The Different Kinds Of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Dentists are resorted to for everything related to our teeth. The dental procedures can range from subtle changes to major repairs even. Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized stream of dentistry which focuses on changes that have a cosmetic appeal. Teeth and its formation have an effect on the facial appearance. Today modern dental techniques have evolved by which dentists can reshape teeth as well as close spaces, alter the length of the teeth, restore teeth that are worn out and so forth. The procedures that fall in cosmetic dentistry include bonding, bleaching, veneers, crowns, contouring and reshaping of teeth.

What are Cosmetics Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry, as per definition, is any dental work that improves the appearance of the teeth and gums of a person. Many dentists regard themselves as cosmetic dentists to separate their profession from the clinical dentists. Their education remains largely similar with others in this clinical profession, but there is specialty training that they undergo for cosmetic corrective procedures that have been introduced of late.  In some countries, such marketing is considered unethical in respect of the profession of dentistry. The American Dental Association does not consider cosmetic dentistry to be a formal specialty area of dentistry. However, there are several dentists, who still market their work and services especially for cosmetic dentistry.

Different Specialty Work

There are different types or specialty work that is done in cosmetic dentistry such as:

• Adding dental material to teeth or gums with the help of bonding process, veneers, gum grafts and crown applications
• Removal of tooth structure or gum parts known as enameloplasty or gingivectomy
• Teeth whitening or gum depigmentation
• Straightening of teeth for improving the appearance of the face, also known as orthodontics

Among all such procedures, whitening or bleaching is common procedure opted by the clients. There are over the counter products that are sold in such clinics as well as supervised treatments provided.

Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular methods opted for in cosmetic dentistry. Teeth bleaching is a common process deployed by dentists who conduct teeth whitening procedures. Some people wish to get a whiter shade of teeth while others need to get stains removed for which they opt for teeth whitening. Discoloration can be caused by different factors:

• Medication
• Drinking tea, coffee
• Smoking cigarettes
• Age or hereditary factors

At the dental clinics, whitening is performed by creating a custom mouthpiece through which the whitening solution is applied. It is a simple procedure which takes an hour to be completed.

Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping

Teeth reshaping or contouring refers to procedures by which dentists correct crooked teeth. Teeth which are chipped or irregularly shaped or overlapping are corrected by such procedures. There are cosmetic dentistry methods that help you to get teeth reshaping done in one or two visits. The processes followed are painless and take a couple of hours to show visible and long lasting results. Tooth reshaping is done while removing parts of the enamel in order to improve the appearance of the teeth. There might be chips to be removed or alter the length, position or shape of the teeth. If you have excessively long teeth or crooked teeth, this can be corrected by the tooth reshaping procedure. There are other terms for tooth reshaping, such as odontoplasty, enameloplasty, contouring, recontouring, sculpting, stripping, and so forth. Also known as dental contouring, it will help to improve the appearance of a smile.

Tooth Bonding

This is a process where enamel like dental composite compound is applied on the tooth’s surface. It is then sculpted into shape, allowed to harden and then polished. In such a procedure, the tooth colored resin material, which is durable and plastic, is applied and hardened with the help of a special light. It then bonds with the tooth of the client. It helps to improve teeth and teeth formation. Dental bonding can be opted for in the following conditions:

• If one has decayed teeth
• To repair cracked or chipped teeth
• Close spaces that exist between teeth
• Protect tooth’s root, if it is exposed due to gums receding

Dental Bridges

These are known as false teeth or pontics. These are fused between two crowns of porcelain to fill in areas where teeth are missing. The dental bridges hold the two crowns in place and are attached to the sides of the false tooth. This is referred to as the fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace missing teeth.

Veneers

Image of Veneers

Veneers on the other hand, are ultra thin porcelain laminates that are custom made. These are bonded directly with the teeth. They are used to close gaps or to disguise discolored teeth which cannot be whitened with other methods. Tooth eruption might be necessary as well. Veneers are used to fix:

• Teeth that are discolored
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that is broken or chipped
• Teeth that is misaligned
• Teeth with gaps

Which Procedure To Opt For

You need to visit a dentist to understand which procedure can best address any dental problem you have. There are different techniques used by the different dental clinics. The condition of your teeth and what is the desired result you wish to achieve will determine the procedure you should opt for. A dentist will be able to address questions you might have in your mind:

• What would the changes look like?
• What to expect during the treatment?
• How to maintain the changes made to the dental setup?

How To Select A Cosmetic Dentist

You need to address a dentist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry. While most dental associations do not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a separate profession, you need to find a dentist with suitable credentials in this line of work. You could ask for photos of treatments conducted on other clients to understand the effects of the treatments conducted by the dentist. You could seek references to find out what the quality of care the dentist provides as well as keep a lookout for the standard of techniques and treatments done in the cosmetic clinic.

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This is a guest post by James. To know the differences created by the treatments provided in San Francisco Cosmetic Dentist.