If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be the right solution for you. There are a variety of treatments available, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. In this blog post, we will discuss the five most common cosmetic dental treatments: teeth whitening, veneers, composite fillings, dental crowns, and dental implants. We’ll also give you a brief overview of each treatment so that you can decide if it’s right for you.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment due to its affordability, effectiveness, and ability to yield dramatic results in as little as one dental appointment. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that involves the use of a bleaching agent to lighten the color of the teeth.
During the teeth whitening procedure, the bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and left to work for a specified amount of time, usually about an hour. It works by being absorbed into the enamel and dentin layers where it breaks apart discolored molecules. The agent is then rinsed off and the teeth are dried. The bleaching agent will continue to work for up to 24 hours after its application. In most cases, teeth whitening can brighten the teeth by approximately 5-10 shades. However, the results are only temporary and can last anywhere from six months to three years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle.
Veneers
Veneers are the second most common cosmetic dental treatment. Veneers are thin, translucent shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They are made of porcelain or composite resin. Veneers can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including discoloration, damage, and unevenness. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth or to make crooked teeth appear straighter.
Porcelain veneers are typically placed in two appointments, while composite veneers may be placed in a single appointment. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. Then, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. The lab will use the impressions to create your veneers. In the second appointment, the veneers will be glued to the front side of visible teeth. Composite veneers, on the other hand, can be directly bonded to the teeth with minimal preparation. Once applied porcelain veneers last about 10-15 years, while composite veneers last about 5-7 years.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings that are used to repair small cavities. They are made of a plastic and glass mixture that is bonded to the tooth using a special adhesive. Composite fillings are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and can be used to repair teeth in any color.
Composite fillings are placed by first removing the decayed tooth material. Then, the dentist will clean and roughen the tooth surface. A bonding agent is then applied to the tooth and the composite filling is placed in the cavity. The dentist will then shape the filling and polish it to match the surrounding teeth. Composite fillings can be completed in a single appointment and last 5-7 years.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are used to cover and protect teeth that have been damaged or weakened by decay, infection, or a fracture. Cosmetic crowns are made of porcelain or other aesthetic dental materials made to resemble natural teeth.
Crowns are typically placed in two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth by removing any decayed or damaged tooth tissue. They will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. The lab will use the impressions to create your crowns. In the second appointment, the dentist will place the crowns on your teeth using dental cement. Crowns can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on how well you care for them.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a common type of dental restoration for replacing missing teeth. They are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants can be used in coordination with a crown, bridge, or denture in order to replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth.
Implants are usually placed in two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will surgically implant the titanium posts into the jawbone. Then, they will place a temporary dental crown on top of the posts. In the second appointment, which can take place several months later after the implant has healed, the permanent dental crown will be placed on top of the posts. Dental implants are very durable and can last for many years. While the implant-supported restoration will likely need to be replaced within 10-15 years, the implant itself can last 20+ years.
There are a variety of cosmetic dental treatments available to improve the appearance of teeth. The most common treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, composite fillings, dental crowns, and dental implants. Each treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to consult with a dentist to see which treatment is right for you. We hope that this blog has helped you learn a little more about the different cosmetic dental treatments available. Thanks for reading!
