What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dental surgery is commonly known as the fast track to a movie star smile. However, there’s a lot of different mechanics that come into cosmetic dental surgery and the ways it’s used to benefit a healthy smile. With this being said, here’s a look at cosmetic dental surgery and the different procedures that can be included in the process.
About Cosmetic Dentristry
One can have a wide variety of work done to attain the smile that can only dreamed of. Whether the teeth in question be missing, misshapen, chipped, or discolored, there’s plenty of options and techniques that can be performed to make one proud of their smile. For example, a dentist can fix the length of one’s teeth, restore short/worn teeth, close large spaces, or even reshape the teeth in question. Contouring, reshaping, veneers, bonding, and bleaching can be performed to correct a smile.
Reshaping & Contouring
Contouring and reshaping teeth is a method of tooth correction for crooked teeth. Whether the teeth in question be overlapping, irregularly shaped, chipped, or crooked, they can be corrected in one session. Contouring and reshaping is used for altering the position, reshaping, and altering the length of the teeth. Contouring is an excellent option for anyone looking to address concerns regarding one’s bite. In addition to this, bonding is oftentimes combined with reshaping practices. This type of procedure is commonly performed on individuals who would like small changes to their smile. Before the procedure, the dentist will usually take X-rays so they can evaluate whether or not there’s enough bone (between the teeth) for support.
Veneers
Veneers are small, thin pieces of plastic or porcelain that are placed over the front of the teeth for changing the shape (or the color) of the teeth. Veneers are commonly used on teeth that are crooked, unevenly spaced, oddly shaped, discolored, or chipped. For the veneer procedure, a very small amount of anesthesia (if any) is used. Veneers are commonly used to treat some of the same issues that come with bonding. Veneers are alternatives to crowns, but they are much more expensive. This is due to the fact that the dentist must take an impression of the tooth before the custom veneer is cemented directly on the tooth. Then, the dentist will buff the tooth to compensate for the veneer’s added thickness. In comparison to bonding, veneers have a longer life expectancy.
Crowns
Crowns (which can also be called caps) cover the tooth so it can be restored to its normal appearance and shape. They’re usually used for cases where certain procedures will not be effective (which is due to their cost). Crowns can be the most time consuming to apply, but they have a very long life expectancy.
Bonding
Bonding is a tooth colored material that’s used to change the color of teeth and fill in gaps. It only requires a single visit and the bonding itself can last for several years. However, it can be very susceptible to chipping and staining (in comparison to other forms of restoration).
Bleaching
Bleaching is a chemical process to whiten teeth. Some bleach their teeth to get rid of stains, with some bleaching their teeth to make them a lighter shade.