When you hear “cosmetic,” maybe you don’t immediately think of teeth, but cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular with good reason. Faces and particularly mouths are illuminating offices, classrooms, and gyms everywhere. New, improved smiles are boosting both beauty and confidence.

The Rundown

First, cosmetic dentistry should always be performed by qualified cosmetic dentists. These professionals have been trained to carry out this speciality’s required tasks. Cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc. Some of the goals of cosmetic dentistry are to straighten, restore, and/or brighten teeth. For years, these treatments were linked to the rich and famous alone, but they’re now much more accessible and common.

If you cover your mouth when chatting or laughing, or if you avoid smiling, laughing, and even talking in front of others, you’re a potential cosmetic dentistry candidate. Beyond just appearances, in some cases, if cosmetic dental surgery isn’t conducted, a person’s oral health can be negatively affected, and severe complications can arise.

Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures

1. Teeth Whitening

One of the most common procedures is teeth whitening. Most benefit from this treatment because, over time, their enamel has been stained by coffee, wine, dark soft drinks, smoking, and other food and drinks.

Over-the-counter whiteners won’t get you what a cosmetic dentist delivers. Their peroxide treatments reach deeper into the enamel than store-bought products—the ones available an aisle over from shampoos and hair gels. You’re trying to improve your smile, right? Avoid trendy DIY approaches if you want a noticeably different, brilliant smile.

2. White Fillings

Dental fillings have become a rather routine dental procedure over the years, but that doesn’t mean that patients are always comfortable with the results. White fillings are a great option if you wish to replace or avoid those dark pits of amalgam inside your mouth. More than likely, they will be designed to match the colour of your teeth and will work their camouflage magic as you continue to open wide to talk boldly and laugh heartily.

3. Veneers

Increasingly popular in the world of cosmetic dental procedures are veneers. Veneers assist with quite an extensive list of dental issues: chips and cracks; gaps; and misaligned, discoloured, or uneven teeth. These thin shells positioned over your teeth must be replaced about every ten years.

Veneers are made of porcelain or resin, but it should be noted that the porcelain variety lasts longest. Porcelain, though, can be easily damaged by chewing on pen caps or biting fingernails for example. It’s best to push away bad habits as you embrace the new cleaning and maintenance veneers require.

4. Dental Implants

If you have lost teeth because of injury or disease, implants are probably for you. Cosmetic dental surgery is necessary, as the titanium “root” is inserted to support a crown. The implant is surgically anchored to the jaw so that it will then join with your jawbone.

Risks

  • Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation can arise with whitening.
  • With fillings, you risk nerve and structural damage, and with white fillings, in particular, they’re not as durable.
  • Veneers often require your teeth to be reshaped, and the outcome of that process is usually irreversible.
  • Because they entail surgery, dental implants may lead to infection. Nerve damage and even jaw fractures are possible.

Rewards

With risks come rewards more often than not. Whether via whitening, white fillings, veneers, implants, or another cosmetic dental procedure, you’re taking steps on a journey to better you, and growing more confident in your improved self.

For more details regarding these or other cosmetic dental procedures, or to discuss which dental path might be best for you, contact JC Dental today!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Leave a Comment