While most people probably think of teeth as they appear in their day-to-day lives, there’s quite a bit that you can do to improve their appearance and function. Cosmetic Dentistry is the term used to improve a person’s smile, whether by repairing a chipped tooth or teeth whitening. You can perform several cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve a patient’s smile. If you think you can improve your appearance with cosmetic dentistry treatments, you need to consult with a specialist in cosmetic dentistry in Hilliard to determine the ideal treatment. Here are some common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
-
Whitening
Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Teeth whitening can be performed in a dental office or at home for at-home treatment. The process involves reducing stains on the tooth enamel through bleaching agents to help get rid of coffee, tea, red wine, cigarettes, etc. The results are noticeably whiter teeth, which boosts self-confidence.
-
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure to improve the appearance of chipped or discolored teeth by applying tooth-colored materials to the surface of the tooth enamel. The treatment can also be used to close spaces between teeth. Standard dental bonding procedures include tooth contouring and reshaping and the application of veneers and sealants.
-
Dental Veneers
Another way to improve a patient’s smile is with dental veneers. Like dental bonding, the goal of a dental veneer is to improve the appearance of teeth by covering up stains and minor imperfections on your tooth enamel. In some cases, the goal may be to change the shape of a tooth or teeth. A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that gets adhered to your tooth enamel through a process called CAD/CAM.
-
Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and improve appearance. A dental implant is a titanium post placed by the dentist into the jaw bone to create a foundation for artificial tooth replacement. The process can take several months but makes an excellent alternative for those who dread wearing dentures. Many people prefer dental implants because the procedure doesn’t interfere with your teeth.
-
Dentures & Partials
Another alternative to dental implants is dentures and partials, which are replacement devices made of acrylic or porcelain that cover the gums to help people smile again. Dentures and partial denture plates can even be attached to dental implants for added stability.
-
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are procedures that you can use to repair teeth with dental decay. An inlay (onlay) is a filling made of porcelain or gold that is placed into the tooth to restore it to its original shape while restoring the tooth structure lost due to decay. With this treatment, a dentist can help you continue to have a healthy oral environment while restoring the look of your smile.
In summary, cosmetic dentistry is a lifeline for people who do not like their appearance and want to change something about their smile. It consists of treatments such as inlays and onlays, dentures and partials, implants, veneers, dental bonding, and whitening.