Six Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

March 14, 2016, Billings Dental Care

Cosmetic dentistry helps individuals improve the appearance of their teeth and smile. Teeth that are stained, worn, chipped, loose, misaligned, misshaped and damaged can use various cosmetic dentistry techniques to treat and improve their appearance.

There are various cosmetic dentistry types but they can be categorized into four categories relating to: addition of material to the teeth or gums, removal of tooth structure or gums, neither adding or removing materials, tooth structure or gums, and straightening of teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is highly popular and common, but it is still important that you understand what each type is and what exactly it encompasses. Cosmetic dentistry in Florida provides the following six type of services.

1. Crown and Bridges

A crown is a cap placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged, has tooth decay, or cannot be filled. It protects it from further damage and gives it a more natural shape and provides durability. Crowns are made from a number of metals from porcelain to resin, ceramic, etc.

A bridge simply covers the gap between a missing tooth and the next. It is more of a fossil or fake tooth, if you will. The two adjacent teeth are the anchor teeth that holds that one into place.

2. Implants

Dental implants are for patients that are missing teeth or deteriorating teeth due to injury, tooth decay or disease. Small titanium devices (that look like screws) are implanted into the jawbone as the foundation for the new crown tooth. This can be done for one or many teeth. Implants are great because they do not change your speech or vocal sounds, they do not change color over time, cannot get cavities, look exactly like all of your other teeth, are secure in foundation, and are a lifelong solution.

3. Lumineers

Lumineers are thin porcelain lenses that are placed over your teeth to cover the imperfections such as stains, chips, alignment issues, etc. Lumineers are only 0.2 mm in width making them very thin and they require no restructuring of your regular teeth. The porcelain lumineers are bonded to your regular teeth and can always be removed if you deem necessary; however, they are a long-term solution that can last well over 20 years.

4. Inlays and Onlays

An inlay is the bonding of material in the center of a tooth, while onlays are bodings on the points of a tooth. These are similar to getting a filling done because they use porcelain or ceramic material to fill gaps. But most of these are used to restore damaged teeth or a decayed tooth. Inlays and onlays can last ten years or longer depending on the tooth repaired, the material used and how well your dental hygiene is.

5. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is by far the simplest cosmetic dentistry operation performed. Your teeth are bleached white using products that only your dentist can get to reduce stains on your teeth, plaque buildup and unhealthy gum disease development. Teeth whitening helps improve your smile, overall oral health, color, and self-esteem.

6. Veneers

Veneers differ from Lumineers in that they are a little bit thicker and may require some restructuring of your regular teeth. However they are very strong and durable once bonded to your regular teeth. They are known as ‘conservative crowns’ and only cover the part of your teeth which are visible. Veneers provide you with a smile that includes a more straighten set of teeth that are white and cannot fade. At times though, the veneered tooth may need to be shaped as well as your regular teeth. Veeners do preserver a portion of your regular teeth, but they are a long term product and cannot be removed like Lumineers.

Cosmetic dentistry is available to help build your confidence again. Everyone needs to be able to smile and laugh. Having the confidence to do this boosts happiness and self-esteem. These six types of cosmetic dentistry are some of the more common procedures. Technological advancements have come a long way and are making it even more possible to do things with our teeth that most did not know were possible. Take advantage and set up a consultation to see what will suit you best.

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