Traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene, and the prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of oral disease. However, there is a different kind of dentistry that serves a completely different purpose: cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of the mouth, teeth, smile, and gums. These treatments are completely optional, and are the answer to desires, instead of necessities.
While they are purely elective services, they can also provide restorative benefits. For example, in the past, if a person needed a filling for a cavity, the fillings were made of mostly gold, amalgam, and other similar materials.
Unfortunately, these materials left visible dark spots on the surface, and were very noticeable when a person smiled. Today, dental fillings fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can choose fillings made of porcelain or composite materials which will match the color of your teeth.
This will maintain the natural appearance of your teeth, and enhance your confidence. For this reason and many others, cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity year after year.
In the past, materials that they use today were considered unstable, and unpredictable. However, with today's medical advancements and scientific knowledge, materials such as porcelain have become safe and durable for dental use.
Today, cosmetic dentists can now use technologies such as lasers to perform certain procedures needed for cosmetic treatments right in their own office. This makes cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers more comfortable and convenient for patients, as well as help to reduce recovery time.
With these advances, your dream smile can finally be safely achieved. The most popular trends in cosmetic dentistry are these:
Inlays and onlays have become quite common, and are also known as indirect fillings. Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain or composite materials, and are a long-lasting way to provide a filling for a tooth which is decaying.
While dental fillings are molded into place during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist. This allows the lab to create an exact match to the color of your other teeth, and make the most natural look possible for you.
Composite bonding is the next trend. If your teeth are chipped, broken, or decaying, you can repair or replace their appearance with this procedure.
A composite is created which has the exact look of enamel, and dentin is applied onto the surface of the tooth. It is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and hardened with a high-density light.
The tooth is then completely restored, and blends in invisibly with the surrounding area. Your natural smile is improved, and the procedure is simple and minimal.
Teeth Whitening is a very popular procedure in today's appearance-focused world. If you think celebrities have naturally white, shining teeth, you are wrong-they are whitening their teeth, and so can you!
If your teeth are stained from smoking, coffee, dark foods, or wine, whitening can be a simple and effective solution. Teeth naturally yellow or darken with age, and this is the most basic fix.
Whitening consists of bleaching the mouth, through the use of trays, gels, and other dentist-grade materials. It is simple, and as easy as a half hour a day.
Dental Veneers are also extremely popular with celebrities, and the wealthy. They are essentially a composite or porcelain laminate which is adhesively bonded to the surface to correct or repair chips, cracks, and discoloration.
A fake tooth is created and applied over the surface of the old tooth. The result is a perfect smile, with long-lasting results.
It can also correct any gaps in the smile, and reduce the size of gum appearance. Minimal damage is done to the existing teeth.
In the end, you can achieve a total smile makeover. Your dentist will assess what your smile needs are, and remedy them through veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting, and or teeth whitening.
With this kind of makeover, you can regain your confidence, and not be afraid to flash your pearly whites all day. It is amazing the difference a smile can make.
See your cosmetic dentist today to explore what options you may have to improve your smile. With today's advanced trends, you are sure to find something to brighten your smile and your day.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick is a former dental assistant, has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and has worked for an Scottsdale dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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