Cosmetic Dentistry

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective rather than essential, some cases of treatment also provide restorative benefits. The most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are fairly simple, whereas others are more complex and require specialized care.

Some of the popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry are as follows:

Inlays and Onlays

These are also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory, and they are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling. Inlays and Onlays are made in a dental laboratory from a composite resin material and attached to the teeth with adhesive dental cement. They provide support to strengthen teeth, restore their shape and avoid any further decay or deterioration.

Materials used for inlay and only are as follows :

• Gold alloys
• Silver amalgam alloys
• Palladium alloys
• Porcelain
• Composite

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged or discolored teeth using material that resembles the color of the tooth enamel. Here, a composite material is used to fill the cavities and cracks, which is later hardened with the help of high-intensity light. It gives a natural appearance as the filling looks exactly like enamel.

Dental Veneers

Typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are made individually for each patient to resemble one's natural teeth. They are mainly used to cover discolored teeth and to fill large gaps between teeth. Veneers are bonded to the front surface of the anterior teeth improving their shape, length, and color. They look exceptionally realistic and can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, be ranging from crooked teeth, cracked or damaged enamel to noticeable gaps between two teeth.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most basic cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening or teeth bleaching can be performed at dentist's office. Whitening should occur after plaque, tartar and other debris are cleaned from the surface of each tooth, restoring their natural appearance. Teeth can also be bleached to achieve an even lighter shade than this original color. This helps to remove stains and discoloration. Over the years, teeth become stained and worn from food, drinks, medication and personal habits such as smoking. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be done in the dental office or at home.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place.

Cosmetic dentistry aims at restoring the beautiful smile of a person. After all, a smile is said to be the best jewelry that anyone could wear.