5 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures You Can Benefit From

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental therapy that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and entire smile. It encompasses a variety of popular cosmetic dentistry operations aimed at improving the appearance of your smile. 

Teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, dental implants, and tooth reshaping or contouring are all common cosmetic dentistry treatments. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these procedures frequently offer restorative effects, working wonders to raise self-confidence, improve oral functioning, and encourage improved dental hygiene.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

Cosmetic dental treatment is a fantastic alternative if you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your smile and want to improve it. Cosmetic dental operations can effectively remove stains and discoloration, replace missing teeth, and address minor flaws such as crooked or fractured teeth. Finally, all of these cosmetic treatments may increase your confidence, making you feel better about your smile.

If you're contemplating cosmetic dentistry, these are five of the most popular procedures available.

1. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding, often known as dental bonding, is a highly adaptable, minimally invasive, and widely used cosmetic dentistry technique that employs composite material, a tooth-colored resin that closely mimics natural tooth enamel. Composite bonding is commonly used to treat chipped, cracked, discolored, or decaying teeth. 

The procedure starts with removing any decayed or damaged regions of the teeth. The composite material is then placed and molded to fit the natural curves of your tooth. Once in place, it is hardened with a specific light, resulting in a strong and long-lasting connection. Composite bonding is a wonderful choice for modest restorations and is very successful at concealing slight flaws, providing the illusion of healthy, well-shaped teeth.

2. Onlays & Inlays

Onlays and inlays are good choices for teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage that do not require a complete crown. Indirect fillings are restorations manufactured in a dental laboratory from porcelain, composite resin, or gold that are custom-crafted to fit into or onto the tooth. An inlay is utilized when the damage is limited to the tooth surface and does not impact the cusps (the elevated sections of the tooth). In contrast, an onlay is used in situations of more severe damage and covers one or more of the tooth cusps. Both inlays and onlays assist in retaining the original tooth structure while adding strength and avoiding additional damage to the tooth.

3. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of medical-grade ceramic or porcelain that cover the front surface of the teeth and are nearly undetectable. They are an excellent treatment for a variety of cosmetic issues, including discolored, chipped, slightly crooked, or misaligned teeth. Dental veneers are custom-made to fit exactly over your natural teeth, enhancing the look of your smile.

The application technique entails removing a tiny bit of enamel from the tooth's surface to make way for the veneer and ensure a perfect fit. The veneer is then applied to the tooth with a powerful dental adhesive. Once in place, veneers are a long-lasting cosmetic option that transforms your smile with minimum pain.

4. Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a long-term option for individuals with missing or severely damaged teeth. Dental implants are made up of a titanium screw that is surgically implanted into the jawbone and functions as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the titanium combines with the bone, forming a solid foundation for the crown that will be fitted to the top.

Implants not only restore functioning, but they also provide a cosmetic option that seems and feels natural. The crown put on top of the implant is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, making it nearly invisible from the rest of your smile.

5. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common and affordable cosmetic dental procedures. Smoking, coffee, tea, red wine, and poor dental care can all cause stains and discoloration to our teeth over time. Teeth bleaching and whitening use bleaching substances to remove stains and brighten the color of your teeth.

This procedure can be done in the dentist's office in as little as one session, depending on the severity of the discoloration. A hygienist will clean your teeth to eliminate plaque and tartar, ensuring that the whitening agent works well. Patients can also use take-home whitening products to progressively whiten their teeth.