5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. While it is often considered an elective treatment, there are some treatment cases that provide restorative benefits. If you are wondering what cosmetic dentistry procedures are then read on to learn more.
Before you see anyone about cosmetic dentistry, it may help to know what types of procedures there are. As always, if you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.
- Inlays and Onlays
This cosmetic dentistry procedure is known as indirect fillings which are made by a laboratory. They are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or has insufficient tooth structure to support a filling. If there is no damage to the tooth cusps, the inlay is placed directly onto the tooth surface. If the cusp or a more significant portion of the tooth is damaged then your dentist may use an onlay to cover the tooth’s entire surface. You may know about these inlays as they were often made of gold at one point. In today’s world, they are now from a composite of porcelain or ceramic material. This can help provide support to strengthen teeth, restore their shape, and avoid any further decay or deterioration.
- Composite Bonding
Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth using material that resembles your tooth’s enamel color. Your dentist will drill out the tooth decay and then apply the composite onto the tooth surface. From there, they will sculpt it into the right shape before curing it with a high-intensity light. This procedure effectively covers the tooth’s damage and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place. It is by far the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedure.
- Dental Veneers
These are typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic and are custom-made caps that go over your natural teeth. They look exceptionally realistic and can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth to cracked, or damaged enamel, to noticeable gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.
- Teeth Whitening
This is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures out there. It can be performed at your dentist’s office, often in a single visit. The dental hygienist will first remove any plaque, tartar, and other debris from each tooth’s surface restoring its natural appearance. The teeth can be whitened with a bleaching agent to achieve an even lighter shade.
- Implants
Dental implants are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth. That serves as the support for the crown that goes on top. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth. Once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place.
If you are considering any cosmetic dentistry procedures, it is vital to seek out a Hollywood cosmetic dentist, like our friends at TruGLO Modern Dental, for more information.