What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Having teeth that are not the best looking can make you embarrassed when you are around people with perfect teeth. It may not only embarrass you to smile naturally, it can also give you an inferiority complex. Cosmetic dentistry can change all of that for you.

Cosmetic dentistry corrects teeth that are imperfect and makes them look good – really good. Several methods are available to remedy your teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, short, have gaps between them, are slightly misaligned, or even missing. In other words, dentists can take the teeth you try to hide and make them beautiful so that you will be glad to smile widely.

The changes and additions to your teeth are made of better materials than ever. This means that they are highly durable and will last for years with the proper care.

There are five primary cosmetic dentistry options. Each one is based on the need and they will vary in cost.

• Teeth whitening – this treatment is basic to have a beautiful set of teeth, especially if your teeth have become stained or yellowed. Teeth whitening is also necessary because other cosmetic dentistry methods will use the color of your teeth for any changes – and they cannot be changed later. Dentists can whiten teeth up to six shades whiter in just one sitting with laser teeth whitening, which is much whiter than you can get if you buy a kit – and faster, too.
• Veneers – are porcelain or ceramic caps for the front of your teeth. By shaping the porcelain veneers to fit the need, they can be used to hide many dental problems, including short teeth, discolored teeth, cracked teeth, chipped teeth, and can even be used to hide gaps between teeth. With most veneers, some enamel will need to be removed before putting them on. Some offices can make them on site, but most of them are made in a lab so it will usually take two appointments. Using composite material for dental bonding is the least expensive method to accomplish the same thing – but it is not as durable.
• Dental crowns – crowns made of porcelain, ceramic, metal or resin, can replace the tops of teeth that are discolored, damaged, or have some other problems. Silver-colored fillings can also be corrected with new dental crowns, or drilled out and refilled with a tooth-colored bonding material. Two appointments are necessary for porcelain crowns, but some can be done in the dentist’s office and completed in one visit.
• Inlays and onlays – this process will strengthen your damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays actually bond with the tooth – a standard filling does not – and enable a dentist to preserve more of the tooth than is possible with a filling. These must be made in a lab, making two visits necessary.
• Dental Implants – an implant is used to replace one or more teeth. It is a titanium screw that will become the "root" of an artificial tooth. Dental implants are permanent and have the advantage of being able to last a lifetime. A dental crown is placed on it with a natural-looking tooth. Implants can also support dentures, which will make them more stable.

Other options are also available. Teeth that are misaligned can be aligned with braces or aligners, or if you want your teeth straightened in a hurry, surgery is also available. Products are available that fit over your natural teeth that instantly give the appearance of having straight and beautiful teeth.

Each form of cosmetic dentistry has its own recovery time. Some of them, however, do not need any recovery time at all.

• Dental veneers – generally no recovery time is needed. Many people do not even need any anesthesia during the entire process. The adhesive is hardened in the dentist's office and should be permanent. Although dental veneers are hard, hard candies and other foods should be avoided. They may also stain slightly with foods like red wine, grape juice, etc. With care, they can last between 15 to 20 years.
• Bonding material – this material is softer than veneers so it is not as durable. It can be expected to last between five to seven years.
• Dental implants – Patients receiving dental implants may need to have bone grafts if the available bone is insufficient to support an implant. After the graft, it can take up to six months to heal. Once the implant is installed, healing may take from three to six months, and then the permanent is placed on top. Several visits to the dentist or oral surgeon will be necessary to ensure success.

While cosmetic dentistry does have some limitations, you are likely to be very surprised at what is possible. It can often take ordinary or even unsightly teeth and give you a Hollywood smile, but it does cost. Some strong reasons why you should consider it:

• Gives you a beautiful, white smile
• It boosts your self-esteem and makes you more confident
• Enhances your career
• Corrects flaws in your teeth
• Some procedures can reduce the signs of aging
• Prevents bone loss in your jaw
• Strengthens your teeth