Popular Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dental services are procedures people turn to when they want to improve the way their smile looks. Dentists can do various things to improve smile color, alignment, and proportions. This means those unhappy with their smile can do something about it. If you have considered cosmetic dentistry but want to know more, here is an overview of cosmetic dentistry, along with some popular cosmetic dental services and the issues they address.

About cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can mean many things and encompass many dental restoration procedures or correcting irregularities in the teeth. Crowns and composite fillings can improve the way teeth look. However, they are usually done for restorative purposes to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Therefore, cosmetic dentistry does not refer to a specific set of procedures but rather the goal of the procedures. If the goal is largely to correct the way teeth look, it is considered cosmetic dentistry.

Popular cosmetic dental services

Some cosmetic dental procedures can serve oral health and restorative purposes as well as make teeth look better, while others are purely cosmetic. Here is a closer look at some of the more popular procedures.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a prime example of one type of procedure that is purely cosmetic. It is also one of the most popular cosmetic dental services. Teeth whitening can take several forms involving both in-office and at-home methods. Both methods involve more powerful solutions than one can buy in a grocery store. These whitening solutions penetrate deep to remove stains and brighten teeth up to eight shades. In addition, the process is safer for the enamel and gums because a dentist oversees it.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a common procedure for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. During the procedure, the dentist uses tooth-colored composite resin to cover stains and fix tooth imperfections. The resin is shaped accordingly and then cured with a special light. Dental bonding can improve the shape of teeth and, after teeth whitening, cover the stains that do not respond to the whitening solution.

Porcelain Veneers

Another popular purely cosmetic dental service is the placement of dental veneers. These are usually thin porcelain shells that cover the front-facing side of the upper and lower teeth that show when a person smiles. Dental veneers can produce what many people consider a “movie star” smile that is bright and uniform in color and tooth shape. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

Teeth straightening

Though teeth straightening can offer many oral health benefits, many pursue it for aesthetic reasons. Those wanting to show off a straight smile have two main options: braces and clear aligners. Braces come in different styles, including ones with clear brackets. For those with mild to moderate misalignments, clear aligners offer a discrete and convenient way to straighten teeth with their custom fit and removable clear trays.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring allows those with uneven or excessive gumlines to bring their smiles into proportion. The procedure involves removing the excess gum tissue that can make teeth look small and cause too much of the gums to be displayed when smiling. People can develop excessive gingival display for many reasons, including genetics and side effects from certain drugs. However, thanks to this procedure, they can enjoy a more balanced and healthy-looking smile.