Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving your smile’s appearance by addressing misalignment, tooth discoloration, chipping and more. These procedures can boost self-esteem and improve your overall oral health.
It is important to note that these procedures are elective rather than essential, although some cases do provide restorative benefits. They are also not usually covered by dental insurance.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, durable shells made of tooth-colored materials that are bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They can hide a variety of flaws, such as chips, cracks and discoloration. A person can choose from two types of veneers: porcelain or resin-based composite. Porcelain is more expensive, but it’s more similar in appearance to a natural tooth and is resistant to staining.
During the first visit, a dentist will evaluate a patient’s cosmetic goals and recommend the best course of treatment. Then they will remove a small amount of enamel (less than a quarter of a millimeter), take a mold and x-rays, and trim the tooth to prepare it for the veneer. They will then place a temporary restoration on the tooth while they wait for the lab to finish the veneers.
During a second visit, the dentist will inspect the veneers to make sure they fit and look natural. If necessary, they will adjust the color and shape of the veneers to achieve a perfect result. They will then cement the veneers in place, checking to make sure they’re comfortable and that a bite is correct. After a few weeks, a person may notice rough patches on the veneers, but these should fade over time. It’s important to brush and floss regularly to extend the life of the veneers.
Dental Implants
Implants are one of the most popular prosthetic tooth replacement options. They replace all parts of a missing tooth, including the root, and they help prevent jaw bone loss. Implants are often considered a form of cosmetic dentistry because they improve the appearance of a patient’s smile and make biting and chewing easier. They also prevent the problems that can occur when a patient loses teeth, such as biting irregularities and malnutrition.
Dental implants are cylindrical rods made of metal like titanium or zirconia that are surgically placed in a patient’s jawbone. They fuse with the surrounding bone tissues over time and become part of the mouth, making them feel and look like natural teeth. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as a bridge or denture. Unlike other types of dental work, such as dentures or a crown, dental implants are considered an elective procedure, and are typically not covered by dental insurance.
During the implantation process, patients receive local anesthesia and may need to have an incision made to reach the jawbone tissues. The dentist then places the implant and uses friction to hold it in place until it fuses with the tissue, a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has healed, the patient can return to their regular oral care routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing.
Dental Bonding
Known as one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures presently available, tooth bonding is usually completed in just a single visit to the dentist. The procedure involves the dentist applying a composite resin to the existing tooth and then shaping it to repair minor flaws. The composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is virtually identical to enamel so most people won’t be able to tell that it isn’t natural.
The dentist starts the process by roughing up the surface of your natural tooth to make it more susceptible to the bonding material. A liquid is then added to the tooth to help it absorb the resin and then the composite is applied in layers to the damaged area. The composite is molded and shaped to look like your natural teeth before it is hardened with a special curing light. Tooth bonding is ideal for repairing small cracks and chips, making teeth appear longer, or covering up stains. The dentist can also use it to cover up a metallic filling or protect roots that are exposed by receding gums.
While the results are relatively quick and inexpensive, tooth bonding is not as durable as other dental treatments, especially veneers or crowns. Those who have bonded teeth may need to take extra care to prevent them from chipping or breaking. They should avoid biting their fingernails, chewing on ice or using their teeth to open packages, and they should schedule regular visits for professional cleanings to extend the life of their dental work.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that improves the color of stained or discolored teeth. It can be performed on its own or as a precursor to other cosmetic treatments like dental veneers and composite bonding. Most cosmetic dentists will recommend that patients whiten their teeth before undergoing further procedures because it helps to ensure that the new tooth additions like bridges or veneers match the color of the rest of the teeth.
Teeth are exposed to a variety of staining agents, including certain foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. They are also subject to stains caused by medications like tetracycline antibiotics and bad habits like smoking. Teeth whitening is the most common way that people remove these stains, and it is a quick and effective solution.
There are a few different ways that whitening can be done, but the most common is to use a hydrogen peroxide gel in a mouth tray that is placed over the teeth for about an hour. Other options include a laser light or a halogen light that increases the lightening effect of the hydrogen peroxide gel.
The whitening results are not permanent and will need to be repeated at regular intervals, especially if the patient smokes or drinks colored beverages. In-office whitening is generally more effective than a home whitening kit because a professional can recognize sensitivity issues and check for damage to the root of the tooth.