Demystifying Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that deals with procedures that improve the appearance of a patient's teeth. Although cosmetic dental procedures are not essential, they offer various benefits, including improving your confidence, making teeth cleaning more comfortable, and reducing the grinding of teeth. Here are some of the standard cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a necessary cosmetic dentistry procedure that is performed at the dentist's office. Whitening can also be achieved through over-the-counter treatments; however, dentist procedures are known to be more productive. Whitening should be done after tartar, plaque, or other debris is removed from the surface of your teeth.

Teeth are stained by food, drinks, medication, and tobacco. Whitening is achieved by coating your teeth with a peroxide substance that lifts away dirt and stains. Laser tooth whitening is considered one of the most effective whitening treatments. Alternatives to office treatments for whitening include whitening gels, mouth rinses, and whitening strips.

Cosmetic Dental Implants and Crowns

Dental implants are metal devices used for replacing missing teeth. The titanium device is fixed in your jawbone, where you are missing a tooth. The implant acts as a tooth root and is used to anchor an artificial tooth such as a denture, bridge, or crown.

Dental crowns are also called caps. They are custom made to occupy a diseased tooth. Crowns are made from porcelain or acrylic. Caps are used for treating decayed, chipped, broken, or poorly shaped teeth. Crowns may also be used to cover spaces between teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

If you have grinding teeth or bruxism, you should get inlays or onlays. These fillings will improve your bite and reduce unconscious grinding. Inlays can also be used for mild decay, or when you do not have enough tooth structure for a filling. Inlays are only used if you do not have damaged tooth cusps.

If you have damaged tooth cusps, your dentist will use onlays. These direct fillings cover the entire tooth surface. Both inlays and onlays are made from a resin material and are fixed to your teeth with dental cement. They strengthen teeth, avoid further decay, and also restore the shape of your teeth.

Summing It Up

Cosmetic dentistry is meant to improve your smile's appearance. There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures for improving your smile, fixing decay, and restoring the shape of your teeth. In most cases, your dentist will require you to have a healthy jaw bone, gums, and teeth to undergo any cosmetic procedure. 


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