What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is increasingly becoming an indispensable field in modern dentistry. The requirement is to constantly improve the external beauty of each person, bringing confidence and effectiveness in communication.
Technological advances in recent years have resulted in new types of dental materials and dental techniques.
They enable dentists to address new challenges in cosmetic dentistry and give patients more choices. Bring beauty; harmony smile to everyone.
Cosmetic dentistry includes many techniques to restore a beautiful and healthy smile. Includes whitening, prosthetics, orthodontics, or surgery.
While cosmetic dentistry is different from traditional dentistry, which focuses on preventing and treating dental problems, cosmetic dentistry also improves the overall function of the mouth.
On the other hand, many alternative dental treatments offer aesthetic benefits in and of themselves.
Cosmetic dentistry methods
Cosmetic dentistry: Tooth whitening
Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored, especially when you smoke or use certain drugs or foods such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, etc. Your dentist can help you whiten your teeth based on chemical mechanisms. You can come to the clinic or perform self-whitening at home according to your dentist’s instructions.
Your dentist will create a whitening tray that fits your teeth to ensure that the solution is right for you. At-home whitening may be more convenient, but it will take 2-4 weeks or longer, depending on the concentration of peroxide in the bleaching solution. If you have teeth whitening done at the dental clinic, it will take less time. It only takes you one or a few times to go to the clinic and have your teeth whitened within 1-2 hours.
Note that teeth can become discolored again if you smoke or consume colored foods. Whitening products do not mean they can clean teeth; you must maintain good oral hygiene daily. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash daily.
Cosmetic dentistry: Fillings
Fillings can improve the appearance of teeth if they are chipped, broken, stained, or cracked.
Dentists will use bonding materials to fill small cavities or protect exposed roots.
This procedure is usually done in one visit by using an abrasive solution to smooth the tooth surface and then using a material of the same color as the tooth, sometimes a synthetic resin, directly onto the tooth surface.
Even though fillings last several years, they can still wear out, chip, or stain.
Cosmetic dentistry: Porcelain toothpaste
These dental veneers are made of porcelain (sometimes plastic) that will cover the front of the teeth to change their color or shape. Porcelain veneers last longer than fillings and significantly improve the aesthetics of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can help in the following cases:
- Fill gaps between teeth
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Permanently stained teeth
- Teeth are not in good shape
- Crooked, out-of-alignment teeth
Before applying porcelain teeth, the dentist will create a mold for you. Next, they will polish the teeth before using the porcelain veneers. Then, the dentist shines a light that helps harden the cement to hold the porcelain veneer on the tooth.
Porcelain veneers are shaped according to your teeth with specialized equipment; you need at least two visits to the clinic to complete this cosmetic dental procedure.
Cosmetic dentistry: Crowns
Dental crowns completely cover a tooth, restoring its normal appearance. You may need porcelain veneers to:
- Covers teeth that have lost their original shape or changed color
- Protect weak teeth
- Restoration of damaged or worn teeth
- Covering a tooth with a significant gap in need of filling
- Covering after dental implant
- Covering a root-removed tooth
Materials used to cover teeth can be metal, porcelain fused with metal, plastic, or ceramic. Dental crowns are expensive, so dentists only recommend them when other procedures don’t make your teeth more aesthetically pleasing.
To prepare for crowns, the dentist will shape your teeth or take digital pictures to get information to create a crown to cover.
Dental crowns can last long if you take good care of your teeth.
Shaping and contouring teeth
Shaping and contouring involve removing or fading the enamel to improve the appearance of the teeth. Dentists can combine this process with fillings.
This procedure often changes teeth’ length, shape, or position. Shaping and contouring teeth can help:
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Chipped, uneven teeth
- Improve minor chipping
You can perform this method if you have solid, regular teeth and qualified teeth to shape.
Cosmetic dentistry: Brace
Today, people of all ages can get braces. Braces help improve the appearance of teeth, position the jaw correctly and treat disorders of the jaw joint.
Braces are worn to apply pressure to help reposition the jaw, which can take about a month or longer, depending on the case.
To put braces on, your dentist will place a bonding bracket made of metal, porcelain, or plastic into your teeth. The dentist pulls the wire through the frame, directing the teeth to their correct position. Sometimes, braces will be placed behind the teeth to hide for cosmetic purposes.
Once you have braces, each dentist visit will tighten the braces further. You will feel uncomfortable for a few days. In addition, regular oral hygiene becomes especially important while wearing braces.
The risks associated with braces are infrequent. However, people allergic to metal or rubber or with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of problems during treatment. Short roots are also a problem if the teeth are forced to move too quickly.
Another way to correct minor gap problems in the teeth, which involves wearing custom assistive appliances, is invisible alignment or braces. The dentist will reshape and replace the brackets about every two weeks for a gradual effect, helping to move the teeth as desired.
Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces can be removed while eating, brushing, and flossing.
There are usually two stages to getting braces: put on the props and then use a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position – removable or permanently bonded retainers at the back of your teeth.
Dental bridge
Sometimes called partial fixed dentures, bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of gold, alloy, porcelain, or a combination of materials. The dentist places the bridge in the teeth that cover the sides. The bridge is then attached to the prepared tooth. Remember that only a dentist can remove a fixed bridge.
The success of a dental bridge depends on the dental foundation. So, remember to clean your teeth to keep your teeth healthy.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an expensive cosmetic procedure but a long-term solution to missing teeth.
This is an alternative to a bridge but allows removable dentures. The dentist will implant dentures into the jawbone.
Dental implants have three parts:
- A titanium metal post attached to the jawbone
- A connecting joint, which fits the part of the implant shaft that comes out of the gum
- The dentist especially shapes porcelain crowns to look like natural teeth
You can get dental implants to replace missing teeth. If you have lost bone due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, your dentist will need a bone graft before implantation to provide a secure foundation.
Dental implants require several steps, including:
- A comprehensive exam, x-ray, and pre-implantation consultation
- Titanium shaft implant surgery
- Take the dental mold of the upper and lower jaw
- Make models for dentures or crowns
- Locating the position of the crown
- Carry out follow-up examinations with the dental staff
Premier Dental
Premier dentistry specializes in preventative, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry in Stanly County and the surrounding area.
Phone: (704) 982-5516
Adress: 1122 North 6th St.Albemarle, NC 28001
FB: premierdental.offical
