Cosmetic dentistry can fix a variety of aesthetic problems with your teeth, like gaps, misalignment and stains. These procedures are elective, but some provide restorative benefits.
Aside from improving the look of your smile, these procedures can prevent bigger issues like tooth deterioration and even improve chewing. Learn more about the different treatments available:.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are not usually associated with cosmetic dentistry, but they can actually improve a patient’s appearance. Dental implants replace missing teeth and restore the beauty of a person’s smile. They can also make chewing and speaking easier. Implants are made of a durable, synthetic material that looks and functions like real teeth. They can replace one missing tooth or a full set of teeth, depending on the needs of each individual patient. Dental implants are much more durable than dentures, which can slip and irritate the gums. Unlike dentures, dental implants look and operate just like real teeth, and they don’t require special care or cleaning products.
Before the procedure, the cosmetic dentist will check that a patient’s gums are healthy and they have enough bone tissue to support the implant. If there isn’t enough bone, the cosmetic dentist can perform a grafting surgery to build up the area.
After the procedure, patients must brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day using non-abrasive floss or an interdental toothbrush. They should also visit the dentist regularly to ensure that their implant is growing and integrating well. If they notice any problems, such as pain or swelling, they should contact their dentist right away. They should also avoid smoking, which can have negative effects on their implant.
Dental Bonding
A common cosmetic dental treatment, bonding uses composite resin to repair a tooth’s surface, fill in a gap, or otherwise alter its appearance. The composite material comes in a variety of shades, which means the dentist can choose a color to match your natural enamel.
This reversible procedure typically doesn’t require local anesthesia, and it can be completed in just one visit. To prepare the surface, the dentist may slightly etch your teeth and coat them with a conditioning liquid, which helps the resin stick. Once the bond is in place, the dentist shapes and polishes it to ensure that it blends in with adjacent teeth.
Cosmetic bonding is a popular choice for patients who want to repair broken or discolored teeth or close gaps between their smiles. It’s also a great option for people with misaligned teeth who don’t need extensive orthodontic treatment.
The best candidates for cosmetic dental bonding have healthy teeth and sufficient enamel to support the composite resin. The dentist will check your overall oral health and take X-rays before determining if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you have severe tooth decay, gum disease or other serious issues, they will likely recommend another treatment before dental bonding. A good candidate will be able to follow proper dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that makes a dramatic difference in the look of a smile. It’s a safe, simple procedure that can be performed at home or in the office. A dentist can provide a custom mouthguard-like tray that’s filled with a professional whitening gel and worn over the teeth for about an hour each session. This option is more convenient than over-the-counter whitening products, which are typically used for a few days at a time and can cause tooth sensitivity.
Many people with discolored teeth seek out a cosmetic dentist because they are embarrassed by the shade of their smile. While discoloration is usually only a cosmetic issue and not a serious oral health concern, it can still damage a person’s confidence. Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment and can dramatically improve a patient’s appearance without invasive procedures.
In order to ensure that a tooth whitening treatment is successful, a dentist should first examine the patient’s teeth and gums to make sure that they are healthy. The dentist can then recommend a whitening treatment that will be most effective. Before a patient undergoes a whitening treatment, they should also avoid consuming foods and drinks that stain the teeth, like coffee and red wine. They should also brush and floss regularly to help maintain the results of their whitening treatment.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to straighten your teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. You wear the trays on your teeth throughout your treatment and only remove them for eating, brushing and oral hygiene. The trays apply a subtle force to your teeth to shift them into place, and you change them out for a new set every two weeks. The aligners are virtually undetectable, and they work well for adults, teens and some older children.
Cosmetic dentistry is primarily done to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, and it includes treatments like tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding and composite fillings. These treatments can also be used to correct a chipped or stained tooth.
A general dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the overall oral health and dental care of patients, including preventive treatments like cleanings, X-rays and fillings. Some general dentists provide cosmetic dentistry procedures such as Invisalign, while others will refer their patients to a specialist, like an orthodontist.
Many cosmetic dentistry procedures can be covered by insurance, such as dental implants and crowns. But if you want to get Invisalign, you may need to pay for it out-of-pocket or through a financing company such as CareCredit. Some offices offer payment plans, so be sure to ask.