Cosmetic dentistry is any dental work that adjusts and improves the appearance of teeth, including the gums or bites. Cosmetic procedures encapsulate several treatments that aim to modify your teeth’s position, shape, size, and color.
These kinds of procedures aren’t solely beneficial for your appearance. Several cosmetic procedures also help improve your overall dental health.
The Different Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
The beauty of cosmetic dentistry is the wide variety of solutions available for people struggling with all sorts of oral ailments.
According to a cosmetic dentist, more problems will arise when dental imperfections like misaligned teeth are left untreated. Some consequences of misaligned teeth include:
- Enamel wear. Crowded or disoriented teeth cause them to protrude in abnormal directions. As a result, the teeth located in your lower jaw will begin to rub against those in your upper jaw. This process eventually wears away the enamel of your teeth.
- Tooth Injuries. Protruding or misaligned teeth are typically unstable, making you more likely to experience chipped or broken teeth.
- Gum Disease. Also known as gingivitis, it is caused by plaque build-up when bacteria lingers in your mouth.
Implants
A dental implant is a titanium device created to replace missing teeth. The implant can act as the tooth’s root.
Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from missing teeth, making dental implants one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in the field of dentistry.
About 33% of all dental implants inserted are placed by a general dentist with an overwhelmingly high success rate.
Veneers
Veneers are a thin, porcelain shell custom-made to fit the front of the tooth. Veneers are often used to treat teeth that are:
- Discolored
- Chipped/broken
- Crooked
In many cases, they’re used to cover spaces in between teeth. Not only are veneers correcting the function of your teeth, but they’re also diminishing your insecurities with your smile.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as “dental caps,” are made from porcelain or acrylic that’s been shaped to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth to enhance your bite.
Decaying, broken, or poorly shaped teeth can be successfully treated with dental crowns. A whopping 2.3 million crowns are made annually.
Whitening
Teeth whitening can brighten your smile tremendously, boosting your overall confidence. Certain lifestyle habits can lead to discolored teeth. The more common causes are:
- Coffee
- Smoking
- Tea
- Wines
Discoloration can be a natural effect of aging, occurring later in life. Poor dental hygiene can accelerate this process. Teeth whitening helps countless people every year.
Custom-fitted whitening trays do wonders for stained teeth.
Enamel Abrasion
This procedure involves using fine pumice in a micro-abrasion machine that removes surface stains. In other words, enamel abrasion is another way to remove discoloration.
Superficial stains can be caused by wines, sodas, coffee, and tobacco products.
Invisalign™ Braces
Invisalign is an excellent option for adults looking to get the smile they’ve always wanted. Also known as “clear braces,” these removable aligners can correct misaligned teeth with the added advantage of being nearly imperceptible, more comfortable than traditional braces, and much easier to clean.
Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which materials that resemble the color of teeth are bonded to the tooth in need of repair. This process also improves the look of a tooth that has suffered any damage.
Cracks, chips, stains, and gaps can be resolved through this procedure. Tooth bonding protects your smile long-term.
Shaping
Teeth shaping, also known as “enamel shaping,” is a process that can produce significant effects straightaway. During this procedure, tooth-colored materials are bonded to the damaged tooth.
Teeth shaping reconstructs the tooth while improving its appearance.
Common Concerns
It’s normal to wonder about the risks involved with any dental procedure. It sounds too good to be true, after all. However, cosmetic dentistry isn’t solely meant to improve appearance.
Many cosmetic treatments prevent oral complications from worsening and improve the function of your teeth.
What’s the Downside?
Cosmetic dental procedures typically take some time. The total duration of these procedures depends on your teeth’s condition and your reaction to the entire process.
Of course, these procedures are not always permanent, but modern dental technology has made most treatments extremely durable.
Anesthesia
Some cosmetic treatments are fairly straightforward and do not require sedation. However, other procedures do create discomfort for the patient that can be easily curved with the use of anesthesia.
Before your treatment, you will have the option to undergo anesthesia during the procedure.
To ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process, anesthesia will be produced either by application or injection.
Anesthesia helps to eliminate pain and alleviate you of anxiety if needed. The drugs that produce anesthesia are perfectly safe. Other alternatives with similar effects are available also.
The Benefits
Cosmetic dentistry consists of various specialized treatments designed to fix many dental issues that are affecting people physically and mentally.
Bite Improvement
Nearly 20% of the population can’t chew their food properly due to crooked or misaligned teeth. Following operative procedures, you will have a new and improved bite.
This will naturally reduce the likelihood of further tooth damage, granting you a better eating experience.
Fewer Oral Issues
Cosmetic dental surgeries often include removing a bad tooth and replacing it with an artificial one. As a matter of course, the chances of you experiencing more oral health issues will decline substantially.
Proper oral hygiene is essential for your replacement tooth’s durability. Daily flossing and brushing can help improve the longevity of your teeth.
No More Pain
Misaligned teeth are one of the primary causes of muscle tension in the jaw and painful toothaches. Disarranged teeth push against each other, instigating severe discomfort.
Procedures designed to fix these issues straighten teeth, eliminating the primary source of pain.
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Your smile is the initial feature people notice. Individuals satisfied with their smiles are often looked at as more confident and approachable.
Confidence is an extremely attractive quality that can benefit people in various ways. Good self-esteem shows intelligence and genuineness.
Confident people are typically more relaxed, heightening their communication skills. These skills can contribute to their success.
Improved Diet
Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just enhance your appearance. It also grants a solution to several oral health problems.
These issues can sometimes be related to your diet. If you struggle with a missing or decaying tooth, you may have trouble chewing certain foods.
This will take a toll on your diet, pushing you to consume more processed foods. Artificial teeth and dental implants can improve your diet by helping you restore your ability to chew food properly.
Healthier and Stronger Teeth
A confident smile is a healthy one. You can reinvent yourself with a new and improved smile. Consult a qualified cosmetic dentistry in Vero Beach.
Porcelain crowns are very durable and can last up to 15 years if properly cared for.