Traditional dentistry focuses on diagnosing, prevention and treating oral disease, oral hygiene. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the improvement of your appearance. It is an elective procedure that can be purely cosmetic or can also be restorative. Fillings used to be made from amalgam, gold and materials that left your teeth looking dark. Now you can elect to have porcelain fillings that are are undetectable and maintain your natural appearance. Dentists are using more conservative methods to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible. Dental procedures such as smile makeovers can be done at your regular dental office if they offer this service. You don't have to go to a specialist.
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or a composite material and provide a long lasting way to fill the teeth that have tooth decay or structural damage. Traditional fillings are molded into the teeth and inlays or onlays are created in a lab and are fitted and bonded into place. You may elect to be sedated during the procedure based on your health and medical history and your dentists experience with sedation modalities.
Composite bonding can repair a chipped tooth, decayed or discolored teeth. It has the look of enamel and dentin and is applied to the surface or into the cavity of the tooth. It is then sculpted into shape and hardened with a high intensity light. It blends invisibly and creates a healthy and bright smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done today. With years of staining from smoking, drinking coffee, wine, tea and bad hygiene habits the teeth can become discolored. Discoloration can be the result of aging as enamel wears down and the teeth appear to be dark and dull. Certain medications, especially some antibiotics, used during developmental periods, genetics and excessive fluoride consumption can discolor the teeth. Bleaching or whitening can improve the appearance of your smile.
Dental veneers are porcelain or composite laminates that are bonded to the surface of the teeth to correct chips, cracks or discoloration that is severe. They can be used to correct gaps in the teeth improving your smile. They can also be used on teeth that have not been successfully whitened. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw veneers may be chipped, cracked or break so you may not be a good candidate for this procedure.
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacement, or prosthetic dentistry, used to compensate for tooth loss. They can give a more youthful appearance to your smile. Missing teeth can cause the face to collapse making you look older. Dental implants cannot be considered until bone growth is fully developed, so the process is not recommended for children.
Smile makeovers are a comprehensive assessment of your smile done to improve your overall appearance. One or more procedures may need to be done such as dental implants, dental veneers, gingival sculpting, and teeth whitening. This is usually done on several teeth on both the top and bottom teeth in order to give you the end result you seek.
Full mouth reconstruction involves treatment to correct functional problems. This can involve the teeth and bone structure, muscles and bite. With the materials that are available your dentist can provide you with treatment that looks natural and is durable and functional. Cosmetic dentistry offer many options for people who are unhappy with their smiles. Dental insurance doesn't cover the treatments but part of the process may be covered such as crown work.