What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
One could argue that cosmetic dentistry is really the combination of the ten different dental specialties. Yet cosmetic dentistry is far more about form than function. The specialty really focuses on creating a positive visual change to your teeth and your smile, more so than any health or logistical implications of other branches. It has been proven that a healthy smile could add up to seven years to your life expectancy. Your smile literally defines your personality. It is the absolute foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. A healthy smile is also a huge mood booster, affecting your immune system. Here are some popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Teeth Whitening- May be the number one cosmetic treatment. Either done at home with an over-the-counter kit or done professionally in your dental office, teeth whitening will remove the discoloration from smoking or stains from coffee and red wine. With your tooth enamel back to its natural color, you will be surprised and pleased by how much more you will smile. You might have found yourself becoming self-conscious of the imperfections in your smile.
- Composite Bonding- Another popular cosmetic solution to improve your aesthetics when it comes to smiling. This treatment will cover up unwanted chips, cracks, and even close an unfortunate gap between two teeth. Not functional, the surface of the tooth is simply roughed up, and a plastic-like resin material is shaped, sculpted, and smoothed over the tooth or teeth. Hardened with an ultraviolet light, the new finish looks completely natural.
- Dental Veneers- This takes the bonding concept up a level. This is a wafer-thin custom shell, which is fabricated in either porcelain or ceramic, and bonded to the front of a tooth with a permanent adhesive. This solution is becoming popular for the front teeth, truly enhancing a natural and healthy smile.
- Inlays or Onlays- These are done under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella. Much like a dental filling, in theory, they can be created of composite resin to provide more support to a weakened tooth.
- Dental Implants- This is the last category, growing dramatically in popularity in the arena of cosmetic dentistry. If you have lost a tooth and do not wish to deal with a traditional dental bridge, the dental implant is the new gold standard to replace your natural tooth, even though it is artificial. The dentist will surgically place a tiny titanium post in your jawbone where the tooth is missing. After this post has had a chance to fuse and bond to the bone, an extension or abutment will be added so the post will reach the gumline surface. A fabricated porcelain or ceramic crown is affixed to the post, and you now have a permanent replacement tooth.
The Reasons for Cosmetic Dentistry
A primary goal is to improve your smile and give it a chance to influence a favorable first impression. It might also improve your chances of career success. You might experience an improvement in your overall sense of internal comfort, and it might be beneficial to improve your psychological healing from some sort of traumatic injury.