Many people have things about their smile that they wish they could change. In fact a recent study posted in the New York Post found that 7 out of 10 Americans were insecure about their smiles and wanted to change the way their smile looked. Luckily, improving the look of your smile is now easier than ever thanks to cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry combines the science of dentistry with aesthetics. This means that cosmetic dental procedures restore or maintain effective functioning of your teeth while also improving the way that they look. The end result is a beautiful, functional smile that makes you want to smile all the time.
Another great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it offers a variety of treatments. This allows you to find the perfect treatment for addressing specific cosmetic concerns. In some cases, certain treatments can also address multiple cosmetic concerns at once. While there are many different types of cosmetic dental treatments, here are the top 5:
Composite Fillings
Like their name suggests, composite fillings are dental fillings made from composite resin. Dental fillings are used to restore small to medium dental cavities caused by decay. Composite resin is a dental material that can be customized in terms of color and shape. This ultimately means that composite fillings are designed to blend in with the surrounding tooth structure so that they will not be noticeable after they are placed. In most cases, outdated amalgam or silver fillings are now being replaced with composite fillings. The composite resin used for dental fillings can also be used in a process known as dental bonding to fix minor chips and cracks in the teeth.
Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are designed to fit over and completely encapsulate the tooth. They are generally used to restore a tooth with significant damage or decay, as well as teeth that have undergone a root canal. In some cases, dental crowns are also used to even out the bite or to cover severely discolored teeth. Multiple dental crowns can also be fused together in coordination with fake teeth to create a dental bridge used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They are used to replace missing teeth, as well as teeth that are in need of extraction due to severe decay or damage. A dental implant is a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Once it heals and fuses with the surrounding bone, it can be used to support dental prosthetics such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Depending on the prosthetic used, dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an extremely popular cosmetic dental treatment because it is non-invasive, relatively quick, and affordable. It works by applying a whitener to the surface of your teeth and then leaving it in place for about 30-60 minutes. During this time, the whitener is absorbed into the enamel and dentin layers, where it breaks down discolored molecules. The end result is a smile that averages about 5-10 shades lighter than before.
Veneers
Another extremely popular cosmetic dental treatment are dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth. They are very popular because of their ability to correct multiple cosmetic concerns with a single treatment. By having veneers placed, you can improve the size, shape, color, alignment, and spacing of your teeth. Additionally, veneers can also be used to repair chips, cracks, and worn enamel.
