All About Cosmetic Dentistry

Some dental procedures are done for aesthetic reasons rather than to correct an issue with the health of the teeth. These procedures are known as cosmetic dentistry. Most of them aren't essential, but they can offer health benefits like reducing the grinding of teeth. Some cosmetic procedures leave the teeth cleaner and make future cleanings by dental hygienists easier.

General Dentistry Versus Cosmetic Dentistry

Checkups, cleanings, extractions, fillings, and root canals are all common procedures in general dentistry. These procedures might make the teeth more attractive, but their purpose is maintaining oral health. Cosmetic procedures might offer some sort of oral health benefit, but the main reason they are performed is just to make the teeth and mouth more attractive.

Improvements in Cosmetic Procedures

Technological advances mean that dental cosmetic procedures are now faster, better, and more effective than they once wore. They also are now less painful. Many procedures that are part of cosmetic dentistry are pain-free and don't require any anesthetics. More complicated procedures, like implants, require sedation. Even in these procedures, new technology means the procedure is less painful than it once was. Many dentists now use a laser to make precise, small incisions to place the root of the implant in. So now, people can have beautiful smiles that were pain-free to acquire.

Confidence and Your Smile

Humans around the globe think that smiles are important. In fact, dental issues that make smiles look less than pristine can cause issues with people's careers. These issues can also cause problems with people's self-esteem. Some people with teeth they judge as less than ideal stop smiling altogether. Cosmetic dentistry can address these problems and restore a person's confidence in their smile!

Specific Treatments

There's overlap between what's considered a general dentistry treatment versus an orthodontic treatment or cosmetic procedure. Let's say someone wants braces because of crooked teeth: They might want braces for cosmetic reasons, but the orthodontist may realize that the patient's bite is misaligned and braces will allow the bite to be corrected. But no matter the reason for a treatment, the important thing is that people can access the dental care they need.

Whitening Treatments

Yellowing or stained teeth are a big concern for many people. Today, dentists offer many different whitening procedures. Laser whitening treatments, for example, can make teeth 16 shades lighter! Bleaching is another common whitening technique.

Orthodontics (Straightening Teeth)

Many people who think of braces think of the metal brackets and wires from their youth. Today, there are many other options, including clear plates that are only worn at night. Other options include brackets installed on the backs of the teeth.

Veneers

Veneers can be applied to one tooth or a group of teeth. They consist of thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front of a tooth. Once upon a time, veneers looked large and clumsy, but today, they are made to match the patient's natural teeth so that they blend in beautifully. Veneers will eventually need replacement as the porcelain erodes from the tooth.

Crowns and Bridges

Bridges are an example of a dental procedure that's both cosmetic and functional. They fill the space caused by missing teeth. It's a less expensive option than filling the gap with implants but still improves the look of the mouth and its function. Bridges allow people to continue chewing. Crowns, which cover cracked teeth, are also a cheaper alternative to implants but improve the look of the tooth and maintain its ability to chew and bite.

Implants

Teeth can be lost to decay, injury, or even age. Thanks to advances in the technology used to make implants, it's now possible for patients to get implants that match their natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Implants are long-lasting and more secure in the mouth than either bridges or crowns.

Bruxism Treatments

There are many different techniques used to stop someone from grinding their teeth unconsciously. One solution is to use porcelain onlays or inlays to stop the patient from grinding. Orthodontia might also correct the problem if the grinding is caused by teeth in the wrong position.

Your Dental Health and Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures improve the look of the mouth but can also improve its level of health and function. One unexpected benefit of orthodontia is that it can make it easier for people to floss their teeth. And removing damaged teeth and replacing them with bridges or implants helps reduce the odds that the patient will develop an infection in their mouth.

Your Dental Age

Most people experience tooth decay as they grow older. Good oral care, both at home and at the dentist's office, helps prevent losing teeth to decay. It's important to brush twice a day and floss once. Additionally, people should visit their dentist for checkups and cleanings. However, cosmetic dentistry can help correct the teeth and restore their youthful soundness if the ravages of time have taken their toll.

Additional Resources

• Real Stars, Fake Teeth: 20 Celebrities Who Have Had Cosmetic Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentists Say These Are the Most-Requested Celebrity Smiles
• Ten Celebrity Tooth Transformations That Will Make You Smile
• From Kylie Jenner to Kate Middleton: The Most Dramatic Celebrity Teeth Transformations
• Celebrity Dentist Crafts $80,000 Porcelain Veneers
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Different Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
• A Guide to the Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
• What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers
• What to Consider Before Getting Veneers on Your Teeth
• Dental Veneers Guide: The Price, Pain, and Upkeep You Need to Keep in Mind
• Porcelain Veneers
• Understanding Your Treatment Options
• Types of Dental Braces
• Braces
• 50 Shades Whiter: What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening
• I Tried Professional Teeth Whitening: Here's What it's Like
• Dental Implants
• The Aging Mouth And How to Keep it Younger
• What Causes Discolored Teeth, and Is There Any Way to Cure or Prevent Staining?