Cosmetic dentistry is one of five specialty areas of dentistry. The others are general dentistry, sedation dentistry, restorative dentistry, and orthodontist dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry majors in improving a person’s smile and self-confidence. The procedures in cosmetic dentistry can range from subtle changes to major oral surgery. While they are typically elective rather than essential, sometimes, they also provide restorative benefits.
There are several types of cosmetic dental procedures available such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, porcelain restorations, and dental bonding, to name a few. This article provides an overview of cosmetic dentistry and how it will make your smile one of the best features about you.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
1) Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to get a killer smile. It is a procedure designed to brighten and whiten your teeth from discoloration or staining. With the help of your dentist, you can get a jumpstart on the journey to improve your smile in just a few steps.
2) Porcelain Restorations
Porcelain restorations are used to repair broken, decayed, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. The porcelain crown is usually made of dental ceramic or dental porcelain; it is a biocompatible and sturdy option that also meets the demands of aesthetics.
Porcelain restorations have the following uses:
- They help restore the shape of chipped or broken tooth
- They help to strengthen a weak tooth
- They can be used to restore a tooth after decay
- They can be used to hold together pieces of a broken tooth
3) Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are used to cover the front surface of teeth. They are usually custom-made from tooth-coloured porcelain or resin, and dentists use them to change the colour, shape, size, or length of teeth.
A dentist first files off about half a millimetre of enamel from the tooth’s surface, then (s)he bonds these shells to the tooth’s surface to improve the tooth in the required manner.
4) Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps (unsightly diastema), or change the shape of teeth. The procedure employs the use of a tooth-coloured resin which is applied to teeth and hardened with ultraviolet or laser light. The light bonds the resin to the tooth, and the dentist trims, shapes, and polishes the tooth, giving the patient an improved smile.
5) Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement roots inserted into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. The procedure is a stable tooth-replacement solution that employs a titanium post to serve as a foundation for artificial teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The titanium post is screwed into the jawbone and given time to fuse with the surrounding soft tissue and bone. When the jawbone heals, the crown is placed on the root using a connecting post called an abutment.
6) Enamel shaping
Enamel shaping is also called contouring, and it is a quick and painless process of shaping natural teeth to improve their appearance. Dentists use this method to correct minor imperfections in teeth, such as uneven or slightly overcrowded teeth. It is a procedure that gives immediate results and is often combined with whitening, veneers, or bonding.
Let us help you with your cosmetic dentistry needs
At Kilcona Dental, we offer all standard professional dental services, including x-rays, cleanings, and fillings. We also specialize in crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, root canals, porcelain restorations, and any other cosmetic dentistry need you may have. Call us 204-663-5000 or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation.
What’s more? We also see emergencies, so if you find yourself in urgent need of dental care, feel free to contact us immediately. We will be pleased to take care of your needs.
