Cosmetic dentistry helps many people get a confident smile, and also corrects many dental anomalies. A great smile should improve your self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on the social and professional aspects of your life.
Cosmetic dentistry is not just about pretty smiles though. New techniques and materials are available for back teeth as well as the ones you see when you smile. Now your mouth can look great, get healthy and function better at the same time.
Like most services, cost will vary based on the time required and the difficulty of the procedures. Generally, improving a smile will require a combination of treatment options such as bleaching, reshaping gums and using bonded materials (resin or porcelain) to improve the appearance of teeth.
Most general dentists are adept enough at doing general cosmetic procedures.
However, if you suffer from something more intense, or will need dental surgery, then it is best if you seek out a qualified cosmetic dentist who specializes in just that kind of dentistry.
Six of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are as follows.
Dental bonding is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth.
The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when a minor tooth roughening is done.
Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques.
Tooth contouring and reshaping is quick, inexpensive, and a non-invasive procedure that is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed.
The enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up visit after the first visit.
Mouth guards and night guards are plastic appliances that offer protection to the mouth during sports and also while sleeping. Mouth guards disperse shock caused by violent contact and thus protect the head and neck.
They are prepared using a cast of the teeth. The mouth guards can be stock, mouth-formed, or custom-made. Night guards prevent grinding between teeth during sleep. They are ideal for people with worn teeth, those who suffer aches in the jaws, and people with teeth that are sensitive to cold.
Halitosis or bad breath is caused by the breakdown of food particles by the bacteria present under plaque, in the crevices on the tongue, and between teeth leads to the generation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause bad breath. Periodontal disease is also a cause of halitosis.
Dentists determine the amount of VSC being generated by using a halimeter. Treatment usually involves following a prescribed oral hygiene routine that may include the use of irrigators, artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, etc.
Tooth whitening treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
The gel breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.
Crowns and bridges are for teeth that are in need repair after an accident or excessive decay can be treated by using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper portion of the tooth. A bridge involves placing an alternate tooth that is held in place using two crowns that are bonded on adjacent teeth.
So don't be afraid to look into cosmetic dentistry; it can make smiling for the years to come much easier!
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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