Whether you’re wanting a smile transformation or just want simple fixes, cosmetic dentistry is the answer. From teeth whitening to veneers and beyond, there’s a whole world of options out there to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. So, if you’re curious about what your options are for cosmetic dentistry, we’ll cover the most common cosmetic dental procedures.
Keep reading!
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. According to a 2022 survey by the American Dental Association found that a quarter of adults avoid smiling because of their teeth, and 23% of adults feel embarrassed of their smile; many people could benefit from cosmetic dentistry. It not only improves appearance but can also improve confidence. There are many reasons why people get cosmetic dentistry, including:
- Chips & cracks
- Crooked teeth
- Discoloration
- Missing teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Tooth decay
The most common cosmetic dental procedures
There are a variety of procedures, minor to major, that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Here are a few of them.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that is essentially exactly as it sounds. It whitens your teeth. Over time, your teeth tend to get yellower or stains due to factors like aging, food, or smoking. Teeth whitening can be done with a cosmetic dentist via in-office teeth whitening or at-home with gel-infused bleaching trays that you wear for a few hours a day over a couple of weeks.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment that can repair chips, cracks, and other minor cosmetic issues. A cosmetic dentist first applies moldable resin to your tooth, hardens it with ultraviolet light, and then trims, shapes, and polishes the material to blend with your tooth and correct the issue you had. Dental bonding can be a minimally invasive, convenient, and cost-effective solution for achieving a more attractive smile.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment involving thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin, custom-designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of your smile by masking multiple imperfections like discoloration, chips, or cracks. They can also elongate your teeth if you have smaller teeth for a bigger, brighter smile.
Dental implants
If you have a missing tooth, dental implants are used to replace them. First, a dentist will attach an implant post to your jaw where you’re missing a tooth, which will provide support for your restoration. After a period of healing to allow the bone to fuse with the implant post, the dentist will place an abutment, a metal connector, onto the implant that will hold your restoration in place. Once you’re ready for your custom restoration, whether it’s a crown, implant bridge, or implant denture, the dentist will secure it in place.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns, which is a cap that goes over your tooth, can improve the look of your smile by providing a natural-looking restoration while also protecting and strengthening the tooth structure. They can be used to restore decayed, broken, weak, or worn-down teeth. They can keep a weakened tooth from breaking and can also be used to cover misshapen teeth. They are also used to cover procedures like root canals, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a cosmetic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible (hence their name), making them a lot more discreet. They gradually shift teeth into place, correcting issues like overcrowding, gaps, or crooked teeth, or even problems with a bite, such as an overbite, open bite, underbite, or crossbite.
Tooth contouring
Tooth contouring is a cosmetic treatment that removes a small amount of enamel to change the shape of your teeth and improve their appearance. Tooth contouring can help fix:
- Small chips or cracks in your teeth,
- Bulges
- Minor misalignments
- Uneven smiles
- Shorten overly long teeth
Some of the benefits of tooth contouring is that it’s a more conservative method than other cosmetic dentistry procedures, and it’s also painless with a recovery that’s immediate.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring is a procedure in which your dentist will remove excess gum tissue and reshape your gum line for a more balanced smile that is less “gummy” and has a more even gum line. Gum contouring can even make small, boxy teeth look larger.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates for a dentist in Burbank
If you’re in the Burbank area and are looking for cosmetic dental treatment, come visit our dentist office, Dr. Ruiz & Associates. Dr. Ruiz is a respected dentist, educator, and researcher who focuses on supra-gingival, minimally invasive healthy dentistry. He has even developed a smile design technique that dentists all around the world use.
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