the broken tooth. A dental crown is a durable cap made from composite resins that is placed over the damaged tooth, and it is fastened with a special adhesive. Your dental crowns will match the color of your other teeth so that no one else will notice that you have this type of dental restoration.
Cosmetic Procedure 4: Professional Dental Cleanings
When you notice a buildup of yellow plaque on your teeth, it is time to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Plaque contains bacteria that will damage your teeth, gums and smile. In addition, you may have a foul breath odor when you have teeth that are covered with plaque. A dentist can use special instruments to scrape away the plaque to prevent tooth decay and improve your smile.
Cosmetic Procedure 5: Fix Small Chips and Scratches
You may have a small chip or scratch on a tooth, but you don’t always need a dental crown to fix this problem. A dentist can mix a liquid composite resin to brush onto your tooth directly. This color-matching substance will dry, and your dentist can polish it to create a flat natural appearance that leads to a beautiful smile.
Cosmetic Procedure 6: Change the Shape Of a Tooth
If you have a tooth that is too short or that has an odd shape, then a dentist can cover it with a veneer. Thin porcelain veneers are suitable for the front surface of the teeth that are toward the front of your mouth. These customized dental restorations are fastened to a tooth with adhesive.
Cosmetic Procedure 7: Replace Missing Teeth
A cosmetic dentist can replace missing teeth with dental bridges, dentures or dental implants. Dental bridges are metal devices that hold one or more dental crowns in place, but dentures are removable devices that are designed for the top or bottom of the mouth. Today, you can also request dental implants that remain in your mouth. If you have healthy bones and gums, then you can have dental implants right away.