DENTAL
PROCEDURES Cosmetic
Dentistry
Cosmetic
Dentistry Trends
Technological
advancements in natural-looking,
tooth-colored dental
materials make today’s
cosmetic dental treatments
more durable and predictable
than in years past.
Additionally, dentists
are now using more conservative
cosmetic dentistry techniques
to preserve as much
of your natural tooth
structure as possible,
depending upon your
specific clinical situation.
Cosmetic dentists may
also use such technologies
as lasers in order to
perform some procedures
necessary for cosmetic
treatments in their
own offices — without
the need for referrals
to specialists. This
makes cosmetic dental
procedures such as smile
makeovers more comfortable
and convenient for patients,
as well as helps to
reduce recovery time.
Cosmetic dentistry may
also provide restorative
benefits. For example,
dental fillings are
a common procedure used
to treat decayed teeth.
Previously, most dental
fillings were composed
primarily of gold, amalgam
and other materials
that left visible dark
spots on the teeth.
Today, dental fillings
may fall into the category
of cosmetic dentistry,
because you can select
fillings made of porcelain
or composite materials
that closely match the
color of your teeth,
thus maintaining the
natural appearance of
your teeth and smile.
Many people may choose
to have their older
fillings replaced with
newer, tooth-colored
fillings to enhance
their oral appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include:
Inlays/Onlays: Also
known as indirect fillings,
inlays and onlays made
from porcelain or composite
materials are a long-lasting
yet cosmetic way to
provide a “filling” to
teeth with tooth decay
or similar structural
damage. Whereas dental
fillings are molded
into place
within the mouth during
a dental visit, inlays
and onlays are created
in a dental laboratory
before being fitted
and adhesively bonded
into place by your dentist.
Composite
Bonding: Chipped,
broken, discolored
or decayed teeth may
be repaired or
have their appearance
corrected using a procedure
called composite bonding.
A dental composite material
with the look of enamel
and dentin is applied
into the cavity or onto
the surface of a tooth,
where it is then sculpted
into shape, contoured
and hardened with a
high-intensity light.
The result is a restoration
that blends invisibly
with the remainder of
the surrounding tooth
structure and the rest
of your natural teeth
to create a healthy,
bright smile.
Teeth Whitening: Teeth
whitening is perhaps
the most commonly
recommended cosmetic
dentistry procedure.
Teeth are often stained
from smoking, food,
drink (coffee, tea
or red wine) or poor
oral hygiene. Bleaching
the teeth can enhance
the appearance of
your smile.
Dental Veneers: Composite
or porcelain laminates
that are adhesively
bonded to the surface
of a tooth to correct
and repair chips and
cracks will improve
a worn appearance or
severe tooth discoloration.
Veneers may also be
recommended if you have
gaps in your teeth or
if you have not had
success with teeth whitening.
Dental Implants: Dental
implants are artificial
tooth root replacements
that are used as a
part of prosthetic (artificial
replacement) dentistry
in order to compensate
for tooth loss. Often
the result is not only
an enhanced smile, but
also a more youthful
appearance, since missing
teeth cause the face
to collapse, making
you look older.
Smile Makeovers: Smile
makeovers involve
a comprehensive assessment
of your smile esthetics
in order to improve
its overall appearance.
Typically one or more
cosmetic dentistry
procedures, such as
dental veneers, dental
implants, gingival
sculpting and teeth
whitening, will be
required for several
teeth in both the
upper and lower arches
in order to achieve
the look you want.
Full mouth
reconstruction: While
consulting with
you about a smile
makeover to primarily
improve the esthetic
appearance of your
smile, your dentist
may discover that
there is a need
to provide necessary
treatment to correct
functional problems
with your bite,
muscles, teeth and
bone structure.
If you need full
mouth reconstruction,
the materials available
today make it possible
for your dentist
to provide you with
durable, functional
and clinically sound
treatments that
also look natural.
Cosmetic dentistry offers
many options for people
who are unhappy with
their smile. If you
are one of these people,
we encourage you to
read our comprehensive
cosmetic procedure articles
to learn about the various
treatments available
to beautify your smile.
For more information visit our FAQ page.