If you feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or unhappy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry may be a way for you to feel more confident. While there are procedures to repair crooked or stained teeth, cosmetic dentistry can improve your bite and oral health and boost your self-esteem.
Four Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Dentists offer a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures, focusing on improving the overall look of your teeth, such as teeth whitening. But there are many reasons to visit your dentist beyond just changing the look of your teeth. Tooth loss, damaged teeth, or poor dental health can affect your health.
The four most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
1. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are very thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. The veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth using a special dental adhesive and, with proper care, can be expected to last for many years, with studies reporting 91% of veneers were still intact after 20 years.
They can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth and brighten teeth that have become stained or discolored.
They can also close small gaps between teeth and protect against damage or wear on the tooth surface. Dental veneers are usually made from porcelain, although composite veneers, made from a mixture of resin and plastic, are a less expensive option. Porcelain veneers are more durable and long-lasting but are also more costly.
2. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that encases the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. It is also used to improve the tooth’s appearance and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
The original tooth is reshaped to get rid of damaged sections or decay. The crown is then placed on top of the tooth and bonded to the natural tooth using a dental adhesive.
Dental crowns are recommended for teeth that are:
- Severely decayed or damaged
- Broken or fractured
- Worn down
- Misshapen
- Root canal treated
3. Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is a type of dental restoration that uses a composite resin material to improve the appearance of your teeth. It can be used to change the color, shape, and size of your teeth and close gaps between them. The composite resin material matches the color of your natural tooth enamel and then applies to its surface.
It is then shaped and hardened using a special light. Once it has been set, the material is solid and durable. With proper care, tooth bonding can last 10 to 20 years, but the material can become stained or chipped over time.
4. Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial root placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth and give it a strong and stable foundation. Implants are usually recommended for people who have lost one or more teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Once in place, they will need to fuse with the bone, which can take several months. Once this has happened, a small connector, or abutment, is attached to the post to hold the new tooth securely. A dental crown is placed on the abutment to complete the restoration.
Improve Your Smile With Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Plenty of cosmetic dentistry procedures are available if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or smile. At Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer all these dental services, plus teeth bleaching, routine dental checkups, root canals, dentures, and more, to improve your overall health and help create your dream smile.
Call us today to request an appointment to discuss which option is right for you. With proper care, cosmetic procedures can last upwards of 20 years and help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.