The Pursuit of Pearly Whites: The Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry has gained popularity in recent years as more people seek ways to enhance their smiles. Whether you’re looking to brighten, straighten, or perfect your teeth, there are various cosmetic dental procedures that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

What Are The Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

Here are the most common cosmetic dental procedures:

1. Teeth Whitening

This is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth can be stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or poor oral hygiene. Whitening the teeth can enhance the appearance of the smile.

2. Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front side of the teeth. Made from tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat various dental conditions such as discolored teeth, chipped teeth, or to close gaps in between the teeth.

3. Dental Bonding

In this procedure, a tooth-colored, putty-like resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with light, ultimately “bonding” the material to the tooth to improve a person’s smile. Bonding can repair decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth; it’s also a good cosmetic alternative to, or replacement for, amalgam or silver fillings.

4. Dental Crown

A crown, also known as a cap, fits over and replaces the entire decayed or damaged tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns keep a weak tooth from breaking or hold a cracked tooth together.

5. Inlays and Onlays

Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials are used to fill decayed or damaged teeth. Dental fillings are molded into place during an office visit; however, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory and bonded into place by the dentist.

6. Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. Implants are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place.

7. Orthodontic Treatment

Many adults are opting for orthodontic treatments to correct misaligned teeth or malocclusions that were untreated in their childhood. Orthodontic treatments can include braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.

8. Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover involves a comprehensive assessment of your smile aesthetics in order to improve its overall appearance. Typically, one or more cosmetic procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening, will be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want.

Remember, before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know the risks and benefits, and what you can expect during the process. Make sure to consult with your dentist to decide the best option for you.