An Introduction To Cosmetic Dentistry

White, equally shaped teeth improve the beauty of your face. Cosmetic dentistry provides many treatment options for individuals who wish to improve their teeth. The techniques may be as easy as teeth whitening or as complicated as bracing and bridging.

How do teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening products utilizes materials consisting of peroxide to give the teeth a white and clean appearance. You can either visit the cosmetic dentist or use a home-based whitening system. Home-based systems use 20% peroxide but is a longer process, lasting for 2 weeks. Cosmetic dentists will start the process by getting rid of all the cavities from the teeth and making certain the gums are healthy. Then a dental system for protection of the gum is applied. Gels are then added on the teeth. At times, high intensity lights along with 35% peroxide can be used to start the whitening procedure. The light will oxidize the stains on the teeth, leading to activation of peroxide. You will notice the stains fade after an hour, therefore making your teeth appear lighter.

What is tooth-shaping?

Tooth-shaping is the most basic process and is an 30 minutes procedure. It reshapes the undesirable form of the teeth. The cosmetic dentist can completely modify the shape of your teeth or even the shape of the upper ones to match the lower ones. Even the removal of small amount of tooth enamel will not cause any damage in the long and short run.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers, also called veneers, are porcelain slices that improve the appearance of the front of the teeth. They also cover any damage caused to the teeth. They have the same results as dentures or artificial teeth. A cosmetic dentist could be able to provide the pros and cons of this treatment.

What's Resin?

Resins are kept on the teeth for a short time to improve their appearance. It's used to treat chips and cavities. The chips and cavities are stuffed with white fillings. The disadvantage is that these resins may lose their colour after some time, therefore losing their natural look.

What is Bonded-Bridge?

Bonded-bridge is a porcelain or resin tooth with metal or resin wings on both the sides. It fills the gap left by the missing tooth. The beauty dentist removes a small amount of enamel from teeth on both the sides of the hole after which the bonded-bridge is clipped on the teeth to fill the hole.

What's Gum-lift?

Gum-lifting, or gingivectomy, entails removing some part of the gums to even them out and make the teeth appear longer. It cures gummy smiles. A cosmetic dentist would be able complete the process in one or two sittings.

What are Braces?

Braces or orthodontics rectifies the gaps between the teeth, giving them an even appearance. It is a two-year process to help children and young adults. A cosmetic dentist would add the braces in one session.