WHAT IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

Cosmetic dentistry is a professional dental care practice that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. And while cosmetic dental procedures are often optional rather than essential, some treatments also offer prosthetic benefits like a smile makeover.

HOW DOES COSMETIC DENTISTRY WORK?

There are different procedures with different objectives. Here’s how cosmetic dentistry works:

1. Inlays and Onlays: This cosmetic dental procedure, also known as an indirect filling, is a dental laboratory-based procedure. The procedure is used when the tooth has mild to moderate decay or the tooth structure is not sufficient to support the filling. Provided that the crown is not damaged, the coating is placed directly on the surface of the tooth. However, when the apex or a larger part of the tooth is damaged, the dentist can use a coating to cover the entire surface of the tooth.
2. Composite bonding: Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth using a material that resembles the color of enamel. The dentist will drill a cavity, then apply the composite to the tooth surface,  then “sculpt” into the correct shape before sealing it with intense light. Also known as “bonding,” this procedure effectively covers damage to the teeth and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth. Bonding is one of the cheapest cosmetic dental procedures for patients with cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, or worn edges.
3. Dental veneers: Usually made from medical-grade porcelain, dental veneers are custom-fitted caps that cover the natural teeth. They look exceptional and can solve many cosmetic problems including smile makeover, from crooked teeth to cracked or damaged enamel to visible gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth with a dental adhesive.
4. Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It can be done in a dentist’s office, usually in a single visit. A hygienist first removes plaque, tartar, and other debris from the surface of each tooth, restoring its natural look. The teeth can then be bleached with bleach to get a lighter color than the original color.
5. Implants: Dental implants are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. The dentist will thread a small titanium screw into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, serving as a support for a crown. These implants are virtually indistinguishable from surrounding natural teeth. After the bone and supporting tissue fuse with the implant, they are permanently fixed in place. Patients should practice diligent oral hygiene during  implant placement  and after the end of the implant procedure  to clean plaque and food debris from this area.

IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY ONLY FOR WOMEN?

Cosmetic dentistry is a universal process. Both men and women can benefit from it. Apart from maintaining dental health, cosmetic dentistry also serves prosthetic benefits like a smile makeover, jawline makeover, and many more. The procedures of cosmetic dentistry are meant to serve universal purposes to both men and women.