Three Cosmetic Dentistry Techniques You Should Know About: Contouring, Bridges, And Teeth Whitening

It used to be that only the very rich could afford a perfect smile. The only other type of person who had a beautiful smile was someone who had perfect genes. Since most of us aren't that lucky to have perfect dental genes or have enough money to purchase cosmetic dental care, one would think that the majority of the world would have to suffice with the smile Mother Nature bestowed upon them. However, that simply isn't the case anymore. Modern cosmetic dentistry procedures are quite affordable nowadays. If you've always wanted a perfect smile, now is the perfect time to speak with your dentist.

Did you know that white teeth that are perfectly aligned are closely associated with youth and health? If you can improve your smile, you will automatically improve the manner in which other people interact with you on a daily basis. A great smile is a great tool for first impressions.

If your teeth are close to ideal but there is a few that are either too short or just too long compared to their neighbors, dental contouring might be the ideal solution for your situation. Contouring is a quick and inexpensive fix. Your dentist will either trim down the taller teeth or add a permanent, tooth-colored laminate to the shorter ones to increase their height. The end result is a set of teeth that are more properly aligned and aesthetically appealing. Contouring typically only takes a few dental visits to complete the entire process.

A missing tooth is a much more serious condition that is not only unsightly, but can also pose a real threat to the health and positioning of your other teeth. The quick and cheap solution for a missing tooth is a dental bridge.

There are two types of dental bridges available. Both will solve the problem of your missing tooth by replacing it with a dental pontic (fake tooth). 

One type of bridge requires the permanent alteration of your adjacent teeth. Your dentist will grind those two teeth down until they resemble a round peg. He'll then permanently mount the bridge directly on top of them. This type of bridge has two crowns on the outside with a pontic in the middle. The three devices are permanently fixed to each other. After you dentist permanently attaches the crowns to the adjacent teeth, the pontic will take the position of your missing tooth.

The second type of dental bridge is called a Maryland bridge. These do not require permanent alteration of your adjacent teeth. They are permanently fixed in position by wire "wing clips" that are wrapped around the base of your adjacent teeth. These types of bridges are prone to breaking or simply coming loose. If you don't purchase the more expensive design that uses tooth-colored wing clips, the metal wiring that wraps around the base of your adjacent teeth will often cast a grey hue through your healthy teeth, making them appear discolored and unsightly. It's recommended you splurge and spend the extra money on the more aesthetically pleasing Maryland bridge!

Perhaps the easiest form of cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. You can either purchase the at-home whitening kits or you can visit your local dentist for a professional teeth whitening session. It's recommended that you pay for the professional whitening procedure. Your dentist has access to whitening products that will produce quicker results as well as longer-lasting results.

If you think one of the above mentioned procedures might be a great solution for your needs, you should contact your family dentist for a consultation. He or she can tell you about the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures. Only a licensed dentist should provide counsel regarding your dental related decisions.