A Hollywood smile has always been desirable. Perfect white teeth attract people and boost confidence. That’s not a secret, that a big part of dentistry is concerned with dental aesthetics. How do they do it? Let’s find out!
Teeth whitening
This cosmetic dentistry procedure is the most popular. The color of teeth may change from pearly whites to yellowish or grayish with time. Excessive tobacco use, coffee mania, and some kinds of food have a bad impact on the enamel leading to ugly stains. Whitening toothpaste and other products are not so helpful, as they can only whiten a couple of shades. Specialists at a dental center can bleach your natural teeth and remove plaque, tartar, and other debris, which has accumulated with time.
Dental bonding
Composite bonding is used to restore the damaged tooth. The tooth looks natural, because of the material color which is the same shade as the enamel. A dentist forms the template of the future tooth, using the putty-like resin, and then exposes it to the UV-light to harden. After that, he sculpts and polishes the tooth to a suitable shape.
Cosmetic veneers
Veneers are crafted individually for each patient. These are thin shells made of porcelain or resin which cover the teeth. Veneers stick to the front of the teeth with the help of cementing material and can serve for 20 years. This procedure in cosmetic dentistry is often referred to as “Hollywood smile”. You should mind that this procedure doesn’t suit everybody as far as it requires to erase a thin layer of enamel. Still, veneers can mask crooked, stained teeth and fill the gaps between them.
Dental crowns
A cap-like structure imitates the natural look of a tooth. It is placed over those teeth which were damaged and had much filling or root canal surgery. Crowns can be ceramic, porcelain, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. They can serve for 30 years and more if a person is careful enough.
Enamel contouring
This procedure helps to mask slight defects in enamel. However, it is not suitable for those who have thin enamel. A dentist uses polishing tools and removes a thin layer of enamel in the place which is uneven. The whole procedure is absolutely painless.
Orthodontic treatment
Buck and crooked teeth can be a real problem for self-esteem. Still, they can be treated at any age with the help of braces. They can be invisible and fixed on the back of the teeth, for those who are too shy to wear them. Invisalign braces can be easily taken out if necessary. However, you have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day in order to have good results.
Composite fillings
This procedure is used to treat slight tooth decay. A composite resin material is placed into the holes in a tooth with the help of special adhesive cement. Fillings help to keep the decayed tooth away from further destruction.
Gum contouring
Here are two options for gum reshaping. There are people who have a “gummy” smile. That means they have excess gum tissue that covers their teeth. A small amount of gum tissue may be removed with the help of a laser.
People who suffer from gum recession may lack the tissue, so the roots of their teeth become exposed. This condition may be painful as the teeth become very sensitive. Also, the lack of gum tissue opens the way for bacteria to the roots. In cosmetic dentistry, such a condition is treated with gum grafting. Small pieces of gum tissue are cut from some part of the mouth and placed onto exposed teeth. That can magnify the beauty of your smile and save your dental health.
Implants and dentures
Aging, dental diseases, and severe traumas can lead to tooth loss. It’s not good for aesthetic purposes. Moreover, it is dangerous for overall dental health. Missing teeth can make the gums recede and the surrounding teeth become loose. In the end, it can lead to the supportive bone atrophy. Implants are made of metal and act like a tooth root on which an artificial tooth is placed. Implants are usually made of titanium or zirconium and can serve for many years. Dentures are arches or rows of artificial teeth which can be easily removed.