The overarching definition of cosmetic dentistry is dental care that aims to improve the appearance of the teeth. While many cosmetic procedures are considered elective, and not essential, it’s often the case that these cosmetic procedures also provide clinical benefits, restoring the function, as well as the appearance, of the teeth. There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures, but some are more common than others. Understanding the basics can help you make a more informed choice if you’re seeking to improve the appearance of your smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the more common treatment procedures used in cosmetic dentistry. Professional teeth whitening can refresh the appearance of teeth that are discolored or stained from years of black coffee, red wine, smoking, or certain medications, and it can also brighten teeth that have dulled due to simple wear and tear. Following a thorough professional cleaning, medical-grade bleaching agents are applied to the teeth, providing dramatic results in a single office visit. At-home whitening treatments might also work when the discoloration isn’t as severe, though these are less dramatic and results are more gradual.
Dental inlays and onlays, also called indirect fillings, are another common cosmetic dentistry procedure. These fillings are used for mild to moderate tooth decay or in situations where there is inadequate tooth structure to successfully support a filling. Made of composite ceramic material, inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth surface, covering either a portion of the tooth or the entire tooth surface. These indirect fillings help prevent continued decay while strengthening the teeth and restoring their shape and appearance. Composite bonding is an alternative to inlays and onlays and is used to rebuild and repair decayed or damaged teeth. After drilling away any decayed dental tissue, your dentist will sculpt the composite resin material onto the teeth before hardening it with a curing light, trimming and polishing it to perfection. These bonding treatments cover damage and restore the structure and appearance of damaged teeth at an affordable price.
While composite bonding is generally convenient and affordable, some cosmetic procedures are more expensive or more invasive. Dental veneers, sometimes referred to as “Hollywood teeth,” are thin layers of ceramic that are applied in layers over the fronts of the teeth, where they cover concerns like cracks, damaged enamel, or severe discoloration; veneers can also be used to supplement and modify the size and shape of the teeth and can cover gaps between two teeth. Veneers have earned their nickname because they create an ideal smile and are popular among Hollywood celebrities, but they often come with a hefty price tag. Dental implants are also on the more expensive side, but they are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth or teeth that are so damaged that they can’t be saved and must be extracted. A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically implanted into the jawbone beneath the gums. As the bone heals around this small implant, the two elements fuse together, creating a permanent bond. Once healing has completed and the bond has formed, the top of the implant is exposed and a prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant, creating a lifelike, comfortable, natural-looking dental restoration that can last a lifetime with the proper care.
