Cosmetic dentistry is a form of professional oral care that prioritizes your smile’s appearance. Unlike restorative procedures, which are usually medically necessary, cosmetic dental work is elective. It follows the Greek view of beauty that emphasizes symmetry, balance, and harmony. 韓国歯科
There are several treatment options for those who want to enhance the color, alignment, position, or shape of their teeth and gums. Your general dentist can discuss your cosmetic goals and recommend procedures that will make them a reality.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a common replacement for missing teeth. They provide both functional and cosmetic benefits, improving how you eat, talk, and smile.
Before dental implants can be placed, the dentist must verify that your gums and jaw bone are healthy enough to support the implant and integrate it with the surrounding tissue. If not, a bone graft may be necessary.
Once the implant is placed, a crown is attached to it. The crown is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth, making it possible to replace just one or multiple missing teeth. It also helps to keep the jawbone from deteriorating, which can cause your face to lose shape.
Cosmetic dental implants are not a form of cosmetic dentistry, but they can help to restore your appearance if you have missing teeth. This procedure is typically covered by dental insurance, and various payment plans or financing options are available. Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent and will last for life.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding (also known as composite) is a popular cosmetic treatment that can correct minor imperfections of your smile. It involves applying tooth-colored resin material to the teeth that are then shaped and hardened with a curing light. The resulting enhancements look natural and often are undetectable to those around you. It can be used to conceal chips, cracks, or discoloration; close small gaps between teeth; change the shape of a tooth; replace old silver dental fillings; and protect exposed roots.
Bonding typically takes under an hour to complete, and it is one of the least invasive cosmetic procedures available. Unlike veneers or crowns, it does not require any removal of healthy tooth enamel.
The composite used in the procedure is color-matched to your natural tooth, so your cosmetic bonding should look utterly flawless and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. To make sure your enhancements last as long as possible, you should maintain a regimented oral care routine that includes regular brushing and dental checkups.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available to patients. It can address discoloration and staining from the normal aging process, tobacco use or medications like tetracycline.
This treatment involves coating the teeth with a bleaching gel that has oxygen molecules that lighten the tooth enamel. A dentist will often protect the gums with a rubber sheet or resin-based barrier to prevent the whitening agent from irritating them. They may also use heat or blue light to increase the oxidation of the chromogens and make the whitening process go faster.
The whitening effects are not permanent and can last a few months to up to three years, but it’s important to keep up with regular dental cleanings to maintain the results. It is also not effective on crowns, fillings or veneers, so if you have these, you’ll need another type of treatment to whiten them. The treatment is very affordable and non-invasive, so it’s a great choice for many people who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are strong, thin covers for the front of teeth that can be bonded to improve their appearance. They can be used to create symmetrical teeth, cover stains, and fix minor chipping. They are also popular for covering up crooked teeth, especially if they do not respond to simpler treatments like whitening.
Veneers are a conservative treatment, meaning they can be removed and replaced without damaging the natural tooth underneath. However, they require regular maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
Many people are under the impression that porcelain veneers ruin the natural tooth they cover, but this is untrue. The process involves shaving part of the natural tooth to make room for the veneer, but a skilled dentist can remove less of the enamel than you might expect. This makes the procedure far more conservative than alternatives like crowns. The dentist will still need to evaluate your mouth and determine if the veneers are the best option for you.