Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Mar 11
11:25

2012

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures that are done to improve the appearance of your smile. Some popular cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, inlays and onlays, and gum surgery.

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The field of cosmetic dentistry is quickly growing,Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Articles as more and more people are looking for ways to improve the appearance of their smiles. This dental specialty includes those procedures and treatments that are done to improve the appearance of the teeth, mouth, and smile. General dentistry focuses more on good oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, or treating oral diseases. Many of the procedures your general dentist performs are necessary for your oral health. Cosmetic dental procedures include optional treatments that you can choose to have done to improve your smile. There are several different procedures you can choose to have done strictly for aesthetic purposes. Here are some of the most popular options:

- Teeth Whitening: Also called teeth bleaching, this procedure can be completed at home using one of several over-the-counter products. Many people choose to whiten their teeth to remove stains from food, drinks, and smoking. While you can complete this procedure at home, a professional teeth whitening treatment will usually be more effective. Professionals in cosmetic dentistry will use a higher concentration bleaching agent than you can purchase in store. The dentist may also apply a light-accelerated treatment to remove internal stains from your teeth. This procedure does not work for all types of tooth stains, so you will need to consult with a dentist before undergoing a whitening treatment.

- Veneers: Typically made of porcelain, veneers are thin laminates that are commonly applied to the front teeth. They are bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive, and they can be used for many reasons. They may be applied to correct and repair chips and cracks, or to improve the appearance of teeth that are worn or discolored. You may be a good candidate for veneers if you have gaps between your teeth, or if teeth whitening treatments have not been successful.

- Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial replacements for the tooth root, and they are often used as part of a prosthetic to replace missing teeth. A surgical procedure is required to place a dental implant into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Dental implants are permanent and are often used to anchor an artificial tooth or teeth in place. They are usually used in combination with a bridge, crown, or dentures.

- Inlays/Onlays: Made of porcelain or composite materials, inlays and onlays are also called indirect fillings. They are created in a dental laboratory according to the structural damage of the tooth. Your dentist fits the inlay or onlay onto your tooth and uses a dental adhesive to bond it to your tooth. In cosmetic dentistry, inlays and onlays are ideal when there is extensive structural damage to the tooth or teeth.

- Gum Surgery: If you have a "gummy smile", your teeth are covered too much by excess gum tissue. A dentist can sculpt the gum tissue to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have gum recession, your teeth may appear long and gum surgery is the cosmetic dentistry procedure that will fix this problem. Gum surgery involves taking tissue from other areas of your mouth and grafting them to restore your gums.

Improving the appearance of your smile may require more than one of these procedures. You can consult a well-qualified cosmetic dentistry professional to discover the best treatment options for you.