Everyone wants to have a bright, beautiful smile. But too often that is just not the case. Even though a person can take very good care of their teeth, with time the once bright smile can begin to dim. Cosmetic dental procedures can help restore a winning smile.
There are five common cosmetic dental procedures that are very popular for those who want to regain the confidence that comes with having a nice smile.
Porcelain Veneer
Porcelain Veneer
A thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the front part of the tooth can effectively change the symmetry of a smile. Porcelain veneers are used to change the color and shape of teeth, and porcelain is used since it replicates the enamel on teeth. People choose to have porcelain veneers because teeth are worn, discolored, crooked, or broken or chipped. Often the veneers replace old mercury fillings. It is one of the cosmetic dental procedures that can even fix broken teeth.
Porcelain veneers will not stain. This can cause problems when the teeth without veneers get stained, resulting in teeth that are not the same color.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is whitening the teeth. There are so many products on the market, from toothpastes, gel trays, mouthwashes, and procedures done in a dental office. While teeth whitening will remove the dirt and debris from teeth, along with any stains from foods and drinks, teeth bleaching actually uses bleach products to whiten teeth beyond their current color. The terms are loosely used interchangeably.
Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding
As people live through life, teeth sometimes get broken or chipped or just grow crooked. Some people have had imperfect teeth from childhood. Getting the teeth bonded can fix many of these problems. Dental bonding is a process where a thin coat of plastic-like substance is put on the front of the teeth. Bonding material is then used to sculpt and shape the teeth and is then hardened with a special high-intensity light. The bonding can last for over ten years. Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that can also close gaps between the teeth.
Dental Implants
When teeth are missing people often feel embarrassed about their smile. Dental implants are considered cosmetic dental procedures. It is where the root of the tooth is used to support the missing tooth so that the teeth look more natural. The tooth is implanted into the bones of the mouth and they will not fall out. This procedure is much costlier than dentures or bridges, but the tooth implant is relatively permanent once placed in the mouth. Dental implants can help prevent loss of the bones in the jaw.
Invisalign
Invisalign
Another of the popular cosmetic dental procedures in when the Invisalign technology is used to move the teeth into better alignment. Invisalign is used instead of braces and gradually move the teeth to correct misaligned bites, crowded or crooked teeth, or fix protruding teeth. A clear tray fits over the teeth and gradually moves them into a more appealing bite and smile.
