There is nothing better than having a great looking smile to give you that extra confidence you need when going to a job interview, asking someone on a date, or just being yourself with your friends and family. With cosmetic dentistry procedures becoming more affordable and accessible every day, it’s a good time to consider optimizing your smile, and getting that extra boost of confidence you need. Let’s go over five types of cosmetic dentistry that can help you look your best.
1) Tooth Whitening
You may be scratching your head, but believe it or no, whitening is a form of cosmetic dentistry. Yes, it is simple, and you can even purchase kits from grocery stores, but it can do wonders for your smile, and make you feel great. The key here is to figure out which form of whitening is best for you. Store bought solutions can work, but you may feel better leaving it up to a professional.
While this procedure does fall under the banner of cosmetic dentistry, there are many normal dentists who can do it as well, so be sure to ask your current dentist about it if you’re interested.
2) Veneers
Veneers are one of the most misunderstood forms of cosmetic dentistry. In short, veneers are implants that are constructed to match your existing teeth, but in a more “perfect smile” kind of way. They’re then attached to the fronts of your teeth, effectively correcting your smile. This can be used to take care of issues such as gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, or damaged enamel. While it may seem like you’re just covering up the problem, this is actually a very cost effective way to enhance your smile, and look your best.
3) Dental Implants
If veneers just don’t feel right to you because you want to have a perfect smile inside and out, there are always dental implants. An implant is just what the name implies, and artificial tooth implanted in your mouth. The process is pretty simple, a screw is attached to your jaw bone, and then a crown (the tooth) is attached to the screw.
Dental implants are permanent, so they’ll be with you for the rest of your life in most cases. One thing to be aware of is the fact that bone loss from gum disease can make it impossible to have implants done, or cause trouble for your existing implants. If you want to enhance your smile with dental implants, be sure your’e taking good care of your gums with daily flossing and regular dental exams.
4) Composite Bonding
Lying somewhere between the two extremes of veneers and dental implants is a procedure known as composite bonding. This procedure is simple in concept, but somewhat complex in execution. In short, the dentist will repair a damaged tooth by using a molded material that matches the color of your teeth. They will then mold it into the correct shape, and cure it so that it stays in place. This is most often used to repair teeth that have been partially damaged, but not to the point of needing to be removed, or replaced.
5) Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are somewhat similar to composite bonding in how they affect your smile, but the process is quite different. If the tooth is damaged but still retains its cusps, an inlay will be placed on top to correct the issue. However, if the tooth has been damaged or has decayed to the point that the cusps are practically gone, an onlay will be used instead to more fully cover the surface of the tooth.
Look and Feel Amazing with Cosmetic Dentistry
Having a perfect smile may seem like a pipe dream, but with cosmetic dentistry, it can be a reality. Looking your best means feeling your best, so don’t hesitate to look into getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure that’s right for you.
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