According to a 2017 survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most common cosmetic service is dental bonding at 43.4% of all procedures. This is followed by crowns at 31.4%. These are only two of the possible services. Here is a brief guide to six popular smile makeover techniques.
In dental bonding, a durable plastic material called resin is placed on the tooth. A special light bonds the resin to the tooth, resulting in a smooth transition between the two. This technique is often used for chipped teeth or to change the shape of teeth by making them longer or filling in gaps.
While often used in non-cosmetic procedures, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps or covers for the tooth. They can be made from many materials ranging from stainless steel to composite resin. For smile makeovers, porcelain is often used as it blends in with natural teeth. Crowns cover teeth that are misshapen and severely stained.
A tooth is comprised of a crown (the part that can be seen) and a root (the part under the gumline). A dental implant is a synthetic root made of a titanium or titanium alloy screw. This is embedded into the jaw and used to anchor dentures, a bridge or a crown. Implants are often an appropriate choice for patients with a missing tooth or teeth.
Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are created outside of the mouth through the use of 3D imaging. Like crowns, they are made from a variety of materials, and porcelain is a common choice for cosmetic dental services. Unlike crowns, they only cover the damaged portion of a tooth. Inlays fill in an area of the tooth within the cusps, whereas outlays cover a larger area extending past the cusps. Both restore a natural look to damaged or decayed teeth.
Dental veneers are slim overlays that bond to the front surface of the tooth. They are generally made from porcelain. They improve the look of stained, chipped, and inconsistently-sized teeth.
In-office whitening is the most efficient way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth and may be used with a laser, light or heat. This is often the most effective solution for stained teeth.
A smile is often the first thing people notice. Cosmetic makeovers promote self-esteem and can give patients a more youthful appearance. Society looks kindly upon those with a nice smile. Therefore, patients may have increased opportunities socially and professionally. In addition, many of the cosmetic procedures also strengthen teeth and improve overall dental health.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dental Services in San Francisco, CA.
Surface dental concerns can have a negative impact on those who have them. However, cosmetic dental services can result in teeth that are whiter, straighter and well-shaped with many associated benefits.
Request an appointment or call Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
It goes without saying that good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. Our dental practice is here to offer advice to help you avoid common oral health issues. By following expert tips, you can keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Here are seven oral hygiene tips from the Serenity Dental Spa…
Helping younger patients establish healthy dental habits starts with the right environment and guidance. From the first visit, a dental practice has the opportunity to set the stage for positive oral care habits that will last into adulthood. The approach taken during these early years can make a big difference in how children view oral…
A general dentist plays an essential role in maintaining lifelong oral health by providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for patients of all ages. While specialists focus on particular aspects of dentistry, a general dentist provides a wide range of services to address routine needs and detect issues early. Understanding what distinguishes a general dentist…
It goes without saying that good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. Our…
Helping younger patients establish healthy dental habits starts with the right environment and guidance. From…
From routine exams to advanced restorations, the difference a general dentist makes lies in their…
Routine visits to a dental practice offer numerous benefits that go beyond simply keeping teeth…
Understanding when a bridge may serve as a better choice than a removable denture helps…
Wisdom teeth extraction is an essential procedure in maintaining your long-term oral health.
