Dental cosmetic treatments encompass a variety of procedures designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. These treatments can range from simple, non-invasive procedures to more complex surgical interventions. Below is an overview of some common dental cosmetic treatments:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most popular cosmetic dental treatments. It can significantly lighten the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces. Whitening can be performed at the dentist’s office or at home with a dentist-supplied kit.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of porcelain or composite material designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are used for treating a variety of dental conditions such as discolored, worn down, chipped, or misaligned teeth.
Also known as caps, crowns fit over and replace the entire decayed or damaged tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic materials.
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials and fill decayed or damaged teeth. Unlike dental fillings, which are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist.
Dental implants are used to replace lost teeth. The procedure involves inserting a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. Implants are almost indistinguishable from surrounding natural teeth once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant.
Orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign (clear aligners), are not just for improving the aesthetics of the smile but also for correcting misaligned or overcrowded teeth, and bite issues, which could have long-term dental health benefits.
Gum contouring involves reshaping the gum line to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. It’s often pursued by those who consider their gum line to be too high or too low.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are used to fill cavities and are preferred over traditional amalgam fillings for their natural appearance. They blend seamlessly with the natural tooth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas of the mouth.
