Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth and the overall smile. Unlike restorative dentistry, which deals with keeping your mouth healthy and working well, cosmetic procedures are elective.
Chipped, uneven or yellowed teeth are common issues seen in 韓国インプラント dental offices and can make people self-conscious about their smile. Fortunately, modern cosmetic treatments can remedy many of these problems.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentists offer a wide range of treatments that can fix problems such as discolored or misaligned teeth, and they often use more natural-looking materials than traditional fillings. These procedures can help you feel more confident about your smile and may even improve your oral health by reducing inflammation or improving access for brushing.
The most common cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. They are generally quick procedures that can be done in under an hour. Teeth whitening, for example, lightens the color of your teeth and helps mask minor imperfections such as discoloration or chips.
Other cosmetic dental procedures include tooth shaping (also known as enamel reshaping), and crowns and bridges. They can fix chipped or cracked teeth, cover gaps, or replace missing teeth. They can also fix crooked or overlapping teeth by reshaping and shifting the position of your teeth. They can also reshape and add structure to your jaw with bone grafting.
Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic dentists often offer teeth whitening treatments. These are not only safe but highly effective. They can lighten stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. You can purchase over-the-counter whitening products or get a dentist-supervised treatment using custom-made clear trays with peroxide gel.
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to bring out your best smile by enhancing the appearance of your teeth and gums. Many restorative dentistry treatments that repair damaged teeth can improve the look of a smile, too. For example, dental crowns can strengthen and protect damaged teeth, while composite fillings are natural-looking.
A beautiful smile not only increases self-esteem, but it can also boost your health by lowering your risk of gum disease and other oral problems. However, a smile makeover is not a substitute for regular visits to the dentist. Dental checkups, cleaning and fluoride treatments are essential to maintain a healthy smile. In addition, most cosmetic dentistry procedures aren’t covered by insurance.
Veneers
Veneers are tooth-shaped coverings that are bonded to the front of teeth to mask flaws like chips and discolouration. They are available in porcelain or resin composite and can be customised to match the appearance of your natural teeth.
Unlike more invasive treatments such as dental crowns or implants, veneers do not require much preparation and can be applied in one visit. However, it is important to note that they are not permanent and may need to be replaced at a later date.
During the first visit, your dentist will remove a very thin layer of enamel (less than the thickness of a fingernail). Then they will make a mould or impression and send it to the laboratory where your custom-made veneers are created. On your second visit, your dentist will fit the veneers and check the shape and colour. Afterwards, they will bond them using cement. To keep your veneers looking great, brush and floss regularly and use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Also, avoid biting down on hard objects like pens or ice and chewing with your front teeth; instead, cut them up and chew with your back teeth.
Bonding
A composite resin is used to cover chipped or cracked teeth, reshape or change the color of existing teeth, close gaps and improve the appearance of your smile. Bonding is one of the simplest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures.
Other procedures include tooth-shaped caps (crowns), which are placed on top of a damaged or decayed tooth to prevent further damage, and jaw surgery, which may be needed to reduce or enlarge the size of the upper and lower teeth so that they fit together better. These procedures are usually performed by general dentists, but some practices specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentists are also more likely to offer Lumineers, porcelain veneers and dental implants, which enhance the appearance of your teeth, gums and bite. They are less concerned with the functional aspects of your teeth and are focused mainly on making sure that your smile is “camera ready.” This does not necessarily mean that they charge more than general or restorative dentists for these services.