Cosmetic Dentistry is a branch of dentistry which deals with any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person's teeth, gums and/or bite.
There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Cosmetic dental procedures includes
- Bleaching to make teeth whiter
- Repairing chips or rough spots with fillings that match your teeth
- Filling cavities with tooth-colored materials
- Reshaping teeth that don't match the others
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Covering broken teeth with porcelain crowns
1. Bleaching
Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while others just want a whiter shade. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.
Bleaching can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home.
HOME BLEACH
Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve.
IN OFFICE BLEACH
Whitening in the office may call for one or more 45-minute to one-hour visits to your dentist's office. It involves application of bleaching of bleaching gel in 3-4 cycles depending on desired shade.
2. Bonding
Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration.
When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.
3. Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restoration. They can be all metal, porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic crowns (zirconia crowns).
4. Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on :
- Teeth with uneven surfaces
- Teeth that are chipped
- Discolored teeth
- Oddly shaped or crooked teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
Little or no anesthesia is needed. The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.
5. Contouring and reshaping
Tooth reshaping and contouring, is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single session.
Tooth reshaping and contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite.
It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping. This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal, healthy teeth but who want subtle changes to their smile.
Your dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there's enough bone between the teeth to support them.
Which procedure is right for me?
Your dentist can answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure.
If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions you can ask your dentist before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you.
- What will the changes look like?
- What should I expect through the course of treatment?
- What type of maintenance will be required?In conclusion, cosmetic dentistry will help you get the smile you have always wanted.