Cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to improve the look of your smile. These procedures can fix crooked teeth, chipped teeth, discolored or stained teeth, and more. Some cosmetic treatments also have restorative benefits, such as dental crowns, which encase the tooth to restore its appearance and protect it from bite pressure and other 강남임플란트 external factors.
Dental Implants
It is no secret that a beautiful smile enhances one’s appearance, boosts self-esteem, and promotes confidence. This is why cosmetic dentistry has become so popular; it is a specialized field that focuses on improving the aesthetics of teeth, gums, and bites. Some of the most common procedures include tooth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, and dental implants.
While many of the treatments are elective, they can help correct a wide variety of dental issues. These include discolored or stained teeth, chipped or broken teeth, missing or uneven teeth, or irregularly shaped teeth. The procedures are quick, easy, and effective, and can improve overall oral health.
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front of a tooth, allowing patients to change its color and shape. They are made of porcelain or composite resin and can be tinted to match the shade of a patient’s natural teeth. The procedure is a favorite of celebrities and can be performed in just one visit to the dentist.
Another popular treatment is dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored composite plastic resin to the surface of a tooth. This is a more affordable option than veneers and is usually completed in just one office visit. Regardless of the treatment chosen, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental checkups with your Memorial cosmetic dentist to ensure that the results last. It is also important to wear a mouthguard during certain physical activities to prevent injuries to the teeth and gums.
Dental Bonding
Teeth bonding is one of the least invasive and easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures to perform. It uses composite resin material that matches your teeth to conceal or correct the appearance of many dental issues. Bonding can hide chips or cracks, close gaps, reshape or recolor your teeth, and protect the exposed part of a tooth root that has become visible due to gum recession.
Your dentist starts by selecting the composite resin color that most closely resembles your natural teeth. They will then slightly etch the surface of your existing tooth to roughen it, and coat it with a conditioning liquid, which helps the resin stick. They will then apply the putty-like resin and mold it, shaping it into the desired appearance. After your dentist shapes and trims the resin, they will harden it with a laser or UV light.
Unlike other cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers, teeth bonding doesn’t require the removal of any natural enamel. However, bonded teeth can stain more easily than your natural teeth, so it is important to keep up with regular brushing, flossing and dental appointments.
Some dentists consider teeth bonding a good option for small cosmetic changes, for short-term correction of cosmetic problems and in areas of the mouth with low bite pressure (front teeth). However, they may recommend alternative treatments for more extensive restoration, such as veneers or dental crowns.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that we put on damaged teeth to restore their shape, size and strength. They also give your teeth a more natural look. They can be made from porcelain, ceramics or resin and are often called dental caps or tooth caps. We often use them to repair cracked or broken teeth, but they can also be used to cover discolored or misshapen teeth.
To prepare the tooth for a crown we will remove its outer layer, leaving a strong inner core that will be supported by the new cap. Then we will take impressions or scans of the tooth, and possibly one of the opposite jaw and may also make a model to show how you bite together. This will let us make sure the crown fits perfectly.
Once the crown is ready we will put it in place using dental cement. This will help the crown stay in place and prevent bacteria from getting under it and causing decay on the remaining healthy tooth. If you have a tooth with too much damage to be repaired with a filling, we may recommend a root canal treatment before placing a crown. We may also suggest a veneer instead of a crown, especially for front teeth. We can construct and place state-of-the-art, porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays right here in our office with the CEREC® system, saving you multiple visits to the dentist.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It involves applying a bleaching agent to lighten the color of tooth enamel. The procedure can be done in the dental clinic or at home with a custom-fitted mouthguard. Depending on the condition of your teeth, there are several different types of whitening treatments to choose from.
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the aesthetics of your smile and the improvement of your self-esteem. They often use restorative dentistry techniques, such as dental implants and crowns, to achieve a better appearance.
While many people believe that cosmetic dental treatment is unnecessary, crooked, damaged or yellow teeth can cause problems with eating and speaking. Some people with these issues may even avoid smiling. A good cosmetic dentist can make your smile more attractive and give you back the confidence that comes from a bright, healthy-looking smile.
While most cosmetic dental work is not covered by insurance, some elective treatments that improve both health and appearance may be reimbursed. To find a cosmetic dentist in your area, you can search online or ask your general dentist to refer you to one. To become a cosmetic dentist, you need to earn a dental degree and obtain a license from the state board. Some schools offer degrees in esthetic dentistry and others include it as part of a general dental program.