Dentistry is no longer just a case of filling and pulling out teeth. In recent years, cosmetic dental treatment has helped many people improve the aesthetics of their teeth while enhancing their bite and gums to maintain a natural smile. Cosmetic treatments can also prevent several oral health issues from arising, which include tooth decay and the further deterioration of damaged teeth.
In this article, we share some important information on a number of popular cosmetic dental procedures.
Veneers
Veneers are usually placed over front teeth. Veneer shells are used to fix cracked or chipped teeth, different sized teeth, misaligned teeth, and tooth discolouration. However, it is important to bear in mind that veneers cannot replace missing teeth. There are a number of veneers to choose from, including;
- Porcelain veneers: Made of high-quality, hardened ceramic, this option is the strongest and most long-lasting among all veneer materials. Porcelain laminate veneers are biocompatible, meaning that they are unlikely to cause injuries to the soft gum tissues surrounding the tooth. With proper care, this popular style of veneer can last up to 8 to 15 years.
- Ceramic veneers: Incorporating the use of tooth-coloured ceramic materials like zirconia that are bio-inert and resistant to bacterial infection, this style is favoured for its natural appearance and durability and can last around 4 to 8 years.
- Composite veneers: This budget friendly option is made of composite resin, which is a mixture of inorganic and organic materials. Composite veneers hold a shorter lifespan than other varieties, lasting for about 5 years at best.
Dental implants
Dental implants act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth and is fused to the jawbone to mimic a natural tooth. Most Glendale Dentist are made of titanium, which allows for an effective fusion with the jawbone, without it being identified as foreign and rejected by the body.
Dental bonding
This option is ideal for small procedures (e.g. a chipped or cracked tooth) that does not extend throughout the entire tooth. Bonding material is applied directly to the affected area, which allows the material to attach in place and harden so that the restored tooth can function like a natural tooth. This affordable procedure can usually be completed in one appointment.
Dental bridges
This procedure essentially acts as a ‘bridge’ to connect the spaces left behind by a series of consecutively missing teeth with one or more false teeth. While artificial teeth can be made from a variety of material including gold and silver amalgam, they are more commonly made from porcelain for aesthetic purposes, so as to seamlessly blend in with one’s natural teeth.
Crowns
Crowns are generally used when the damage to the tooth is more severe than a chip or crack. Also known as a cap, this method would restore a tooth to its original shape, size, and function by using tooth-coloured materials such as metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, porcelain fused metal, as well as composite resin.
- An onlay, also known as a ‘partial crown’, covers a larger area compared to an inlay and will only cover the cusp of your tooth.
- An inlay is opted for when the cavity is too large for a filling and is usually used to cover the region in between the cusps.
Teeth whitening
Considered as one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening is used to lighten as well as remove any stains or discolouration for an improved appearance. Professional in-house whitening is a simple process and can be completed within an hour. The procedure includes the application of tooth whitening gels that contain 25-40% of hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching property.
Clear aligners
Also known as invisible aligners, this dental orthodontic treatment addresses misaligned, crowded or crooked teeth. Custom-made, invisible, and removable clear aligners are designed to correct any misalignment issues that range from mild to severe (e.g. spaces, open bite, crowding, crossbite, overbite, etc.). Since there are no brackets or wires, this treatment offers convenience, comfort, and flexibility to patients while barely being noticeable by others.
Dentures
Made of acrylic (plastic), nylon or metal, these removable false teeth are formed to reflect the dimensions of your mouth so that a comfortable fit can be achieved. This affordable option can be chosen as an alternative to dental implants.
- A complete denture is opted in replacement of all the missing natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
- A partial denture fills in the spaces where teeth are lost or missing.