A look at 4 types of cosmetic dental procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental treatment that focuses on maintaining and improving the oral aesthetics that revolves around the mouth, teeth, and smile. Some dental procedures might be a necessity for maintaining proper oral health like the treatment for dental caries and bleeding gums. However, cosmetic procedures are a matter of personal choice for improving the smile through the betterment of teeth configuration and appearance.  However, along with cosmetic improvements come some health benefits too, like when you go for teeth replacement that helps to prevent bone decay in the gum.

Some cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening are quite simple, but some others are quite complex and need specialized care. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays have similarities with dental fillings. These are made in a dental laboratory and used for restoring teeth that undergo mild or moderate decay and if the tooth structure is not enough to support filling.  Inlays can work only if there is no damage to the teeth cusps so that the dentist can place the inlay directly on the tooth surface. However, if a larger part of the tooth or the cusp is severely damaged, then the dentist will use an onlay to cover the entire tooth surface. The composite resin material is suitable for making inlays and onlays in a dental laboratory, which the dentist attaches to the teeth with dental cement. They provide support and help in teeth strengthening, restores the shape, and prevent any further deterioration. 

Dental crowns

When a tooth is in good condition, but its shape and appearance might not be what it should be to create a beautiful smile, then cosmetic dentists will completely cover it with a cap called crown to conceal the defects and restore its healthy looks.  The procedure is not only for teeth beautification but also necessary for protecting a weak tooth, cover a tooth with a large filling, restore a worn or broken tooth, support a dental bridge in place, protect a dental implant and create an envelope on a tooth that has undergone root canal procedure.

Implants

To replace a missing tooth, a cosmetic dentist can use dental implants. The procedure consists of inserting a small titanium screw into the jaw at the place of the missing tooth. It serves as a support for the crown. Dental implants constitute the entire teeth structure and not the crown only, and the screw helps to hold the crown in place that looks completely natural.   It is impossible to distinguish the implant from the surrounding natural teeth. After the supporting tissue and bone fuse to the implant, it ensures permanent placement of the implant that can last for your life.

Crown lengthening

Some people have gummy smiles in which more of the gums than teeth become visible when they smile, or they might have uneven gums. A cosmetic dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose the crown more and make teeth look longer can overhaul the smile and make it look better.

Always consult a cosmetic dentist to evaluate which procedure you need.