Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that involves creating a positive change to your teeth and enhancing your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help to correct a wide range of flaws on your teeth and improve your overall appearance. Since its inception, cosmetic dentistry has continued to evolve, and this has enabled dentists to address a wide range of aesthetic and functional concerns of patients.
People with dental imperfections often experience low self-esteem. However, undergoing cosmetic dental procedures helps to restore their confidence and enhance their self-esteem. If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, an affordable Downey dentist could be all you need to restore your confidence. Here are some of the common cosmetic dental services.
Teeth Whitening
This cosmetic dental procedure aims at restoring the natural white color of your teeth. Teeth discoloration might occur as you age. The discoloration occurs when drinks and foods stick to the enamel of your teeth. Cosmetic dentists can adopt several teeth whitening methods. It is common for people to go for over-the-counter teeth whitening products. However, these products may not deliver the results you desire. Professional teeth whitening yields faster and more effective results.
Dental Veneers
Cosmetic dental veneers comprise a thin shell made from composite or porcelain material. Veneers are custom-made in a dental lab, and a cosmetic dentist cements them to the front side of your teeth. Dental veneers cover the front surface of your teeth. Before placing dental veneers, your cosmetic dentist may remove a small layer of your enamel from the tooth’s surface. Placement of dental veneers on your teeth can help to alter the shape, color, length, and the size of your teeth. Dental veneers could help treat certain dental conditions, including slightly discolored and crooked teeth. Veneers would also come in handy in treating chipped teeth and filling the gaps between the teeth.
Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, you can consult an affordable Downey dentist to find out if you are the right candidate for dental implants. A dental implant comprises a metal device made from titanium. Titanium is an excellent metal for dental implants because it fuses with the jawbone and has a low likelihood of reacting with the body. A cosmetic dentist has to conduct a surgical operation to place the implant into your jawbone. A dental implant plays the same role as a tooth root; it provides an anchor for artificial teeth, including dentures, dental bridges, and crowns.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. For the dentist to be able to place a dental implant, you should have an adequate jawbone density. Your jawbone should be able to support the dental implant.
Dental Crowns
After preparing the surface of a tooth, a cosmetic dentist places a dental crown to cover the entire surface of the tooth. Also known as dental caps, dental crowns consist of porcelain or acrylic material fused to metal to help withstand biting pressure. Dental crowns may be an ideal solution if you have poorly shaped teeth or if you have suffered severe tooth decay. Sometimes, the dentist may place a dental crown on a tooth after placing a dental filling or conducting a root canal treatment. The crown helps to hold the tooth together and to enhance its appearance.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the application of a tooth-colored resin to the teeth. After applying the putty-like material on the teeth, your dentist may use a laser or ultraviolet light to harden the resin. The composite resin is usually in paste form, and this makes it easy to apply and spread the material on the teeth. After application, a dentist has to shape, trim, and polish the resin to make it appear natural and retain the right shape of your teeth.
You could be a great candidate for dental bonding if you have cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth. Bonding is usually a good cosmetic alternative to dental procedures like placement of silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding is a simple and straightforward cosmetic dental procedure. Your dentist does not have to administer local anesthesia because the procedure is painless.
Other forms of cosmetic dental procedures include dental Inlays and Onlays, alignment correction, and cosmetic orthodontic treatment.
Consult your Dentist to Determine the Appropriate Cosmetic Dental Procedure for You
The first step to improving the appearance of your teeth is identifying an affordable Downey dentist. The dentist will conduct an oral exam to determine the appropriate cosmetic dental procedure. The procedure that your dentist recommends will depend on the type and extent of tooth damage, underlying medical conditions, and the condition of your jawbone, among others.
