Most Common Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures

 With advanced technology and deeper dental knowledge, there are more cosmetic dental procedures available now than ever before. More and more ways are being discovered to treat different dental imperfections. If you’re not familiar with cosmetic dentistry, below are the most common procedures patients get in order to get the best smile possible:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is the most common and basic of cosmetic dental procedures. There are many teeth whitening options available including at-home and in-office whitening. The teeth whitening done by a dentist yields immediate, longer-lasting results than the at-home versions. This is because the dentist uses a highly concentrated whitening agent that is greater than the other at-home options.   Teeth whitening is a popular procedure because a white smile looks beautiful, healthy and confident. The foods and drinks as well as tobacco that are present, however, stain and discolor teeth, resulting in an unpleasant smile.

Dental Veneers

Made popular by their wide use by celebrities, veneers are another common cosmetic dental procedure that fixes a patient’s dental imperfections and gives them the perfect smile they’ve always wanted. Veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that are placed over and bonded to the front of a tooth. Veneers can treat a variety of dental issues that cause aesthetic concerns including jagged, cracked, chipped or serrated teeth as well as crooked teeth, misshapen teeth and to fill in embarrassing gaps between teeth. Veneers are custom-made for each patient and their specific tooth. The veneer is securely attached to the front of the tooth. Like crowns, the color of the veneers are carefully selected to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are perfect for patients with one or a few missing teeth who don’t want embarrassing holes and gaps in their smiles. Dental implants are small, titanium screws that are inserted into the gums/jaw bone and are then capped off with a tooth-like ceramic or composite crown. Dental implants are better than dentures for patients who still have most of their natural teeth left because they are permanent and work and function like regular teeth. Implants don’t require to be taken out to clean over night or to eat.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings in that the concept and purpose are almost identical. Inlays and onlays are sometimes called “indirect fillings.” These kinds of cosmetic dental procedures are best for patients who don’t have enough tooth surface or stability to support fillings.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding, also called plain bonding, is used to repair discolored, decayed or damaged teeth by drilling holes in the tooth to remove decay and then filling the hole with a special type of bonding that resembles the color of tooth enamel. The tooth is sculpted and reshaped using a high-intensity curing light. With composite bonding, patients with crooked, misshapen, jagged teeth can enjoy a beautiful smile. There are many kinds of cosmetic dental procedures out there. In fact, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and which h one will give you the results want.

Contact one of our dentists today at Family Dental Health to schedule an appointment where we can discuss your cosmetic dental needs and wants and show you the best options to meet your preferences and goals for your smile.