Cosmetic dental procedures have been becoming more popular in recent years. There are many forms of this available to fix a wide variety of problems, both cosmetic and practical. The article that follows will give you a brief list of the most popular choices.
An Indirect Filling
These are also known as indirect fillings, and are a more cosmetically pleasing way to treat cavities and tooth weakness than regular fillings. Inlays are fitted inside the tooth, much like a filling, and onlays go on top the tooth like a crown. Which type you have will depend on what part of the tooth is damaged. Unlike fillings, these are molded and sculpted before your visit. When you arrive, adhesive is used to affix it to the proper area. Besides the look, there are other advantages in that it is very durable, offers no less protection, and will not change shape or size over time. It is also resistant to stains, and provides an excellent seal against bacteria.
Composite Bonding
This is a procedure made to fix chipped or cracked teeth. In essence, it is more or less a hard, enamel like substance the dentist molds over your tooth to replace the missing parts, like modeling clay. Often he will use a plaster model of your mouth as a guide for shaping. When it has been shaped high intensity lights are used to harden it and make it indistinguishable from the natural part of the tooth. The whole thing is then covered with a resin to ensure that it does not come off. This can also be done if a person simply does not like the shape of their teeth, or if the teeth have become worn down.
Tooth Whitening
This is probably the most well-known procedure to help fix the look of a smile. Most people have some staining or discoloration to the teeth due to every day activities, such as drinking coffee or smoking, or just from age. Genetics can also play a factor, as some people naturally have thicker enamel. There are various ways to whiten teeth, both in a dentist’s office and as a take home procedure, but most all of them involve bleaching teeth with peroxide. Inside a dentist’s office UV or plasma lights are often used also to help metabolize the peroxide and aid the process.
Gingival Surgery
Also known as gingival sculpting, this is a process that changes the shape and size of the gums. This can correct exceptionally long teeth, due to wear and tear on the gums or just a person’s natural look, and also exceptionally short teeth. Sometimes skin grafting can be used to transfer gum tissue from one area to another, and other times lasers can be utilized to completely remove tissue, depending on what your problem is. This can be used to correct dental problems or for purely cosmetic reasons.
Cosmetic dental procedures tend to be very fast and minimally invasive. Still, it is not wise to make any decisions regarding the matter without first consulting a dentist.
Susan Preston is a full-time dental hygienist and part-time writer. For more information on cosmetic dental procedures, visit DentalDigs.com