Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a range of procedures that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. But what are the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures? Please read our article for an overview of the topic.
What Are the Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
Below, we discuss the most common cosmetic procedures and what issues they can solve.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly known cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening can dramatically change the appearance of your smile in just one dental visit. In fact, the color of your teeth can be made up to 8 shades lighter.
Professional teeth whitening typically involves using a bleaching solution, most commonly hydrogen peroxide, and sometimes lasers or special lights to enhance the effectiveness of the bleach. Whitening solutions work by temporarily making the enamel of your teeth more porous, allowing them to penetrate deeper layers and break down dark pigments.
In-office settings allow your dentist to use potent bleaching solutions without harming your teeth. At-home whitening kits provided by your dentist are also safe and effective, but the treatment typically requires several days of wearing the trays with bleaching solution.
Teeth whitening may not be effective for certain types of stains or discoloration. In such cases, your dentist will most likely recommend dental bonding or dental veneers.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic procedure that can solve the following issues:
- Mask cracks or chips on the teeth
- Mask stains and discoloration
- Alter the shape or length of teeth
- Close minor gaps between the teeth
- Cover exposed roots of the teeth
The tooth-colored material called resin composite is used for dental bonding. It is the same material that is used for dental fillings in the majority of cases. Before applying the resin composite, the tooth surface is slightly roughened to provide better adhesion of the bonding material. Once the resin composite is applied to the tooth, it is molded into the desired shape, cured, and polished to achieve a natural appearance.
Typically, bonding is not used to cover the entire surface of the tooth but just that part that requires alteration. The results of dental bonding typically last between 3 and 10 years and can be reversed in cases when the tooth’s enamel is not significantly damaged during or before the procedure.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are very thin “shells,” typically made of porcelain or resin composite, that are applied to the entire front surface of the tooth to alter its appearance. In general, dental veneers are used to fix the same cosmetic issues as dental bonding. However, getting dental veneers requires the removal of some of the tooth’s enamel for the veneer to fit, which makes the procedure irreversible, as our teeth can not survive without their enamel.
Porcelain veneers look very natural in the mouth due to the slight translucency of the material. Also, you can choose the color and shade of your veneers, or they can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth. Veneers can last for 5 to 15 years, depending on the material they are made of, as well as your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are “caps” that hermetically cover the entire tooth. Typically, crowns are used for restorative purposes on severely damaged, broken, or weakened teeth that have decayed. However, in some cases, they can be used for purely cosmetic purposes too, solving such issues as:
- Staining and discoloration
- Misshapen teeth or teeth of uneven sizes and length
- Cracks and chips
- Minor gaps between the teeth
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your smile, solving such issues as:
- Gaps between the teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned bite
Although an orthodontic treatment can take up to 2 years, it is a permanent solution that offers not only cosmetic benefits but also numerous health benefits. Straighter teeth are easier to clean effectively, resulting in less plaque, tartar, and bacteria in your mouth. As a result, you can avoid cavities, gum disease, and general health issues associated with bacterial infections in the mouth.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also known as gingival contouring, is used to reshape the gum tissue, for example, by removing excess tissue or evening out the gum line to treat the appearance of a “gummy smile.”
Make an Appointment at My Dentist Anaheim
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at the My Dentist Anaheim office today. Our specialists will recommend the most suitable cosmetic procedure to meet your goals and needs after examining your oral health condition and discussing your preferences and budget. We are looking forward to your visit.