Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry which is associated with professional oral care. It focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and mouth. These procedures are usually elective, rather than essential.

Compared to other complicated procedures that require some specialized care, cosmetic dentistry procedures are generally simple. Cosmetic dentistry can also provide a lot of restorative benefits.

Recently, several advances in the field of cosmetic dentistry have allowed professionals to offer improved services in teeth whitening and smile makeovers (translucent teeth covering). In today’s day and age, dentists have a wide range of techniques and tools available for improving smiles. There are different types of services that come under the branch of cosmetic dentistry. In this article, we will discuss such services, as well as other available treatment options.

Teeth whitening:

With time, teeth can get discolored and stained after taking certain drugs and medications, smoking, or consuming specific foods and beverages. A chemical process can be used to whiten or bleach the discolored teeth in two ways:

1. In-office procedure – The dentist bleaches the teeth with the right amount of solution and peroxide concentration. This process can take up to 1 to 2-hour visits to the clinic.
2. At-home procedure – These procedures can be performed at home depending upon the peroxide solution’s strength. This procedure can take up to 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer.

Veneers:

Veneers are custom-made shells that are typically made from porcelain. Veneers tend to cover the front side of teeth, changing their color and shape. The durability of veneers is higher than bonding. Veneers can help with:

• Having space between two teeth
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Poor shape
• Crooked teeth
• Permanent staining

Bonding:

Bonding is a procedure in which spaces between teeth are filled or in which cracked, stained, broken and chipped teeth are restored. With this procedure, dentists use the material for filling the small cavities for protecting exposed roots of teeth.

Usually, dentists can perform this procedure in a single visit to their office by applying an etching solution. A tooth-colored material (composite resins) is then inserted onto the surface of teeth to restore the shape.

Bonding can last for several years, though they are more likely to become stained and wear down.

Crowns:

Crowns are usually known as “caps,” which can completely cover the teeth to restore their healthy appearance and shape. Reasons for crowns include:

• Covering discolored or misshapen teeth
• Protecting weak teeth
• Covering the large fillings between teeth
• Keeping the dental bridge in place
• Covering dental implants
• Covering teeth that have not undergone a root canal
• Restoring worn out and broken teeth.

The material used for crowns can be metal, ceramic, resin and porcelain. Crowns are expensive compared to other dental procedures. Therefore, they are not widely suggested by dentists.

Contouring and enamel shaping:

Contouring and enamel shaping procedures involve the contouring and removing of dental enamel for improved teeth appearance. It can be done in combination with the bonding procedure. Indications of enamel shaping and contouring are:

• Realignment of position, shape and length of teeth
• Contouring of overlapping or crooked teeth
• Realignment of irregular and chipped teeth
• Problems with mild underbite or overbite

Even if the status of their teeth are otherwise healthy, a person can still be a candidate for contouring if the bone between their teeth is not sufficient for adequate support.

Braces:

Braces are instruments which are used to:

• Improve the appearance of crowded or crooked teeth
• Improve positioning of the jaw and joint disorders
• Apply adequate pressure for repositioning of teeth

Braces are applied over the teeth with the help of bonding brackets, which are usually made up of plastic, ceramic or metal. Wires are also used to hold the braces positioned over the tooth surface. Lingual braces are also available, which are applied at the backside of teeth. Braces are left applied for a period of a few months or even years in some severe cases.

Bridges:

A procedure to replace the missing teeth with artificial teeth is referred to as bridging. Sometimes, it is also known as a fixed partial denture. 

Bridges are made up of porcelain, alloy and gold material. Dentists prepare a crown for the teeth and then anchor them inside the crown. The bridges foundation is the key to its success. Oral hygiene is a vital component of the whole procedure as well.

Dental implants:

Dental implants, while expensive, are the longest lasting alternative in the field of cosmetic dentistry when it comes to missing teeth. They provide an exceptional alternative to bridges and removable dentures as well.

Dental implants are made of three different parts:

1. Titanium metal – fuses into the jawbone.
2. An abutment – fits over the implant sticking out of the gums.
3. The crown – creates a natural, tooth-like appearance.

Dental implants can be used for replacing multiple missing teeth. If an individual suffers from bone loss, then they must undergo bone grafting before receiving a dental implant.