What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry: What It Is and How It Works?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of odontology that deals with the aesthetics of teeth, so in order to beautify the smile, and the overall first impression of any person. Modern cosmetic dentistry can enhance your visage if your teeth are tainted, darkened, aged, fragmented, cracked, lopsided, deformed, or have voids between them.

Are Common Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry Different?

A common dentist is a general dental treatment provider. They provide both preventive and restorative dentistry services, such as regular teeth cleaning, dental fillings, caps, and braces. The majority of dental interventions restore both dental wellness and aesthetics. A cosmetic dentist, on the other hand, focuses on improving your smile. They provide procedures designed to enhance the appearance of your gums and teeth.

Classification of Cosmetic Dentistry

1) Tooth Bleaching
Brightening the teeth is among the most fundamental operations in cosmetic dentistry, in addition to being one of the processes with the lowest cost. Teeth may become discolored over time as a result of certain foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, or other behaviors such as smoking. Brighter teeth represent one of the most common ways that people seek to enhance their appearance.

Following the removal of plaque, tartar, and any other detritus that may have accumulated on the teeth, teeth whitening can sterilize the enamel on the teeth to produce a brighter and whiter appearance. Whitening products that can be purchased over-the-counter, such as toothpaste, rinses, and whitestrips, may produce some results; however, professional teeth whitening may produce results that are anywhere from five to eight times lighter.

2) Dental Bonding
The process of dental bonding includes the administration of composite resin in a tooth-colored shade. Cracks, craze lines (also known as hairline fractures), discoloration, and other aesthetic flaws can be covered up and concealed with this substance, which is used by your dentist. The curve of a tooth can be altered through the use of dental bonding, which can make the tooth longer, broader, or more uniform.

In most cases, dental fillings must be replaced every five to seven years. Additionally, it does not call for the elimination of the patient’s natural dental enamel, which means that the procedure can be undone at any time.

3) Dental Crowning
A dental crown, which is also defined as a cover, is cemented onto a tooth that has been severely rotted or injured and is placed over it. This helps to restore the tooth’s original form, as well as its structure, vitality, and look. Crowns are dental restorations that cover and protect damaged teeth, make smiles look better by hiding crooked or badly stained teeth, and keep fragile teeth from breaking. Crowns can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, plastic, or pottery.

4) Gums Reshaping/Contouring
There are some individuals who are born with an abundance of gum tissue. When this occurs, it can give the appearance of a “slightly sticky” smirk or one that is asymmetrical. In the process of gum contouring, the dentist will trim away any surplus granulation tissue and restructure your gum line so that your smile appears more proportionate and centered.

5) Tooth Reshaping/Contouring
Trace particles of enamel are taken off during this process to modify the form of your teeth. Since you only have a lot of organic enamel, your dentist can only take away so much tooth structure. Your dentist can change the shape of your teeth in one office visit.

6) Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are casings that are adhered to the front surfaces of your teeth. These veneers are made of medical-grade ceramic and are very thin and robust. A wide variety of aesthetic defects, such as chips, fissures, and discoloration, can be masked by veneers, just as they can be with dental bonding.

Also Read: Why Are My Teeth Cracking All of a Sudden?

Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

1) Improve Smile
A smile is the first gesture that one can give to strangers, as well as those they know; however, many people are underconfident while grinning in public because of asymmetrical teeth or the likes discussed above.

2) Shaping Teeth
Cosmetic dentistry helps the individual give proper shapes to their teeth. For several reasons, teeth lose their original or proper shape, which makes them look so ugly.

3) Teeth Bleaching
Consumption of food without paying heed to timely tooth cleaning leads to decolorization of teeth. Also, because of smoking or tobacco consumption, teeth lose their organic color. Teach bleaching, therefore, which helps to whiten the teeth.

4) Balance and Symmetry
When the symmetry is not maintained with teeth, several other issues occur, for example; loss of balance, gradual widening of teeth, etc. Cosmetic dentistry will help restore the balance and symmetry required for healthy teeth.

5) Morale Booster
A smile, being the first gesture one can give, can have negative repercussions too, if one is not confident in his or her smile because of the above discussed issues. With the help of this process, one will be able to increase his confidence and interact with the public without any confidence-lacking issues.

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

1. No Insurance
There is no insurance for aesthetic dentistry. The insurance companies do not consider cosmetic products to be of an important enough nature to cover them.

2. Consistent Treatment
This process requires consistent and constant treatment from the doctor. Periodic appointments with the dentist and regular check-ups are mandatory, so as to avoid any further damage.

Conclusion

There are a great number of additional procedures that are also considered to fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. Nevertheless, it is essential for you to find the professional and affordable dental doctor to treat you because any carelessness in the treatment can have negative repercussions for both your personality and your health.