What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
One might argue that cosmetic dentistry is the combination of the ten different dental specialties. But cosmetic dentistry is really more about form versus function. This specialty really focuses on providing a positive visual improvement to your teeth and your smile more than any health or logistical implications of the other specialty branches. Research has proven that a healthy smile might add up to seven years to your life expectancy. Your smile basically defines your personality. It is the simple foundation for your self-confidence and your self-esteem. A healthy smile is also a sizeable mood booster, positively affecting your immune system. Here are some common and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Teeth Whitening- This might be the number one cosmetic treatment. Either accomplished at home with an over-the-counter retail kit or performed professionally in your dental office, teeth whitening removes the discoloration from smoking or stains from colas, coffee, and red wine. With your tooth enamel restored to its original natural color, you will be both surprised and pleased by how much more you will naturally smile. You may have found yourself becoming self-conscious of your smile imperfections.
- Composite Bonding- This is another popular cosmetic restoration to improve your aesthetics when it comes to smiling. This treatment covers unwanted cracks, chips, and even closes an unwanted gap between two teeth. With no functional goals, the surface of the tooth is slightly roughed up, and a plastic-like resin material is shaped, sculpted, and smoothed over the tooth. Hardened with an ultraviolet light, the new surface looks completely natural.
- Dental Veneers- This elevates the bonding concept to another level. A wafer-thin custom shell, which is created in either porcelain or ceramic, is adhered to the front of a tooth with permanent adhesive. This solution has become popular for the front teeth, enhancing a natural and healthy smile.
- Inlays or Onlays- These are performed under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella. Like a dental filling in theory, they can be composed of composite resin to provide more logistical support to a weakened tooth.
- Dental Implants- This is a category growing dramatically in popularity in cosmetic dentistry. If you have lost a tooth and do not care to restore it with a traditional dental bridge, the dental implant has become the new gold standard to replace your natural tooth, even though it is artificial. The dentist will surgically position a tiny titanium post in your jawbone where the tooth is missing. Once this post has fused and bonded to the bone, an extension or abutment is added so the post reaches the gumline surface. A custom-created porcelain or ceramic crown is affixed to the post, and you now have a permanent replacement tooth.
The Reasons for Cosmetic Dentistry
A primary goal or objective is to improve your smile and give it a chance to create a favorable first impression. It could also improve your chances of career success. You may experience an improvement in your overall sense of internal mental comfort, and it could also be beneficial to improve your psychological healing from some kind of traumatic injury.
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