If you have teeth that are discolored, damaged, worn out, chipped, or just a little spacious, a “smile makeover” is what you may need. This may involve one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic dentists work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Below you’ll find some information that can help you learn different types of cosmetic dental procedures available, and see which is the best fit for you.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to improve your smile.
In-office products are used to bleach teeth in your dentist’s office, or you can buy a mold and some gels from your dentist to bleach your teeth at home.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, and custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or a kind of resin that cover the frontal face of the teeth. After removing about a half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth, these thin shells are cemented onto the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers are frequently referred to as “ Hollywood teeth.”
Dental Bonding
In dental bonding, a tooth-colored putty-like resin, which is also a more durable plastic material, is applied to the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet that bonds the material to the tooth. Bonding takes about 30-60minutes to complete.
Three Common Questions Asked About Cosmetic Dentistry
What options are available when someone wants to change the shape of their teeth?
From time to time, we hear from people who want to change the shape of their teeth, but they’re not sure whether or not it’s indeed a possibility.
There are options available for you if you wish to change the shape of your teeth with the help of a dentist. See below:
How can I change the shape and size of my teeth?
The simple reshaping of teeth is achieved by using some special dental instruments and fine sanding strips to make little adjustments to a tooth or teeth.
Generally speaking, women frequently request smaller teeth and are rounder in shape while men go for a more squared-off look. You’ll want to take into consideration the overall shape of your face, which your teeth should complement. Some methods used to reshape and size teeth are dental crowns, simple bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental contouring. Let’s have a look at each method!
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are bonded on both healthy, decay-free teeth and also decayed teeth.
Dental crowns are usually done when a tooth is at risk of further damage or when that said tooth has undergone previous treatment. Crowns are made by a lab to fit your tooth perfectly.
Porcelain Veneers
Like normal tooth reshaping, veneers are ideal for users who have healthy, decay-free teeth and are only looking for slight variations to their teeth structure. They are mainly to correct cracks, discoloration, and minor imperfections.
Bonding
Dentists usually treat a patient’s tooth or teeth with bonding materials to fix minor cracks, spaces, and chips. In some cases, bonding becomes a discussion if a patient has suffered from minor damage or trauma due to impact. This is a very easygoing procedure that lasts between 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of your case.
Dental Contouring
This method is used on patients when they are unhappy with the shape, length, and size of their teeth. It is very similar to bonding but instead of adding to the tooth, portions may be drilled away.
How to treat a cracked tooth?
Although you cannot treat a cracked tooth at home, you can try some measures to prevent it. Strong teeth are less likely to crack, so be sure to adopt good dental hygiene. Floss your teeth twice a day, at least, and visit your dentist every six months for preventative care. Also, you can avoid eating firm food if you are aware that your teeth cannot handle it.
If you play contact sports, always wear a mouthguard, and if you grind your teeth at night, wear one while sleeping. If you believe you have a cracked tooth, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory pain relievers can assist to reduce swelling and pain.
As soon as possible, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Delaying treatment increases the chance of further treatment.
What are some choices for teeth whitening?
Whitening Toothpaste
You can just begin brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste and see an instant improvement in whitening.
Mild abrasives such as hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate are used in these toothpaste to polish your teeth and remove surface stains. Some may contain a low amount of active hydrogen peroxide, which aids in teeth whitening.
Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are a convenient over-the-counter option for whitening your teeth. The strip’s active substance stays on the teeth for quite some time. Brushing your teeth just takes a few minutes before it washes away, but the strips last much longer.
Teeth-Whitening Trays
Teeth whitening trays are either pre-filled with peroxide or come with whitening gel that you may apply to the tray yourself at home.
You’ll need to use two whitening trays per day, just like the whitening strips, and discard them after you’re done.
Whitening trays, on the other hand, tend to stay on your teeth for far longer than strips.
If you are looking to have that “Hollywood smile” or just looking to have some minor adjustments done to your smile contact Redwood Centre Dentistry. Our dental professionals want to help you achieve your desired smile.