A common option for those who want a beautiful smile is consulting with a dentist to get a cosmetic procedure done. Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular, with numerous options now available for those who need them. The best dentist will not only provide the most common dental procedures but will also discuss with you what each one entails so you can pick what you need. So, which cosmetic dental procedures are available?
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common dental procedures for a beautiful smile is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is arguably the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure, and it has been around for about 50 years. Many try at-home teeth whitening solutions that do not work as well as visiting the dentist for the proper procedure. Although they may seem like the simpler option, you run the risk of an uneven smile with these solutions.
A professional whitening procedure is a much better option because you get a custom solution after the initial consultation, and you have the whole process monitored by a professional with years of experience. Additionally, the dentist will tell you if you need other treatments before the whitening.
Additional treatments for issues like cavities and gum disease are a must because they could lead to uncomfortable sensitivity after the procedure. When a dentist decides to deal with these issues first, you know that you will get a better smile due to the oral health improvements that come with them.
Teeth whitening takes about an hour and the dentist can gradually lighten the teeth until you reach the ideal shade. Some dentists will also give you whitening trays for use at home if you prefer not to come in for multiple appointments.
Getting Veneers
Veneers are another of the most common dental procedures. There is a misconception that veneers are only for the rich and famous. Although that used to be true, it is no longer the case, with affordable options making this procedure available to more people. Also, the process required dentists to remove a significant portion of the teeth, but that too is no longer the case. So, what are veneers and how do they help your smile?
Veneers are thin shells placed in front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can also be used to fix the spacing of the teeth or to fix minor cracks and chips. Dentists also use them to align crooked teeth, balanced recessed teeth and repair worn-out teeth.
They are typically made out of resin composite or porcelain. Resin composite veneers can be made in an office as a dentist installs them, while porcelain veneers have to be made in a laboratory. Both types of veneers are tolerated very well, and they can provide results that last a very long time.
Although veneers can make your smile look a lot better, there are also some limits to where and how they can help. For example, they cannot help with moderate or severe misalignment, in cases where a patient has gum disease or grinds their teeth.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening encompasses several ways to straighten your teeth. Misaligned teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your teeth, and this can lead to confidence and esteem issues. Cosmetic dentistry has come such a long way that you no longer have to wear bulky braces.
Even metal and ceramic braces, which are bulkier than options like invisible braces, have become much smaller. Also, various solutions provide results much faster than in the past, meaning you can get the beautiful smile you crave in a few months.
Although different types of braces have become more comfortable and less visible, there are still those who are not comfortable wearing them. Those with minor misaligned teeth should try clear aligners.
Once you have the initial consultation, you will get a set of clear braces that will move your misaligned teeth into their optimal positions. Patients like clear aligners because they can remove them to eat and take care of their oral health, things that become more complicated if you wear other types of braces. You can get clear aligner treatment today and resolve additional issues such as crossbite, open bite, underbite, and overbite.
Enamel Microabrasion
Enamel microabrasion is another of the most common dental procedures. This process that removes different types of discoloration from the teeth. This procedure is great for people with sensitivities that do not allow them to handle the different chemicals used in common teeth whitening. It is a mechanical process instead of a chemical one.
The procedure uses a microabrasion machine to remove surface-level stains and then an abrasion slurry to complete the princess. Once done, the teeth are cleaned and rinsed. Your teeth will be much whiter after the process, and you can keep them that way through proper dental hygiene practices.
Because it removes surface-level stains, enamel microabrasion is excellent for stains caused by wine, coffee, soda, and different tobacco products. However, it cannot remove intrinsic stains or stains inside the tooth.
Dental Bridges
Loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth can ruin your smile, and this is why many people with missing teeth consider dental bridges. Dental bridges are made of multiple pieces fused and created to fit the space where the tooth or teeth being replaced used to be. A dental bridge is usually recommended as an alternative to partial dentures, and it can help you speak and eat much better and easier.
These can be made of different materials including porcelain, different metal alloys, and gold. Porcelain is the material of choice for front teeth because it can be made to match the rest of your teeth.
The two biggest advantages of bridges are the natural smile they give you and the restoration of proper speech. They can also help maintain your facial structure by preventing the loss of jaw bone caused by missing teeth.
Gum Contouring
This procedure is the least known in this group of the most common dental procedures because it has only recently started becoming common. It works best for people who have great teeth but who feel like their gums are too high or too low. The gums distract from the presentation of the teeth and a dentist can help by completing a gum contouring procedure.
Gum contouring is permanent because the gum does not grow back after the procedure. However, you still need to maintain proper oral health to prevent additional recession or irritation.
Contrary to what its name might imply, the procedure is not painful as you will be given local anesthesia during the procedure. However, you should expect some numbness and tenderness for a few hours after the procedure. If you experience pain or bleeding, you should see your dentist immediately.
Consulting With Your Dentist
You should always consult with your dentist if you want any of the most common dental procedures done. They will explain to you what each of the procedures entails and which of them they perform. They will also help you explore which of them are best suited for you and what to expect before and after the procedures.
Also, do check that your insurance will cover your cosmetic dentistry. If not, you might have to pay out of pocket, and this will inform which procedures you can get because they are all priced differently.
Numerous dental procedures can make your smile look better. Each has its pros and cons and produces different results depending on the person. However, they all work to make your smile look better and give you lots of confidence.