From staining and dislocation to exposed gums and chipped teeth, there are a number of problems you could encounter with your teeth. Proper care and adherence to basic oral care can go a long way in preserving the beauty and health of your teeth. The smallest of issues with teeth and gums can be excruciatingly painful if not treated on timely basis. Furthermore, it can also disrupt the beauty of your teeth. Misshapen teeth are major cause of low self-esteem for many people these days. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes into the picture. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses several procedures that are designed to improve overall aesthetics of your smile. Depending on the severity of your condition, there are different cosmetic treatments available that guarantees desired results. Listed in this article are detailed description on different cosmetic treatments and their benefits to you.
Bonding
If you have gaps between your teeth and wish to have it fixed, then bonding is the cosmetic procedure that you need to opt for. Bonding will not only reduce the space between teeth, but also improve the appearance of chipped, stained, and cracked teeth. Under the procedure, tooth-coloured bonding materials are used to fill the gaps between the teeth. The procedure can be completed with a single visit to the dentist and the results can last for years together. However, on the flip side, the bonded teeth are more susceptible to chipping and staining from other restoration methods. Other than closing the space between teeth, bonding can also be used to fill in cavities, protect exposed roots, and change the overall colour and shape of the teeth.
Crowns
Crowning is a cosmetic procedure under which a tooth-shaped cap is placed on top of the damaged tooth in order to restore its normal shape and appearance. Apart from improving the appearance of a cracked and damaged tooth, crowns also strengthen the tooth and preserve its functionality. You might need crowning when your tooth has been significantly decayed and there is not enough structure left to do fillings or undertake other dentistry procedures. Teeth crowning is also done following root canal treatment, to aesthetically improve appearance of your teeth or to replace a missing tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are very thin caps made with either porcelains or plastic and attached to front teeth to change their colour or shape. These cosmetic procedures are used in teeth that are unevenly shaped, cracked, chipped, or discoloured. Veneers work similar to that of dental bonding only differences being once the veneers are inserted it cannot be removed, unlike bonding. Veneers cost lot less than veneers and their result last longer and have better colour stability. Under the procedure, dentist will first take the impression of the tooth, buff the gums before attaching the veneers with cement.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is the most sought after option available in cosmetic dentistry. Many people suffer from stained or discoloured tooth mainly due to smoking, excessive intake of caffeine-loaded beverages, certain medications or bad dental hygiene. Under the procedure, the dentist will use various chemical procedures to improve the tone of the teeth.
