Most people will have to go through many different types of dental treatment throughout their lives, most of which are absolutely necessary to maintain the form and function of the teeth. From mandatory cleaning to wisdom tooth extraction, there are many necessary procedures. On the other end, there are optional procedures that, while not exactly necessary, do help to improve the appearance of the teeth. These procedures are known as cosmetic dentistry.
While a lot of cosmetic dentistry is focused on the appearance of the teeth, some of these procedures can also help to repair and restore teeth that are damaged or even missing entirely. So cosmetic dentistry is not just about appearance; for many people, it can be as important as some of the more necessary dental procedures. If you are interested in trying cosmetic dentistry to improve your teeth, then make sure that you visit an accredited and experienced reading dentist to perform the procedure. If you live in the New Jersey area, then Dr. Anthony Mancino is the dental expert who can help you.
Teeth Whitening
This procedure is one of the more basic kinds of cosmetic dentistry and it is one that is mostly focused on the aesthetic appearance of the teeth rather than their function. Nonetheless, teeth whitening is an important procedure for many people because it gives them more confidence in their smile, which can give a boost to their self-esteem. By now there are several over the counter teeth whitening products that people can use for themselves; however, a professional teeth whitening is much faster and lasts longer, so it may be more beneficial in the long run.
Dental Implants
On the other end of the spectrum, dental implants are not just about aesthetics because they restore an entire missing tooth. That can be a huge boon to anyone who has lost a tooth and is missing the functionality that it provides. Missing teeth are usually replaced by dentures or prosthetic teeth but a dental implant is a longer lasting, more natural looking solution. It is, of course, more complex than other forms of cosmetic dentistry but it is also more important than most of them are as well.
Dental Bonding
This procedure is used to repair teeth that are cracked or decayed. The way it works is that a malleable composite material is applied to the surface of the tooth and then molded and sculpted to fit the tooth. It is then hardened and polished so that it matches the rest of the teeth surrounding it. Inlays and onlays are an example of dental bonding and they are used to fix the tooth when there is too much damage for a filling but not enough for a crown.
Veneers
This is a purely cosmetic procedure that is meant to give the recipient a more dazzling smile. In addition to making the teeth look whiter and brighter, they can also be used to subtly reshape the teeth. Veneers are extremely thin porcelain laminates that are custom made for the individual and bonded to their teeth. They can be used to close gaps in the teeth as well as cover up any discoloration. It is a simple procedure but it lasts for a long time and produces impressive results.
Find Out if Cosmetic Dentistry is Right for You
There are a lot of different cosmetic dental procedures to choose from so if you are interested in undergoing any of them, you will need to find out which one is right for you. There are many factors that go into making your choice and, naturally, cost will be one of them.
As with many cosmetic procedures, cosmetic dentistry can be expensive so you need to find out if you can afford it first. If you can, then there is a whole world of different methods that can improve your smile and give you the confidence to show it off to the world.