Cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever before. Cosmetic dentistry consist of closing spaces between the teeth, Teeth whitening, replacing chipped, worn, crooked, misshapen, and discolored teeth. Before you undergo any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you do your homework on the risks, advantages, and of course, the cost.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, it is normal for teeth to become discolored; this is often accelerated when we smoke, take medication, or eat dark foods and drink beverages such as coffee and tea. There are two types of teeth whitening. In office teeth whitening- which is the fastest method to whiten teeth. This is a 45 minute procedure that is done with a combination of light and chemical agents.
If that is not enough, the dentist can also create a custom mouthpiece tray or bleaching tray for your teeth, this process takes several weeks to achieve results.
Some people think that whitening at home is a more convenient option. However, it takes two to four weeks or even longer to get the right results. It all depends on the peroxide used.
Bonding
Bonding is another cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of teeth. Composite or tooth colored materials is the procedure used if you have decayed, cracked, or misshapen teeth but not enough to require a crown.
Dentists make use of bonding materials to fill in small cavities so as to protect the exposed root of a tooth. It only takes a single visit to the dentist to apply an etching solution along with the right tooth color material for you. These are applied directly to the tooth’s surface where they are needed.
Even though bonding is something that can last for some years, it is more likely than other types to wear down over time.
Veneers
Custom shells are usually made out of porcelain or composite resin material that is bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers last longer than bonding does and therefore provides with a superior appearance.
Veneers are good for:
- Crooked teeth
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Discolored and spaced teeth
Crowns
Crowns are often referred to as “caps”. A crown is a cover or cap that is placed over a tooth or a dental post or abutment top section of a dental implant. It is custom designed to match the desired color and shape to mimic the natural tooth.
Why would you need a crown? :
- Root canal treatment on a tooth.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Holding a dental implant in place.
- Covering a large filling.
- Restoring a broken or worn tooth.
- Protecting a weak tooth.
- Covering a discolored tooth.