The cosmetic dental procedures have evolved over the years, offering solutions for discolored or chipped, missing, or misaligned teeth. Whether it is a quick touch-up or a long-term restoration, there is a procedure that suits every concern. The following are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that you should be aware of.
Dental Implants
Implants offer one of the most durable and natural-looking replacements in the case of a missing tooth. In contrast to dentures, which sit over the gums, dental implants are fixed to the jawbone where they serve as counterparts to natural roots. There are two types of it:
- Endosteal implants: These are the most common and are implants placed into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal implants: These are placed beneath the gum and above the jawbone and are usually applied to patients who lack sufficient bone height.
Since the implants become part of the bone, they are very stable and can support crowns, braces, or even a full denture. It is a long process, which requires surgery and recovery, but the outcome is long-lasting.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is also called bleaching. It is among the most commonly demanded and least complicated cosmetic procedures. It may be performed in a dental care facility to achieve quicker outcomes or at home using non-medical materials.
- In-office whitening: Your dentist puts on a gel that is based on peroxide, and may include special lights to accelerate the process. Appointments tend to take 30-60 minutes.
- Home whitening products: dentists recommend strips, gels, or trays full of whitening solution.
Although they are convenient, they tend to be more time-consuming and less powerful than professional treatments.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin sheets usually of porcelain or composite resin, which are placed over the front side of teeth to cover imperfections.
They can fix:
- Stains that cannot be solved through whitening.
- Minor misalignment or crookedness.
- Weakened, broken, or damaged teeth.
- Gaps between teeth
Porcelain veneers typically require two visits: the first to sculpt the tooth and make impressions, and the second to fix the custom veneer. Composite veneers may be placed in a single visit and need less enamel removal. Veneers are durable with proper attention.
Dental Crown
A crown—also called a cap—covers an entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often recommended for teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or weakened by large fillings. They also work well for covering implants.
Popular crown materials include ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and metal crowns. Most crowns require two dental visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to cement the permanent crown after the lab customizes it.
Tooth Contouring
A smile just requires a reshape sometimes. Enamel shaping or tooth contouring is the process of lightly filing away small portions of enamel to help flatten out chips, jagged edges, or slight overlaps. This process is fast, painless, and gives instant results without anesthesia. It is ideal when minor cosmetic changes are required instead of big corrections.
Dental Bonding
Another affordable method of enhancing your smile is bonding. It involves placing tooth-colored composite resin that is directly applied to the tooth, molded, and hardened by the use of a special light. It is able to repair chips or cracks, cover stubborn stains, and enhance the shape of short or crooked teeth.
It is commonly done within one visit and does not need a lot of preparation. Although bonding is not as long-lasting as veneers or crowns, it is the best option for minor touches.