Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many reasons why people want to better their smiles. But discoloration, chipping, and misalignment are at the top of the list. And cosmetic dental procedures are the best way to correct these imperfections. So you might want to schedule an appointment with Itani Dental - Samer A. Itani, DDS, for diagnosis and a correction plan.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is like plastic surgery, but for teeth. That means these are not life-saving procedures, but they’re perfect for restoring confidence.

Take misalignment, for example. The teeth don’t sit in their regular positions, probably because you lost baby and adult teeth too early. There’s absolutely no pain or other health-related implication for this situation, but this flaw can make you think twice before laughing in public. And that’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. These professionals can correct misalignment with braces, leaving you with a perfect smile.

What are the Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Teeth Whitening

Also known as teeth bleaching, this is one of the least expensive ways to improve your smile. It brightens up your teeth after discoloration or staining from exposure to drinks like coffee, dark sodas, and wine. Add fruits and vegetables to the mix, and you’ll realize discoloration is almost inevitable.

Teeth whitening can be done in a dentist’s office or at home. But the results you get with DIY whitening are not even close to what you’d get from a dentist. During this cleanup, the dentist might also catch an emerging dental issue or advise you on how to prevent one. So, it is always better to have a dentist do the whitening at all times.

Dental Veneers

Popularly known as “Hollywood teeth,” this is a procedure for hiding minor imperfections on the front side of the teeth. It involves sticking wafer-thin sheets with a teeth-like finish to cover gaps, chipping, or slight crookedness. However, the health practitioner will have to remove a half-millimeter of enamel from your teeth before sticking the veneer sheet. And that can be a problem for people who don’t like having a drill or laser gun pointed at their mouth.

It is also worth noting that dental veneers are pretty expensive. They can set you back anywhere between $500 -$1,300 per tooth, depending on how much work the tooth needs. But the result of this procedure is a picture-perfect smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium teeth sockets designed to hold artificial teeth. This piece goes into the socket after tooth removal, so the gum heals with the metal piece in it. Eventually, this new socket becomes a foundation piece for a replacement tooth. But this procedure requires a substantial amount of time before reaching the endpoint.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is like a cap that goes over a decayed or damaged tooth to cover everything above the gum line. It has to be custom-made for a specific tooth, and it’s supposed to restore the shape, size, and strength of teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or acrylic material fused in metal to provide extra support, making them perfect for hiding chipped, cracked, or large fillings.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves applying a putty-like raisin on a tooth then hardening it with ultraviolet or laser light. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes the raisin after the curing process to make it look real. And, the result is a durable tooth that can handle anything you throw its way. Most dentists recommend this option when you are looking at chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth.

Which Is the Best Cosmetic Dental Procedure?

Well, there is no straight answer to this question because it boils down to how much you’re willing to spend on your smile. Dental veneers are the best options you can get right now, but they are also expensive too. And that’s why most people go for teeth whitening or get a crown to hide the slight imperfections in their teeth.

Still, you want to make sure you’re dealing with the right dentist when looking to get a cosmetic procedure done. A general dentist may handle some of the procedures, but you want to go with a specialist for best results. This is especially true if you have been in an accident and missing part of the tooth-supporting structure. Or you had cancer and ended up losing part of the jaw. An orthodontist is your best bet for such a situation as they have additional training and specialized experience in facial restoration.