The Cosmetic Dentist: Procedures

The general practice of dentistry is focused on oral health. Procedures such as root canals, cavity fillings and wisdom teeth removal are performed to either correct or prevent problems with the condition of the teeth. These procedures are often completed using materials that will also improve the appearance of the teeth, but they are not performed solely to make the patient’s smile prettier. The treatments offered in the field of cosmetic dentistry are primarily intended to accomplish that goal. Here are some examples:

Dental procedures like cleanings and fillings are performed to fix problems with oral health. Cleanings remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Fillings are done to remove the decayed tooth and prevent further damage. Both of these examples and most other dental procedures also result in more aesthetically pleasing teeth, but they are not performed explicitly for that purpose. In contrast, the procedures associated with cosmetic dentistry are executed primarily to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums. Here are some examples of this type of dental work:

Tooth Whitening: A bleaching agent is used to brighten teeth that are discolored or stained. This is the most common type of cosmetic treatment. There are many products available for tooth bleaching, and it can often be performed at home. When it is performed in a dentist’s office, a light may be used to accelerate the bleaching process. Though some products for at-home use are sold over the counter, the dentist distributes higher-concentration bleaching solutions.

Bonding: This procedure involves the use of composite material that is bonded to a tooth to improve its appearance. It is commonly used on cracked, broken, or chipped teeth. The composite material is tooth-colored, and it is molded into the proper shape before it is hardened and polished.

Veneers: Made of either porcelain or composite material, veneers are thin shells that cover only the front side of the teeth. They are used to fix the appearance of teeth that are permanently stained, chipped, crooked, or badly shaped. Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each individual in a dental laboratory. The procedure involves the removal of some tooth enamel, which is irreplaceable. The decision to get veneers should be made carefully because the process cannot be reversed. Once the veneers are bonded to the teeth, they can last up to thirty years, but they require good oral hygiene.

Gum Lift: The dentist raises the gum line by reshaping the tissue and bones to elongate the look of the teeth or make them appear more symmetrical. This procedure may be done for aesthetic purposes, but it can also be a treatment for gum disease.

Enamel Shaping: The tooth enamel is partially removed and reshaped, sometimes to improve the appearance of a small chip. It can also be completed to change the shape or length of the teeth. Tooth shaping may be completed instead of the application of braces. The changes made are permanent, and the enamel removed does not ever grow back. This treatment is sometimes done in combination with bonding.

Dental Bridges: This is another name for a false tooth. A fixed bridge is an irremovable false tooth that is placed between two porcelain crowns. The crowns are attached to the teeth on each side of the false tooth. A cantilever bridge is used when there is only an adjacent tooth on one side of the open space. Bridges are also useful in correcting bite problems and preventing gum disease.

The demand for these types of procedures is continually growing, and many are marketing their practices toward cosmetic treatments. As technological advances continue, people will be able to fix even the slightest of imperfections in their smiles by contacting a cosmetic dentist.