Cosmetic Dentistry: What You Need to Know
The main difference between cosmetic dentistry and traditional dentistry is that while the latter is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, cosmetic dentistry is all about improving and enhancing the appearance of a patient’s teeth and mouth. Traditional dentistry is focused more on giving the necessary restorative treatment to immediate dental problems while cosmetic dentistry is focused on elective procedures that patients may want to have in order to get a more beautiful, healthy smile.
Aside from aesthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry can also help restore the natural health of a patient’s teeth. One good example is the application of dental fillings. The procedure is used for the treatment of decayed teeth, where spots are filled to make complete the structure of the teeth. Traditional dental fillings use gold and amalgam, which leave dark spots that can be easily seen on the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry now offers a new range of materials for dental fillings to retain the natural appearance of the patient’s teeth. For instance, porcelain fillings closely resemble the natural color of the teeth, which makes it less obvious compared to gold or amalgam.
Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry
The present treatments and procedures in cosmetic dentistry produce stronger, natural-looking teeth, thanks to tooth-colored materials and constant technological advancements. In order to preserve the natural quality and appearance of a patient’s teeth, cosmetic dentists are using more conservative techniques, depending on the state of one’s oral appearance. Advanced technologies such as lasers can be used by cosmetic dentists in their own clinics even without referrals from specialists, which makes treatment and smile makeovers more convenient and accessible for patients.
Treatments in Cosmetic Dentistry
This is one of the most requested procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening remove the stains caused by food, caffeine in coffee or tea, nicotine from smoking and bad oral hygiene. The dentist bleaches the teeth to make them look healthy and clean.
Indirect fillings
Also known as inlays and onlays, these fillings, which are usually made of porcelain or other composite materials, are used to reconstruct decayed teeth. Unlike the common dental fillings, inlays and onlays are created before a patient’s visit. They are fitted and bonded into the mouth with the use of adhesives.
Dental Veneers
These are used to repair cracks and chips on the teeth, as well as severe discoloration. Veneers are bonded to the teeth’s surface with adhesive. This procedure is recommended for patients who have no luck with teeth whiteners or those who have gaps in their teeth.
Composite Bonding
Composite material is applied to the surface of the tooth or into the cavity to recreate overall structure. After application, the material is sculpted and contoured into the appropriate shape, then hardened using high-intensity light. The material blends with the natural color of the teeth, resulting to a brighter, healthier smile.
Dental Implants
Patients who are experience tooth loss may consider getting dental implants, where artificial tooth root replacements are applied as substitutes for missing teeth. Older people who already lost a tooth or two will benefit greatly from dental implants. Not only would they have their teeth replaced, they will also look younger, because a complete set of teeth produces a more youthful appearance.
Smile Makeover
This involves several procedures to improve the overall appearance of one’s smile. Some of these procedures include veneers, implants, teeth whitening and gingival sculpting.
Full mouth reconstruction
This is a procedure for patients who have other problems aside from the appearance of their teeth. Full reconstruction involves fixing problems with one’s teeth, muscles, bite and bone structure, while providing aesthetic benefits as well. With the help of functional and durable treatments and materials, dentists can give beautiful smiles to go with their improved mouth structure.
