Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for celebrities and the wealthy; there are now a wide variety of options and price ranges that put a better smile within reach for millions of people. Cosmetic dentistry has actually gone mainstream. Just about every dentist does at least some cosmetic dentistry procedure these days.
From subtle changes to major oral surgery, there are many cosmetic dentistry techniques that can treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing.
So is cosmetic dentistry right for you? Here’s what you need to know before making the decision.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. Cosmetic dentistry has been around for decades, but the materials used today are more durable and natural looking than those used in the past.
Cosmetic Dentistry Options
There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures available, including:
- Teeth whitening: This procedure brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can be done in a dentist’s office or at home with a system dispensed by the dentist. Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are also available.
- Bonding: This can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces in between them, by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface.
- Veneers: These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.
- Tooth reshaping: This procedure involves changing the teeth to improve their appearance by modifying or removing enamel. Tooth reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is often combined with bonding.
- Crown lengthening: This can fix a “gummy” smile, where more gums than teeth are visible, or an uneven gum line by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s crown and give the appearance of longer teeth. This involves minor oral surgery.
- Smile makeovers: These procedures involve a comprehensive assessment of the overall appearance of the teeth and smile. Typically, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to overhaul the look of a patient’s smile. Think of it as a facelift for the mouth.
With today’s emphasis on youth and appearance, cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular than ever. While not many people have naturally perfect teeth, almost anyone can attain a dazzling smile with the help of a dentist.
