Cosmetic dentistry is all about helping people achieve the smiles that they want to have. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with perfectly straight, even teeth. Not all people have bright white teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can help a patient to get the type of smile that will look best on the patient.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are quite a lot of different procedures through which a person can have his smile improved. Each patient will have to have his situation individually evaluated by a dental professional-a cosmetic dentist-in order to find out which will be the best for him. Here are some of the most commonly used types of cosmetic dentist procedures:
- Tooth whitening and tooth bleaching: These cosmetic dentistry procedures are used to lighten the shade of the teeth or to make the teeth the same shade
- Cosmetic and porcelain tooth veneers: These are customized molds of porcelain that are placed atop the natural teeth in order to improve the appearance of the teeth.
- Dental implants: This cosmetic procedure is done via a titanium rod that is inserted into the jawbone. After the rod is secure (a few months later), the implant is covered by a crown. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is done to replace missing teeth.
- Dental crowns: These are used on top of natural teeth or on top of implants to give patients the look of a real tooth.
- Dental bonding: This procedure is one of the least expensive and easiest cosmetic dental procedures. A dental material is placed atop the tooth, hardened via laser or ultraviolet light, then shaped and polished.
- Dentures and bridges: These are used when a patient is missing a few or more teeth.
- Dental fillings: A dentist will use fillings when necessary to protect teeth that have cavities. For cosmetic dentistry, the fillings are matched to the color of the teeth.
- Cosmetic gum surgery: Gum surgery is sometimes done with patients who complain of having excessively gummy smiles or long-tooth smiles.
There are other cosmetic dentistry procedures that dental professionals may choose to complete for patients. Additionally, some patients may require more than one type of procedure in order to achieve the type of smile that they would like to have.
Cosmetic dentistry is not inexpensive; and, it is not usually covered by dental insurance. Therefore, most patients need to look for alternative forms of dental financing.
