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Cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure that aims at enhancing the appearance (not necessarily the function) of the teeth and gums. Its sole focus is on improving dental aesthetics in position, color, alignment, and smile appearance.
This article looks at some of the commonly done cosmetic dental procedures, their upsides, and the drawbacks they can have.
Types of Cosmetics Dentistry
1. Dental Veneers
These are wafer-thin teeth like shells made out of composite materials or porcelain. They are custom made and bonded directly to the front surface of the teeth. In many cases, some level of tooth reduction is necessary for optimal results. They are a good option when looking into filling gaps, shape enhancement, crooked teeth, and lightening the color of teeth that failed to respond well to teeth whitening.
Advantages
- They don’t stain
- It is the most natural-looking enamel replacement material
- Veneers do not require any special maintenance apart from the usual dental hygiene
- They give you a better and whiter tooth
Disadvantages
- Are prone to breaking or chipping
2. Cosmetic Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic metal device designed to replace a missing tooth.
Our dentist in Dallas, TX, surgically inserts it into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Your healing jaw then grows around the post and secures it firmly in place. It is designed to act as an anchor to the artificial tooth such as; denture, crown, or bridge.
Advantages
- Allows you to chew better and speak properly
- Reduces stress to the adjacent teeth by offering independent support and retentions for crowns
- Durable
- Applicable in all cases of tooth loss
Disadvantages
- It requires an investment in time as the procedure may take 3-9months.
3. Teeth Whitening/Bleaching
It is one of the commonly done cosmetic dental procedures whose main goal is to whiten your teeth from staining or discoloration. Bleaching is done using over the counter products at home or at a dental office.
Your dentist near you will evaluate the teeth to determine whether whitening is right for the patient. This is mandatory as not all teeth can be whitened. In some instances, other cosmetic procedures may yield better results.
There is a variety of available whitening options, including over the counter products. However, dentists-supervised procedures and treatment offered in many dental care facilities like Connie J Smith remain the most recommended and safe ones.
There is also another tooth whitening procedure called the laser tooth whitening technique. The gums are covered with a rubber dam, and a bleaching chemical is applied to the teeth. It is said to be six times effective as opposed to other teeth whitening procedures.
Advantages
- Improves the appearance of the teeth
- Is a confidence booster
- It is a straightforward procedure that can be done even at home
Disadvantages
- Certain foods and drinks should be avoided as they might stain the whitened tooth
4. Reshaping
Also known as enamel shaping, parts of the enamel are removed or filed to improve the tooth’s appearance in this procedure.
The removed enamel is irreplaceable and sometimes may expose dentin (part of the tooth beneath the enamel and cementum).
It can be used to alter the shape, length, teeth position, or tooth size discrepancy. It is usually a painless process and offers fast results. Under certain circumstances, it can be used as an alternative for braces.
Advantages
- It is a painless procedure because only the surface enamel is removed
- Removal of minor overlaps where plaque can build up lowers the risk of decay and gum problems
- A possible alternative for braces
Disadvantages
- The risk of tooth damage is wholly dependent on the amount of enamel removed during the process
5. Dental Crown
It is also known as a cap and is custom-made to fit by your dentist in North Dallas over the damaged or decayed tooth above the gum line. Crowns can also be used to hide or cover a severely discolored tooth. They prevent a weak tooth from breaking and holds the cracked tooth together.
They also restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. The crowns can be made out of metal, resin, or ceramic.
Advantages
- Are long-lasting
- They protect the teeth from various infections
- Look natural
- Prevent further wearing out of the tooth
Disadvantages
- Costly as compared to another direct tooth restorations
6. Dental Bonding
In this process, tooth-colored materials (made from durable plastic material) are applied to the tooth. It is then hardened with ultraviolet or laser light, which binds the material to the tooth. The dentist in 75230 then trims, shapes, and polishes it.
It is used to repair or boost the tooth’s appearance that may have been chipped, broken, or severely stained. This procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Advantages
- The procedure is completed in one visit
- It is relatively affordable as compared to procedures like veneers
- Fixes superficial teeth problems
Disadvantages
- The resin is not as durable compared to crowns and veneers
