Have you noticed that bright white smiles are no longer limited to Hollywood's elite? These days you see brilliant grins everywhere on a wide variety of people. These beautiful teeth are not just the product of good dental hygiene or fortunate genes. Cosmetic dentistry is playing a large part. There may have been a time when cosmetic dental procedures were not frequently performed for the general population, but times have changed. Now, these procedures are performed regularly, all over the world, and can fit a wide range of budgets. You may be wondering what exactly cosmetic dentistry is all about. Due to the variety of treatment methods available, numerous people can benefit from cosmetic dentistry.
The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve one's smile. However, many of the aesthetic procedures also improve the functionality of the teeth or bite.
A common complaint that many people have is their teeth are stained. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure to treat teeth that are discolored due to the consumption of dark foods and beverages, such as coffee and wine. An in-office whitening procedure is safer than over-the-counter whitening kits, which can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Professional whitening can also be customized to the preferred shade and produces long-lasting results.
Although teeth whitening helps with most stains, it may not be effective for teeth that are discolored due to long-term smoking, medication use, or a health condition. Some cosmetic procedures that are available to cover up discolored teeth rather than lighten their shades include bonding and veneers.
Misaligned teeth greatly affect the smile, and there are numerous options for straightening them. Braces may be more appropriate for those with severe misalignments, but clear aligners are popular for those who have moderately crooked teeth. These usually straighten the teeth in nine to 12 months, and they can be taken out.
If the front teeth are chipped or cracked, two cosmetic dentistry options are bonding and veneers. Bonding consists of applying layers of resin to the front of the teeth, hardening them, and molding them to the desired shape and size.
Veneers are also applied to the front of the teeth, but they are made with thin layers of porcelain, and the dentist must remove some of the tooth's enamel for proper bonding. Veneers are permanent, but they last longer than bonded teeth do.
Some people want to improve their smile because they have small gaps in between the front of their teeth. For this issue, either dental bonding or veneers can cover up the gaps.
If someone is complaining that their teeth appear small, the issue may be due to excess gum tissue that covers up a portion of the teeth. In this case, a cosmetic dentist may use a laser to remove the extra tissue and recontour the gumline for a more balanced smile.
Having gaps in the teeth due to an injury, illness, or gum disease can make it more difficult to have a confident smile. Whether there is one tooth missing or multiple ones, there are various options available for replacement. Implants are a common choice to correct missing teeth because they are a permanent solution that looks and acts like real teeth, and they can also prevent loss of the jawbone.
Bridges are popular choices for replacing missing teeth. An implant-supported bridge is an economical approach to replacing multiple missing teeth by using permanent implants to anchor a row of false teeth. A tooth-supported bridge uses existing teeth to anchor a bridge of false teeth, using a crown placed on a tooth adjacent to the missing teeth.
Dentures are another popular choice for correcting missing teeth. Removable partial dentures provide a simple option that is recommended for those with a few teeth missing. A flipper is a popular, inexpensive, and painless cosmetic product that has been used for years by child actors and in pageant circles. This partial temporary denture can be flipped in and out of position without depending on clasps or surrounding teeth.
Whether your teeth have shifted over the years or you have never been happy with your smile, there are various reasons why you may benefit from cosmetic dentistry. If you would like to improve your smile, a dentist can discuss the options with you and tailor a treatment plan for you based on your desired results.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.
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