Cosmetic dentistry is the name for procedures that focus on the appearance of your smile. It covers a wide range of options, including teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, braces, bridges, implants, gum reshaping, and even a complete dental makeover. Veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin housings that cover the front surface of teeth. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a weak or damaged tooth to improve its shape, size, strength, or appearance.
Shaping or contouring enamel is a quick and painless process of shaping natural teeth to improve their appearance. Dental implants are replacement dental roots made of titanium that provide a solid foundation for the attachment of permanent or removable artificial teeth. A fixed bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on both sides of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. Maryland Bonded Bridges have porcelain teeth supported by a frame.
A combination of dental techniques can be used to achieve a great smile. Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Enamel modeling is often combined with bleaching, veneers, or bonding to correct small imperfections such as uneven teeth or overcrowding. Dental veneers have been the gold standard in cosmetic dental procedures for decades as they are thin porcelain shells that fit over the facial surface of the teeth.
Enamel abrasion removes surface stains from tobacco, wine, soda and coffee products but doesn't work for intrinsic stains or stains inside the tooth. Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored putty-like resin which is applied to the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser to bond the material to the tooth. Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise and can make a dramatic difference to a person's smile and overall oral health. However, it must be carefully planned as it can be expensive and elaborate production.
The best cosmetic dentists will not only provide the necessary procedures to give their patients the best smile of their lives but they will also explain why these procedures are needed. Crowns prevent a weak tooth from breaking or keep a cracked tooth; they can be used cosmetically to cover deformed or heavily discolored teeth. If you're considering cosmetic dentistry procedures it's vital that you find a cosmetic dentist who specifically offers the option you're interested in. Talk to your dentist about your specific cosmetic goals so that you can design a treatment plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Cosmetic dentistry may not be covered by dental insurance or may have a high out-of-pocket expense but it can help you achieve your goals.
