Cosmetic Dentistry: Why You Need It And Things You Need To Know About It

Cosmetic dentistry is important for good self-esteem and self-image.

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses many procedures including everything from simple whitening treatments to gum reshaping and contouring. Some procedures are more costly and involved than others, depending on the situation, person, and desired outcome.

One of the most popular treatment is whitening. Tooth whitening is simple, cost-friendly, and provides dramatic results. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available to you, you can contact your dental office for more information.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is any procedure that improves the overall appearance or aesthetic of a person’s teeth and gums.

It is often separate from restorative and other types of dentistry because it is mainly for aesthetics over function.

Many dentists refer to themselves as cosmetic dentists, even if they do not for specialized cosmetic dentistry training or certifications. It’s important to find a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry if you need cosmetic work done.

Cosmetic dentistry is intended to improve your smile and it’s appearance. This may include whitening, removing stains, fixing gaps, restoring minor chips, etc. Some cosmetic treatments may be very costly, which is why you should always discuss treatments, duration of treatments, and prices with your dentist.

The Difference Between Cosmetic And Restorative Dentistry

Although sometimes cosmetic and restorative dentistry may overlap in the case of crowns and implants. Replacing and restoring an individual’s smile with crowns and implants will not only improve their smile but also restore the way they are able to eat foods properly without discomfort or pain. However, most other dental procedures that are cosmetic are meant solely for cosmetic purposes.

Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond function and into the territory of improving the look of one’s smile. This usually involves sealing minor gaps, reshaping teeth and gums, removing stains, and more.

Restorative dentistry is more geared towards improving function, first and foremost. This mainly entails sealing larger gaps that impede function and restoring teeth also to improve function.

Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry

Correct Aesthetic Flaws

No matter what your aesthetic flaw is, cosmetic dentistry can help. Whether you have a chipped or cracked tooth, uneven or misshapen teeth, stains, disproportionate teeth, ragged gum lines, or anything else, cosmetic dentistry can help to change and redesign your smile to best suit you.

Look Younger

Discoloration and erosion are common side effects of aging on teeth. Which is why cosmetic dentistry can help you to feel and look younger. Even simple whitening treatments can greatly improve the overall look and feel of your smile.

Prevent Future Dental Damages

By opting for some forms of cosmetic reconstruction, you may be supporting your oral health and preventing further damages. This is because by covering and reinforcing teeth, you can prevent further compromisation

Boost Your Confidence

One of the best benefits of cosmetic dentistry is that you can take more pride in your smile.

Reasons You May Need Cosmetic Dentistry

You Don’t Like Your Smile

If you’re unhappy with your smile, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re unhappy with the color, shape, or spacing of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help. Cosmetic dentistry procedures using lasers may also be able to help adjust your gum line as well if that’s what you think will help you achieve your ideal smile.

Reasons You May Not Like Your Smile

  • Crooked Teeth
  • Gaps
  • Yellow Staining
  • Missing Teeth
  • Misshapen Teeth
  • Undesirable Gumline

Your Teeth Are Stained

If you’re a heavy smoker, coffee, or wine drinker, you may have a lot of surfacing stains that affect the pigment and appearance of your teeth. While things like over the counter whitening strips and treatments may work, a dentist can whiten your teeth for more dramatic, long-term results. In fact, whitening treatments done at the dentist can whiten up to 8 shades!

You’re Self Conscious

If you’re in a profession in which you’re frequently in the spotlight, you may want to have a bright smile to greet people. First impressions do often depend on physical appearance, including a good smile. Even simple procedures such as whitening can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your position.

Your Teeth Are Worn Down

Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. There are procedures that can help rebuild and reinforce your teeth not only for aesthetics but also to support your teeth and prevent further damages. If you do grind your teeth, you may also want to talk to your dentist about a mouthguard or nightguard as well to prevent grinding.

You Have Missing Teeth/Large Gaps

No matter how you lost your tooth, whether it was an accident or otherwise, you’ll want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Tooth reconstruction and replacement may not only benefit your smile but also reduce strain on your other teeth when doing activities such as eating. So, have missing teeth replaced is not only good for looks but also better for the rest of your teeth too.

Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry

1.The addition of a dental material to teeth or gums – Bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum grafts etc.

2.The removal of tooth structure or gums – Gingivectomy, enameloplasty etc.

3.Neither adding nor removing dental materials, tooth structure, or gums – Teeth whitening (bleaching), laser whitening, gum depigmentation

4. Straightening of teeth accompanied by an improvement in the appearance of the face – Orthodontics

Bleaching And Whitening

Teeth whitening and bleaching is a very common process and treatment for stained and discolored teeth. Sometimes, bleaching may be simply used for whitening and not stain removal.

Discoloration and staining may occur due to aging, coffee, sugar, alcohol, smoking, and some other factors.

While there are products that allow you to bleach your teeth at home, bleaching and whitening are best done by your dentist with professional solutions. Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient, but it may not be as effective. Your dentist will design trays and a formula that suits you, so you can get the best whitening for your teeth. Whitening treatments each take around an hour, and whitening usually takes two to six sessions, depending on the desired shade.

Reasons To Whiten Your Teeth

  • You have stains
  • You want a whiter smile
  • You have an important event coming up
  • You want to boost your self-confidence
  • You want to fight the effects of aging on your teeth

Crowns

Crowns are the portion that is visible on a dental implant. They are also known as dental caps.

They have a long life expectancy before they need to be replaced. Also, they can also be part of other applications, besides dental implants, but rarely. Crowns are made by taking an impression of your existing teeth to create a match. Before this impression is created, your dentist will reduce the size of your tooth so the crown will fit. In the absence of a tooth, they will measure the empty space to fit the crown to the space. While a permanent crown is made, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to fill in your smile.

There are four different types of dental crowns including:

  • Ceramic- Porcelain ceramic teeth are popular for looking and feeling like natural teeth. They blend well and are very durable.
  • Gold Alloy- Gold, copper, and other metals may be blended together to create a crown. The alloy is strong and will not wear the tooth.
  • Porcelain-fused Metal- This kind of crown is stronger than porcelain-fused metal and can be even more durable.
  • Base Metal Alloy- This kind of crown or filling requires the least amount of healthy tooth and is composed of non-noble metals.

Bonding

Bonding involves using tooth-colored material to fill in gaps and change the color of teeth. This only requires a single dental visit and can last for several years. However, bonding is more easily stained and chipped compared to other restorations including crowns, veneers, etc. When teeth are slightly decayed or chipped, bonding may be the best way to go for treatment. Bonding is often used for filling small cavities. It can also be used for changing the shape and color of teeth for cosmetic purposes.

Veneers

Veneers are frequently used to solve the same issues as bonding. Veneers are very thin strips of plastic or porcelain placed over the front teeth to change the shape or color of your teeth. Little to no anesthesia is used when applying veneers. Veneers are frequently used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.

The procedure begins with your dentist to take an impression of your tooth or teeth. This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. Before the custom-made veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. The veneer is then hardened using a light beam, such as a laser. Porcelain veneers take longer and require more appointments that porcelain veneers. Veneers are a long-lasting option when compared to bonding.

Contouring And Reshaping

Tooth reshaping and contouring is common for addressing misshapen teeth, crooked teeth, and other issues with only one dental session. Tooth reshaping and contouring can be used for altering the length, position, and shape of your teeth. Bonding is commonly combined with contouring and reshaping for best results.

These kinds of procedures are intended for subtle changes to one’s teeth. It is also only recommended for those with healthy teeth, and enough bone to support the procedure. Your dentist will take x-rays and other tests to determine if you’ll eligible for the treatment.

Gum Contouring

This is a cosmetic procedure for gums that either too high or too low. Uneven gums may also be treated through gum contouring. Uneven, receded, or an unusually low gumline is usually caused by either genetics or prescription medications. However, gum changes or abnormal gums can sometimes also be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you and your gums are healthy, you may have your gums contoured by a cosmetic dentist to improve your smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is intended for minor alignment adjustments, mainly for cosmetics. They are less invasive and cost less than braces. The benefits including being able to remove the invisible trays that you wear to alter your teeth, they cost less, and they can help your self-confidence during the process as well as when you reach the end result.

More Comfortable

Smooth trays and personalized trays can be much more comfortable than traditional braces. They are also flexible and removable, which means that you can easily participate in your regular activities with ease and comfort.

No Food Restrictions

With braces, you have to adjust your diet to exclude chewy, sticky, and hard foods to avoid getting food stuck in your braces or damaging them. There is a long list of foods you have to avoid when wearing braces, but you can eat whatever you want with the alternative trays. The trays are easy to clean and removable, so you can enjoy whatever you like.

Removable

One of the biggest benefits of choosing Invisalign is that they’re removable. You can remove the trays whenever you need to for as long as you need to. However, you should make sure to minimize time with them off so that you can achieve results as scheduled.

Easier to Clean

Cleaning your teeth when you have braces tends to be more difficult. Working around the brackets and wires with floss and a brush is hard work. The trays are removable, which is why cleaning your teeth is easier, and you can best prevent cavities and promote a healthier smile.

You should consider cosmetic dentistry if you’re not satisfied with your smile, and you want to make a change. You can ask your dentist for more information and learn more about which dental procedures are available for you to help you achieve your ideal smile.