A Smile Makeover is a comprehensive approach to boosting the appearance of your smile. It can include a variety of cosmetic procedures, depending on your particular needs and goals. In this article, we answer the question: what are the most popular cosmetic dental procedures?
What Are the Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is probably the most well-known cosmetic dental procedure. Professional teeth whitening typically comes in two formats: a procedure done at a dental office or whitening trays provided by your dentist for you to wear at home. Both options are customized according to the shade of teeth you want to achieve and the health and strength of the whitening solution that is safe for your teeth. Professional teeth whitening usually involves using hydrogen peroxide (essentially a bleaching agent) and can make your teeth up to 8 shades lighter.
Professional Whitening Kits
At-home whitening kits given to you by your dentist should not be confused with over-the-counter whitening kits. Your dentist will examine the health of your teeth and take it and your goal into consideration when providing you with professional whitening kits. Thus, the results you get are reliable and predictable.
When you buy over-the-counter solutions, you can not predict the results of the whitening. Also, you can irreversibly harm the enamel of your teeth if the solution proves to be too strong for you. In fact, in some cases, patients should not undergo whitening procedures at all due to the condition of their teeth and gums. Only your dentist can decide whether or not the procedure is suitable and safe for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening provides instant results after a single procedure. It typically involves your dentist applying a special gel directly to your teeth or placing trays with a whitening solution over your teeth. The duration of the procedure depends on the result you want to achieve. Sometimes, additional tools, such as lasers, can be used during the procedure.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another solution that can dramatically change the appearance of your smile in a short period. Veneers are thin shells typically made of porcelain that are attached to the entire front of your tooth with a special bonding material. Veneers look very natural in the mouth as they are slightly translucent, imitating the appearance of a natural tooth.
Dental veneers can be used to solve a variety of cosmetic dental issues:
- Cover stained and discolored teeth
- Close minor gaps between the teeth
- Unify the teeth in length, shape, and size
- Cover cracked, chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth
- Treat “gummy smile” (typically, in combination with over procedures)
The downside of dental veneers is that this procedure is irreversible. The reason for this is that a small portion of your tooth’s enamel will be removed so the veneer can properly fit over your tooth. A tooth can not survive without the enamel, so you will have to stick to wearing veneers for the rest of your life.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be used to solve issues similar to those of dental veneers. However, there are several differences between these two procedures:
- Dental bonding typically employs resin composite and not porcelain. However, composite can still be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, thus being unobtrusive in the mouth.
- Dental bonding is used only to cover up that part of a tooth that requires adjustments. It is typically not used to cover the entire front surface of a tooth.
- Dental bonding can be reversible. A smaller portion of the enamel is removed, if any, compared to when dental veneers are attached. In most cases, your dentist will just slightly roughen up the surface of your tooth to provide better adhesion of the bonding material to the tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants can be used both in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Essentially, implants are artificial teeth that are placed in your mouth instead of your natural decayed or missing teeth. Dental implants are not typically used to replace healthy teeth.
However, if you miss some or all of your teeth or experience severe tooth decay, modern implants can provide you with a natural-looking and bright smile that is functional and reliable at the same time.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are thinking about boosting the appearance of your smile, do not hesitate to make an appointment at Tropic Dental. We provide a wide range of modern cosmetic dentistry procedures and will be happy to help you achieve your smile goals.
