Cosmetic dentistry is dental care that improves the appearance of your teeth and smile. A cosmetic dentist can whiten, straighten or reshape your teeth. They can also replace missing teeth and repair chips.
Not all cosmetic dental procedures are available for everyone. Your dentist can help you determine which method will work best to enhance your smile.
This article looks at cosmetic dentistry and the procedures that are commonly done to help people improve the appearance of their teeth.
Cosmetic teeth whitening
Also called “teeth whitening,” teeth whitening treatments can be done in the dentist’s office or at home using whitening products. Not everyone’s teeth can be whitened, so it is very important to consult your dentist before trying at-home whitening products.
Teeth whitening treatments usually contain carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Whitening products made for home use usually contain a smaller amount of these ingredients.
The bleaching process works like this:
- To your dentist: Your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth. Concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide in water can also be used. Some dentists will also use light to increase the speed and effectiveness of the bleach. The procedure can take from 30 to 60 minutes.
- At home: Whitening strips are applied to the teeth for a certain period of time in days or weeks. How long you leave them on and how often you apply them varies by product. Whitening gels are also available without a prescription. they are painted on the teeth or applied with a special disc. Look for whitening products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
- Toothpaste: Teeth whitening toothpaste is also available, however, these products contain abrasives that help remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes also contain small amounts of peroxide.
Cosmetic dental veneers
Veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain or composite material. Veneers are custom made and cemented to the front of the tooth. They can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discolored teeth or broken teeth. They can even cover gaps between teeth.
The lifespan of a veneer varies from person to person, but most will last around 20 years.
Veneers are made of fine porcelain or resin-based composite material. The process for each is slightly different:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are placed and applied during two separate visits. To keep the veneer from being too bulky, your dentist will first remove some of the enamel from the front of your tooth. They will then take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory, where the veneers will be adjusted to the impression. At the next visit, your dentist will clean your teeth and bond the veneers to them with dental cement.
- Resin-based composite veneers: These veneers can be fitted during one visit. Your dentist usually does not need to remove a lot of enamel before placing them. The teeth are first cleaned and prepared, and then the dentist applies a composite material that matches the color of your other teeth. The material is light-hardened and polished so it looks the same as your other teeth.
Depending on your sensitivity and the size of the veneer, you may be given a local anesthetic during the procedure.
Cosmetic Dental Implants
A dental implant is a metal device used to permanently replace a missing tooth. The device is usually made of titanium and is surgically implanted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. A dental implant is designed to act as a tooth root and can anchor artificial teeth such as a bridge or dentures.
There are two different types of dental implants:
- Intraosseous implants: These implants are surgically placed in the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal implants: These are placed under the gum tissue above the jawbone. They are usually used to replace multiple teeth.
Placing dental implants is an invasive procedure, so patients receive sedation during the procedure along with local anesthetic.
Cosmetic dental crowns
Crowns, also called caps, are custom-made to fit your entire tooth. They are usually made of acrylic or porcelain that has been fused with metal to withstand biting pressure.
Crowns can be used in cosmetic dentistry to treat teeth that are misshapen, badly worn, broken, chipped or have large fillings. They can also be used to fill gaps between teeth.
There are a few different types of crowns, each with different advantages and disadvantages:
- Porcelain crowns: These crowns are durable, stain resistant and natural looking. They are also less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. However, they are more likely to chip or crack than other types of crowns.
- Metal crowns: Metal crowns are made from metal alloys such as gold. They are stronger than porcelain, which makes them ideal for replacing molars or for use on people who grind their teeth. They are resistant to cracking and chipping. One disadvantage of metal crowns is their appearance. they can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These implants are a hybrid between porcelain and metal. They have a metal base and are covered with a layer of porcelain. They are more durable than porcelain crowns but have a more natural appearance than metal crowns. However, they look less natural than porcelain teeth and over time can develop a dark line around the gums. Like metal implants, they can cause tooth sensitivity.
Crowns are usually placed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a layer of enamel. You will usually be given a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then take an impression of your teeth so that the crown can match the rest of your teeth and ensure a good fit.
You will wear a temporary crown while your custom crown is being made. During the second visit, your dentist will place the crown with a strong adhesive and make the necessary adjustments to the shape and color.
Aesthetic tooth contour
Also known as tooth shaping or “enamel shaping,” cosmetic tooth contouring can be done to correct minor problems such as chipping. It can also correct slightly overlapping teeth.
The dentist reshapes the tooth by filing or removing some of the enamel. After shaping the tooth, the dentist will polish it to smooth out any rough or uneven spots and give it a more natural appearance. This procedure is usually painless and produces immediate results.
Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
Bonding is a process in which tooth-colored materials adhere (bond) to the tooth. This is a procedure that can be used to hide imperfections such as chips and cracks or to improve the appearance of a badly stained tooth.
Bonding requires very little tooth preparation, so it can be a quick and inexpensive way to repair minor tooth imperfections.
During the bonding process, your dentist will prepare a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth. They will then apply the material to the surface of the tooth and shape it until the imperfection is covered. The resin will be polished so it will look more natural.
Aesthetic Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists can help straighten teeth and correct a bad bite. They see adults as well as children. If you have broken teeth, crowded teeth, teeth that are too far apart, or crooked teeth, ask your dentist if an orthodontist can help.
Orthodontists use aligners or braces to move your teeth into the correct position over time. A retainer may be temporarily needed after the initial treatment to keep your teeth in place.
Summary
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the appearance of your teeth and smile. Cosmetic dentists perform many different procedures, including teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, and dental crowns. They can also correct minor imperfections with cosmetic tooth contouring and tooth bonding. Orthodontists can correct your bite or straighten your teeth regardless of your age.
