While cosmetic dental procedures are mostly optional, they can be a matter of health in some cases. Below, we discussed more about cosmetic dentistry, its benefits, and the common procedures patients usually undergo.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is also known as esthetic dentistry. It focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, while also providing restorative benefits.
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) is yet to classify cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialization. Still, it should only be performed by duly licensed and trained dentists.
Moreover, general dentists can perform cosmetic procedures. They undergo rigorous training to ensure the patients’ safety and oral health.
Individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 are the most common patients for cosmetic dentistry. Overall, about 96% of cosmetic dentistry patients are female. Nevertheless, all people from any age group and gender can avail of esthetic treatments.
For kids, cosmetic procedures are done mainly for their practical and restorative functions. A good example here is dental braces, which are mainly an orthodontic treatment, but is also considered cosmetic in nature.
Benefits of cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic surgery is more than just a form of vanity. It will also yield the following benefits:
- Improved self-confidence. A cosmetic dentist will fix your dental insecurities. Whether it’s chipped, stained, or crooked teeth, there’s a procedure to solve the problem.
- Reduced dental problems. Cosmetic dentistry involves the promotion of proper oral hygiene. This is to prevent minor dental issues from branching out into bigger problems.
- Increased nutrition. Crooked or chipped teeth can make it hard for you to eat. Through cosmetic efforts, this can be fixed, so you can enjoy your food even more.
- Enhanced comfort. Issues like misaligned teeth are not just a matter of appearance; it’s also a matter of comfort. It can cause jaw pain and headaches if not addressed.
- Shorter recovery periods. Cosmetic dental treatments have fairly shorter recovery periods compared to other procedures.
Most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures
Cosmetic dental treatments are very popular. The following are some of the most common procedures patients get:
Teeth whitening
Discolored teeth are a very common problem as we often consume dark-colored food items. The likes of coffee, tea, and red wine are major culprits.
Professional teeth cleaning will lighten stained or colored teeth. It uses a bleaching agent applied to the teeth activated by laser light. Most in-office teeth whitening procedures last for at least an hour.
To maintain the results, patients are encouraged to get the procedure every 12 to 18 months. There are also at-home kits that the dentist may prescribe.
Dental veneers
Veneers are customized caps made of a wafer-thin material bonded in front of the teeth using a special adhesive. It provides instant teeth enhancement by hiding chipped or stained teeth. This will also give your teeth a more uniform appearance.
There are many types of veneers, but porcelain veneers are the most common option. They are more durable, stain-resistant, and natural compared to composite types.
Take note that veneers will require replacements every 10 to 30 years. If you eat hard food items, there’s a chance that your veneers may shatter.
Dental crowns
Damaged teeth due to chips, cracks, or tooth decay can be fixed using dental crowns. These are caps placed on top of the damaged when fillings are no longer enough to correct the problem.
These tooth-shaped caps are custom-made and bonded into the teeth using special glue. The crowns are made in a dental laboratory based on the impression of the patient’s mouth.
Crowns serve like a hat for your teeth to shield them against further damage. Also, it will restore the teeth’s functions, so you can chew with it comfortably.
Aside from restoring the teeth’s shape, crowns are also utilized to protect weak teeth from breaking. It can also work as a cover for dental implants.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are molded fittings placed over the teeth. It’s similar to crowns, but it doesn’t cover the entire tooth, only a portion of it.
Dental implants
Moreover, patients can choose between fixed or removable artificial teeth. Both work, but removable ones offer easier cleaning and replacements.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for tooth implants. If you wish to get this treatment, you must have healthy gums and jawbone. Also, you should be at least 18 years old. This is to ensure that the implant will have a firm foundation on your jawbone.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is done to repair tooth gaps, chips, and irregular tooth shapes. It restores the tooth by filling in the chips using a resin material. The goal of this treatment is to make the bond look as natural as possible.
Moreover, this procedure uses tooth-colored resin to hide discoloration and match the appearance of the affected teeth. It can also be used to fill cavities or as a replacement for silver dental fillings.
Gum contouring
Does a gummy smile ruin your confidence? Gum contouring can fix that!
This procedure reshapes or sculpts the gum tissue, so you’ll have a more confident smile. It’s an effective solution for gummy smiles and an uneven gum line.
In some cases, gum contouring is necessary before the placement of crowns. It can also be done to repair gum recession and overgrowth.
For this treatment, dentists often use lasers and scalpels. Radiosurgery may also be needed for complicated cases.
Let us make you smile better
Cosmetic dentistry will make you more confident in your smile. Here at NoHo Family Dental, we are always passionate about delivering cosmetic dental solutions. If you need any of these treatments or others not mentioned here, don’t hesitate to call us. Our licensed dentists will prepare a custom treatment plan to achieve your best smile.
