When most people hear the word cosmetic dentistry, they think of teeth whitening and veneers. Cosmetic dentistry does more than whiten and straighten your teeth to give you the best smile.
There are more cosmetic dentistry procedures than the two mentioned above. These lesser-known cosmetic dental procedures also play an important role in giving patients the best smile.
Bonding
Dental bonding involves the dentist adhering bonding agent (often the same as what is used for filling cavities).
Bonding is a good option for patients who have significant gaps between their teeth, or who have chipped, broken, or cracked teeth.
Broken, cracked, and chipped teeth are not only unsightly, but they can also pose a threat to the teeth by weakening them and making them likely to get worse. A broken tooth is nothing to take lightly as it can result in extensive dental work or even tooth extraction.
Enamel Shaping and Contouring
Enamel shaping and contouring involves the dentist removing or shaping the enamel of a patient's tooth or teeth. Sometimes a dentist may use bonding as a protective coating over the part of the tooth where the enamel has been removed. The bonding will also work as an adhesive for veneers.
Enamel shaping and contouring are used to improve the length, shape, or position of teeth, correct overlapping or crooked teeth, minor bite problems, and irregularly shaped teeth.
Misshapen and crowded teeth can cause uneven wear of teeth, as well as problems with proper eating and speaking.
Crowns
Crowns are a common dental procedure that is not often associated with cosmetic dentistry. Crowns are metal, composite or porcelain caps that go over a tooth.
Crowns are used to protect (and improve the appearance of a tooth).
Damaged teeth can result in pain, discomfort, a bad appearance, and further, more severe dental problems.
In particular, crowns can help treat:
· Misshapen teeth
· Weak tooth
· Broken or worn tooth
· Tooth/teeth with a large filling
· Dental bridges
· Dental implants
· A tooth that's had a root canal procedure
Veneers
Chances are you've heard about veneers. These are thin, custom-made shells that are made from either plastic or porcelain. Besides improving your appearance, veneers can help treat the following dental issues:
· Spaces between teeth
· Chipped or worn down teeth
· Teeth which are germanely faded
· Poorly shaped teeth
· Slightly crooked teeth
Braces
Braces are more likely to be seen as restorative or preventative dental procedures, not cosmetic ones. Braces help correct the patient's bite and jaw alignment. Traditional braces are often ideal for patients with severely crooked, crowded or spaced out teeth and have significant jaw alignment issues.
For patients who have less severe dental alignment issues or have metal allergies, invisible braces are a better option.
Invisible braces are removable, clear, plastic trays that fit over teeth.
Crooked teeth not only result in an embarrassing smile, but it can also increase the risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and tooth root issues. It can also result in pain, discomfort, and eating issues.
Misaligned jaws can result in painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The brace is vital in restoring teeth its social interactions. Today, people of almost all ages are benefiting from braces.
Implants
Implants are metal screws that are inserted into the jaw bone and are topped with a crown. Implants are ideal for dental patients who are missing a few teeth.
Nobody wants to walk around with a gap in their smile caused by a missing tooth (unless you're a child and getting permanent teeth). Implants fill in these embarrassing gaps with a tooth-like crown that looks like the rest of your teeth.
Going a long period without filling in a gap caused by a missing tooth not only looks bad, but the absence of a tooth can cause other teeth to shift and your jawbone to weaken and disintegrate. The weakening of your jawbone can also cause your face to sag, which will make you appear older.
Implants, braces, crowns, enamel shaping, and bonding are also cosmetic dental procedures. They can improve your jaw alignment, fill in gaps between teeth, and replace missing teeth. All these not only give you a better smile, but they also help your dental health.
Contact your dentist today to learn more about what cosmetic dental procedure is right for you.