Cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular. A visit to a cosmetic dentist can make your teeth and smile look amazing and also improve your oral health, presentation, and confidence. In this article, we discuss the most common cosmetic dental procedures.
Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures
The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to help a patient achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced smile. The most common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, and tooth and gum contouring. Additionally, orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign or braces, and dental implants might be considered a part of cosmetic dentistry, even though they also have significant oral and general health benefits. Below, we discuss some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures and their pros and cons.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening procedures are aimed at removing stains and discoloration from teeth, also making their color up to 8 shades whiter. Your dentist might offer an in-office whitening procedure or an at-home solution. In-office procedures usually take only an hour to complete, while wearing whitening trays at home might take several days. Make sure to distinguish professional at-home whitening treatments from over-the-counter solutions.
Professional teeth whitening typically uses bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The bleach agent penetrates the enamel of the teeth and destroys the pigment that makes teeth appear stained. Whitening at a dental office is a controlled procedure that is safe for the enamel of your teeth, as your dentist can adjust the strength of the whitening solution depending on the condition of your teeth. In comparison, at-home whitening solutions are mass-produced and do not accommodate the needs of every patient. In addition, these solutions can be less effective as they are typically less potent than in-office solutions.
Professional teeth whitening can cause minor tooth sensitivity for several days after the procedure. However, these feelings soon go away. Also, some types of stains might not respond to whitening. Your dentist will be able to predict the results of the procedure after examining your teeth. The results of teeth whitening can last for up to three years with proper care.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front of your teeth to solve a variety of cosmetic issues:
- Tooth staining and discoloration
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Irregularly shaped or sized teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- A gummy smile (typically in combination with other cosmetic procedures)
The most popular material for dental veneers is porcelain. It offers excellent durability and translucency, which allows veneers to look very natural in the mouth. Other materials that can be used for veneers include resin composite and zirconia.
The procedure of getting dental veneers is irreversible because a small portion of the tooth’s enamel is removed to have enough room for veneers. This means that if you decide on veneers, you will have to commit to wearing them for life. The process of getting dental veneers is painless and takes about three weeks, meaning that it can offer a dramatic improvement to the way your smile looks in a short period. Porcelain and zirconia veneers tend to last for 10 to 15 years, and composite veneers for five to seven years. Porcelain and zirconia are also stain-resistant materials.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses resin composite to mask and restore stained, discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth. Bonding can also be used to cover gaps between teeth or make teeth longer.
Dental bonding tends to be cheaper than dental veneers. However, it can still deliver natural-looking results, as resin composite can be matched to the shade of your teeth. Also, bonding does not require the removal of the teeth’s enamel, which makes the procedure reversible in most cases. The results of dental bonding can last for five to seven years.
Tooth Contouring and Gum Contouring
Tooth contouring involves removing some of the tooth’s enamel to change its shape. Because it is safe to remove only a small part of the enamel, the shape can be changed only to a certain extent.
Gum contouring can help people with excess gum tissue, also known as a gummy smile. Your dentist can remove the excess tissue and reshape the gumline. Dental veneers can be used in combination with gum contouring to make teeth appear longer.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are considering a procedure to boost the appearance and health of your smile, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Encino today. In Encino Family Dental, our specialists employ modern techniques and high-quality materials to accommodate your dental needs and goals. We look forward to welcoming you to our dental office.
