The Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is any dental treatment that improves the beauty and health of your teeth, gums or smile. Nearly every dental procedure has 2 elements: Aesthetics and function. Quality cosmetic dentistry takes into account both of these elements so that you can not only look great, but enjoy hassle free long-term results as well.

Cosmetic dentistry offers more than just a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. According to studies performed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry can also improve your overall health and emotional well-being. By improving your smile, you can also boost your self-image and self-confidence. Cosmetic dentistry is for you if you want to improve the quality of your smile, your oral health and your quality of life.

There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures that can achieve different results. Procedures range from teeth whitening to repairing, straightening, replacing or enhancing the appearance of your teeth and smile. One of the better known methods is the use of cosmetic veneers or laminates. Dental bonding is another common practice that is used to shape teeth. Some additional information on different cosmetic dentistry methods is as follows:

Porcelain veneers: These are thin, durable restorations that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth and have become a very popular way to enhance a smile. A veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth, a cosmetic veneer covers the visible part of a tooth, thus preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. Veneers can straighten, lengthen and whiten teeth to provide the desired smile and bite. Each veneered tooth must be custom shaped to fit the tooth. This means that an outer layer of the natural tooth structure has to be removed in order to allow space for veneer placement. When correctly placed, veneers are strong and can last for many years. With good oral care they can even last a lifetime. Additionally, porcelain veneers are non-porous and will not stain or discolor.

Teeth whitening: A teeth whitening process can be one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make a substantial cosmetic improvement to your smile. There are several different whitening techniques available and can vary greatly in price. Some of the options include teeth whitening strips, professional teeth whitening treatments, tray-based teeth whitening, and paint-on teeth whiteners. Whitening strips can often be purchased over the counter and are very inexpensive. Professional teeth whitening treatments, though more expensive than the strips, can have quick results in one visit. Probably the greatest benefit to whitening in general is that as a process it makes no structural changes to a tooth but has great outcomes. At some point in the future you can decide to or not to repeat the teeth whitening process again. Either choice is entirely optional.

Orthodontics: Orthodontic teeth straightening is another benefit of cosmetic dentistry. If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth but just need to straighten them out, this may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces and cost much less.

Bonding: Bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-like material is placed onto the tooth to build it up and/or to alter its shape. The advantage of bonding is that it is an ultra-conservative way to restore a tooth and is completed in one visit. The disadvantage is that it will discolor over time as compared to the natural, un-bonded portion of the tooth and is more prone to breakage than a veneer.

Gum alterations: Sometimes people have too much gum tissue or there is an asymmetry of the tissue across the smile. There is always a margin of tissue that can safely be removed to further enhance a smile. To remove this excessive portion of your gum tissue, a specialized soft-tissue laser is used. This non-surgical and pain-free procedure is completed in a matter of minutes. The scalpels of the past are now history.

Cosmetic dental techniques have advanced dramatically over recent years. The qualities of materials have significantly improved, giving your smile a more natural appearance.