We often hear about cosmetic dental procedures, but just what is cosmetic dentistry?
In short, cosmetic dentistry is used to correct various dental issues. As the name implies, they may not be medically necessary procedures—but they help with appearances and self-esteem. These issues include broken, misaligned, discolored, or chipped teeth.
You can think of cosmetic dentistry as a kind of makeover for your teeth. It’s all about improving your smile, so you can put your best face forward.
So let’s take a look at seven of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Some may seem like intensive operations, but the results are well worth it.
1. Dental Implants
A dental implant is exactly what it sounds like.
In the event of a missing or removed tooth, an implant is a replacement. A titanium screw is inserted into the vacant socket, forming an artificial root. The jaw heals around this post, securing it in place.
Then, your cosmetic dentist just pops on a replacement tooth and you’re all set.
2. Teeth Whitening
If you require something a little less intensive, teeth whitening is just for you.
Your dentist can perform simple teeth bleaching. If you have staining from years of smoking or coffee drinking, whitening is a good, relatively inexpensive option.
3. Dental Veneers
Veneers are a lot like those false front buildings you see in old Western towns. In other words, it’s all about creating an attractive façade.
Dental veneers consist of a thin shell of medical-grade porcelain, which is lacquered onto the front of your teeth to create that winning smile.
4. Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and outlays are also known as indirect fillings.
They’re used to fill teeth that exhibit some form of decay. An “inlay” is when the filling is bonded to the surface of a tooth with no damage to its cusps. An “onlay,” on the other hand, covers the entire tooth if there is significant damage to the cusps.
5. Dental Crown
A dental crown, or cap, is just what it sounds like.
Whether resin or porcelain crowns, these caps fit right over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns also conceal malformed teeth.
6. Dental Realignment
Alignment procedures straighten crooked or misaligned teeth.
Of course, we all recall the dreaded dental braces from our childhood. But newer techniques include Invisalign®, which straightens teeth with clear, removable aligners.
7. Dental Bonding
Finally, there’s the technique of dental bonding.
This involves using a kind of resin, an enamel-colored, plastic material that’s applied directly to the decayed tooth. The resin is then bonded to the tooth using ultraviolet light.
Bonding is a common and inexpensive dental procedure.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? You Just Found Out
Now you have your answer. What is cosmetic dentistry, if not the science of building better smiles? And that’s what we’re all about at Bloomfield Dental Designs.
Are you in need of cosmetic dentistry? Get in touch with us today, and see how we can give you a Hollywood smile.