Most of us understand that a smile is an involuntary response to feeling happy. However, in many cases, it can be an intentional and conscious choice to indicate pleasure or joy or to communicate a social message of greeting or acknowledgment. Experts also say that smiling has several positive impacts on the body and mind and offers multiple benefits to physical and mental well-being. A smile can lift your spirits and make people around you happy. While most people have naturally beautiful smiles, some people feel embarrassed due to their crooked or stained teeth or the shape of their lips and mouth. In such cases, a cosmetic dentist may offer a solution. Some of the more common methods of cosmetic dentistry explained:
Braces
The problem of crooked or crowded teeth is more common than one assumes. It discourages many people from smiling or opening their mouths. It saps their confidence and self-esteem because they think they do not look attractive. While we are all familiar with teens and young adults wearing traditional metal braces to align their teeth, many feel embarrassed or awkward and are reluctant to undergo the entire treatment. Invisalign is a technologically advanced system with transparent plastic aligners instead of metal wires for straightening teeth. The trays are nearly invisible, and it helps boost the confidence of the users. They can also remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, making it more convenient and hygienic.
The treatment time is comparable to metal braces, but in some cases, can be shorter if they are less complex. Very complex cases may not respond well to Invisalign and need some other treatment. Invisalign treatment is more expensive than traditional braces, with the average cost being $5,000. Not all dental insurance plans cover Invisalign because it is a relatively new treatment.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is by far the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. The process is quick, simple, and affordable, and get rids of unsightly discoloration, stains, and yellowing to give you a brilliant smile. While you can use over-the-counter products at home, visiting the dentist for a professional treatment removes the harder stains and leaves your teeth at their whitest best. There are many reasons for whitening is popular. The treatment is straightforward, simple, and non-invasive. It is safe and does not damage your teeth. The results can last up to three years, depending on what you eat and drink and how you take care of your teeth. With all the attention drawn to your smile, you will look more attractive and younger since people will not notice the signs of aging, like wrinkles around your mouth and eyes.
In some cases, OTC whitening products can irritate your gums and result in tooth sensitivity. Moreover, certain products are available in only one variety; so, a dentist near me in Huntington cannot achieve any particular shade of white. You may need to repeat the treatment more often to maintain the desired whiteness of your teeth than when using professional dentist-grade whiteners at the clinic. Smoking, consuming coffee, and not maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the longevity of the treatment. To keep your teeth white, brush twice daily, floss regularly, avoid habits that stain teeth, and visit your dentist regularly to remove plaque, tartar, and yellowing.
Porcelain Veneers
These are thin shells in the color of your teeth that dentists place over the front of your teeth to hide flaws. The procedure is permanent since the veneer is hard-wearing. According to Medical News Today, you can change everything about your teeth – color, shape, length, width, size, and alignment with porcelain dental veneers. You can choose porcelain veneer to give your smile a dramatic makeover without any need for multiple or extensive dental treatments. An experienced dentist will make your smile look and feel natural.
Some potential drawbacks of porcelain veneers include tooth sensitivity, chipping and cracking, altered bite, decay below the veneer, and sometimes, unnatural looks. However, an experienced dentist will ensure the best results. Typically, you will need two appointments for the treatment. In the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel and taking an impression of your teeth to create individual veneers. You may get a set of temporary veneers after the first sitting that will be removed at the second sitting when the permanent veneers will be applied. Porcelain veneers are tough and durable, with a typical life of around 15 years.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a procedure used by the dentist to apply a tooth-color resin to your teeth to repair chips, change the shape of a tooth, or whiten a tooth. It is a simple and affordable method of repairing, whitening and altering the shape of your teeth to improve your smile and oral hygiene. Some of the main benefits of cosmetic bonding include less cost, natural looks, and hiding damage and flaws. You can use this method to change the shape, length, and width of your teeth and whiten them. The procedure is simple, requires no anesthesia, and can be completed in only one appointment. However, cosmetic bonding is not as durable as veneers or crowns and can become stained or discolored over time. You can expect cosmetic bonding to last three to seven years with proper care.
Crowns
Dentists can place a crown or a cap in the shape of a tooth over your tooth to change its shape, function, and strength. The custom-designed dental crowns look and feel natural, are durable, and last many years. Moreover, they do not decay. If you lose a tooth, a dentist can use a combination of a dental implant and a crown to replace it. You will require two appointments for a crown – one for the impression and the other one for the fitting. A crown can last five to fifteen years.
Conclusion
You can attend to a host of dental issues with cosmetic dentistry. By knowing about the various options, you can have a better discussion with your dentist regarding the appropriateness of any procedure.
