When we think about going to the dentist, we often think about our check-ups or less than pleasant procedures like fillings or root canal. Actually, many dentists spend a lot of their working life performing cosmetic dentistry procedures. A cosmetic dentist can help you to get a beautiful, sparkling smile. The best cosmetic dentists can offer help to those who’ve damaged their teeth in an accident or who just want a better smile. When you visit a cosmetic dentist’s office, you can choose between a large number of cosmetic dentistry options. Here are some of the most common procedures, and their benefits.
Tooth Bleaching
Tooth bleaching is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, as it is a fairly quick and simple option for changing your smile. This is a good option for those who don’t need anything more than a bit of brightening, or for those who don’t want to make a big commitment to cosmetic procedures. It’s also one of the more affordable choices.
Tooth whitening can be done in the dentist’s office or at home, but you should get the bleach from your dentist. Bleaching products are available over-the-counter, but they don’t tend to provide the level of whitening that most people are looking for.
Enamel Bonding
Dental bonding is a popular choice for those with deeply stained or chipped teeth. The composite bonding material that is used is usually the same kind that is used for white dental fillings. This is used because it is moldable, allowing your dentist to shape the material to suit the ideal shape that you’re dreaming of.
There is a drawback to this procedure which is longevity and eventual staining around the edges, which means that a lot of people opt for veneers instead. The lifespan of the enamel bonding isn’t as nearly as long as dental veneers, so these are often a better choice.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers have been the most famous cosmetic dental procedure for a long time. Veneers are a thin porcelain shell that is fitted over the surface of the tooth. When the veneer is fitted, the enamel of the tooth is gently filed down, and then an impression is taken. This impression is sent off to a dental lab so custom veneers can be made. Until your permanent ones return from the lab, you will sometimes be given temporary veneers. Veneers, and sometimes crowns, are a good choice with those who have dark, deep staining which can’t be removed with tooth bleaching, or for those who have chipped or fractured front teeth from an accident.
Invisalign (Invisible) Braces
People usually think of braces as something for kids, but in recent years, more and more adults are choosing to get braces in order to correct issues with their smiles. Invisalign braces are enormously popular and have been seen on many famous faces. These are an ideal option for adults as they are very discreet, so you don’t feel immature with a smile full of metal, like a teenager.
Braces are not just a choice to improve how your smile looks. Braces can also correct misalignment that would otherwise cause chronic headaches and other pain.
Enamel Abrasion
This is another option to correct discoloration. A fine pumice is used in a micro-abrasion machine to remove stains from the surface of the tooth. It can remove stains from tobacco, wine, soda, and coffee, but is not suitable for intrinsic stains or stains inside the tooth.