Nothing restores self-esteem like a little cosmetic dentistry. Your smile is a big part of how you present yourself to the world. That is why you make every effort to keep your teeth looking their best.
Sometimes we need a little help to get the smile we strive for and desire. By looking at some common cosmetic dentistry treatments, you will be able to choose the dental procedure that will work best for you.
In youth, people have pearly white teeth because the yellow dentine is hidden behind a thick layer of unstained enamel. With time the enamel wears away and becomes thin, allowing the dentine to be visible. The result is yellow teeth. The enamel itself also gets stained.
Although bleaching can be completed at home, it is best to leave these procedures and processes to professionals. Bleaching is done by applying concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel onto the teeth and letting it sit for 20 minutes. The process is repeated two more times.
Because the enamel eventually becomes stained again, bleaching is a temporary treatment.
Veneers are thin porcelain or plastic shells that are applied to the outward-facing surface of the tooth. They are perfect for restoring front teeth that are chipped. They are also a good treatment for teeth that have stains that cannot be bleached away.
Installing veneers is a slightly invasive procedure that begins with the filing off of the enamel. An impression of the filed tooth is taken and used to make a veneer that fits snugly onto the tooth. The veneer is then bonded onto the tooth.
Dental caps are used to restore damaged teeth. A cap protects a damaged tooth by encasing it in a cover that is fabricated from an impression of the tooth. Caps can be made from gold or porcelain. With proper care, dental caps can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are small titanium screws that are attached to the jawbone so that they act like the root of a tooth. Crowns are later attached to the implants.
Dental implants are installed during a surgical procedure. The procedure takes several months to complete. Implants can last a lifetime and are worth the time it takes to put them in.
Bonding utilizes a putty-like composite resin that is the color of teeth. It is used to repair chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and small cavities. Before putty is applied, phosphoric acid is applied to the surface of the damaged tooth to make it rough. The roughness allows the putty to stay in place when used.
The putty is then applied directly to the roughened tooth and allowed to dry and set. Bonding is a minimally invasive way of improving the teeth.
Reshaping or recontouring is the changing of the shape or position of a tooth. This treatment is used to enhance the appearance of healthy teeth that are crooked or chipped.
The treatment cannot be used on teeth that have cavities or cracks.
Invisible braces improve the aesthetic of the teeth while correcting misaligned teeth. They can be clear or tooth-colored.
A dentist can take a look at your teeth and recommend the best cosmetic dentistry treatments for you. If you feel like your smile could use an upgrade, get in touch with one of our dentists and hear what they have to say.
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