Cosmetic dentistry encompasses all the procedures undertaken by a dentist in order to enhance the appearance of a patient’s teeth as well as smile. After all, what is the most beautiful thing that a person can adorn? Of course, it is a smile! Nevertheless, there are many individuals who always hide their smiles due to their dental condition.
This could be a case of discolored, stained, broken, chipped, worn out, misaligned, or even huge gaps between teeth. Such conditions can potentially dent a person’s self-esteem and influence other people’s impressions about them. But thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, you can regain a wonderful smile to show the world. There are various types of cosmetic dentistry operations. Some of the most common ones are as follows:
Dental implants
Some patients usually have a tooth or a number of teeth missing. Dental implants can solve this issue through the replacement of missing teeth. The procedure involves the drilling and insertion of a titanium screw into the jaw. The screw provides support for the dental crown. As the jawbone recuperates, it fills up any spaces around the metallic post, firmly holding it within the jaw. Once healed, a dental implant is almost like a replica of the natural tooth.
Dental braces
Dental braces are devices used to correct crooked, or crowded teeth. In some cases, they can be used to realign a jaw in a condition medically known as malocclusion. Braces work by exerting constant pressure over a given period in order to gradually align the teeth in a specified direction.
Whitening of teeth
This is among the simplest and most popular dental procedures. Over the years, some people’s teeth get stained because of some foods or drinks, particularly the water they drink. In some regions, borehole water usually has high fluoride content. When people drink this water over time, their teeth become brown in a process known as dental fluorosis. Teeth whitening entails the use of a bleaching agent to remove all stains. Patients can also undertake the procedure individually through rinses, whitening toothpaste, and white strips. It is the cheapest of all dental procedures.
Dental veneers
These are thin ceramic, custom-designed tooth shells made of resin or porcelain that are used in covering the front side of a patient’s teeth giving them a natural appearance. Dentists usually recommend veneers for patients with damaged enamels, crooked teeth, or significant gaps between the teeth. After extracting around 0.5 millimeters’ worth of enamel from the tooth’s surface, the shells are then cemented to the teeth using a dental adhesive. This process alters the shape, color, length, or size of the teeth. Getting dental veneers is a considerably expensive procedure.
Inlays and onlays
Also referred to as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are derived from porcelain, composite materials, or even gold. They are used to fill damaged or decayed teeth. During an appointment with a dentist, the fillings get molded into position. However, the actual inlays and onlays are crafted within the dental laboratory. Your dentist will then bond them into place. In case the filling is bonded within the interior of the tooth it is called an inlay. However, if the filling is placed at separate positions of the tooth, or when it engulfs the biting surface it is called an onlay. Inlays and onlays usually aim to conserve the most amount possible of a healthy tooth. They are an alternative procedure for dental crowns.
Other dental options include dental crowns that fit over and totally replace damaged or decayed teeth. Bridges consist of crowns on each side of a gap that support a false tooth in between. Lastly, a denture refers to a temporary replacement for a missing tooth.