If you want to improve your smile, you may be thinking about cosmetic dentistry. There are numerous procedures that can change the appearance of your teeth. However, some of them permanently alter the teeth so the process cannot be undone.
Once you consider several cosmetic procedures, perhaps you wonder which one you should carry out first. Since some are less invasive, you may want to begin with one of those options if you do not want to drastically change your existing teeth.
Most people can think of at least one thing they would like to improve about their smile. It may be that the teeth are stained, or perhaps they are a bit crooked. Cosmetic dentistry helps enhance an individual's appearance because it treats and covers up minor imperfections. Cosmetic procedures can help improve a number of dental issues:
When these imperfections are fixed, one of the main advantages people notice is increased confidence and self-esteem. However, there are also functional benefits to many of the procedures. Brushing and flossing are often easier, which results in better oral health. Some of the treatments may also improve a patient's bite, which helps with chewing and even speaking.
There are various procedures from which to choose. Depending on your individual dental complaint, certain cosmetic options are less expensive and not as invasive as other methods.
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic service, and it is a good one to implement first because it is fast and easy. Professional teeth whitening is usually completed in less than an hour, and the results can last more than a year if the teeth are taken care of.
During the procedure, the dentist places a whitening gel on the teeth and uses light or laser beams to help it penetrate into the enamel. This step is repeated until the desired shade is reached.
Bonding helps cover up a number of imperfections, including chipped, misshapen, and severely stained teeth, as well as small gaps in between the teeth. Bonding consists of applying a composite resin directly to the front of the teeth, shaping and sculpting it to the desired outcome, and hardening it with a high-intensity light.
Bonding is a good cosmetic dentistry option if you do not want to excessively change the surface of the teeth. The dentist only needs to roughen the enamel a little so the resin can adhere. This means that the procedure is reversible if you decide you want to go back to your original teeth.
Veneers help with the same issues as bonding; however, they can be irreversible, depending on the material you choose. Porcelain is a popular option, and thin layers of it are applied to the front of the teeth. Unlike bonding, which can be performed in one visit, the placement of porcelain veneers takes two visits since the shells need to be made in a lab. A large amount of enamel is also removed from the teeth, which makes it irreversible.
If you like the look of veneers, but you want a reversible option, you can opt for composite veneers. The shells are made out of resin, and not as much enamel needs removal. This leaves a convexity to the tooth, allowing you to return to your natural teeth if you wish.
If you are concerned about crooked teeth, clear aligners may be the right choice to straighten them. These are removable and much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They provide a good option if you have mild to moderate misalignments and if you are responsible enough to wear them the majority of the time.
If you have excess gum tissue, making your teeth look short or misshapen, gum contouring can help. The dentist removes and evens the gums, resulting in an improved gum line and a more balanced smile.
If you desire to replace missing teeth but want to avoid a more invasive procedure such as dental implants, you may want to try dentures. They are removable, and it can take some time to get used to them, but they help fill in the gaps to restore your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has many benefits. If you are looking to boost your confidence with a better smile, start with some simpler procedures that produce good results.
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