Top 6 Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments in 2019
Cosmetic dentistry is a field that specialises in the enhancement of dental appearance through various procedures. The appearance of the teeth, smile and mouth is vital for most people. Misaligned, crooked or discoloured teeth can ruin your smile. An unattractive smile can damage a person’s self-confidence, becoming an obstacle in social and professional life. Dental cosmetic treatments are not just about looking good. In some instances, they are necessary for restoration. The type of procedure will depend on the goals. Here are some cosmetic dentistry treatments that are popular in the field.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth discolouration is a common dental issue, which is why teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures. The process involves the use of chemicals to eliminate compounds that cause teeth discolouration. Teeth lose their natural colouring due to regular contact with certain foods and drinks. Smoking also causes teeth discolouration. Typically, a dentist will remove tartar, plaque, food remnants and other debris then proceed with the whitening. The point of bleaching is to restore the original colour of the teeth. You can get teeth bleaching at a dentist’s office or home. It is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t take a lot of time.
Dental Implants
Tooth loss can be a result of poor oral health, trauma or a medical condition. A permanent way to treat tooth loss is with dental implants. The procedure replaces the lost teeth with permanent ones. It requires the insertion of a screw, usually titanium, which works as a support for the false tooth. A dentist then attaches a crown as the tooth replacement. The titanium screw fuses with the surrounding tissue, hence the permanent nature of an implant. You have to practice a high level of hygiene to ensure a dental implant works as required. Recovery can take up to six months. Dental implants are indistinguishable from real teeth, which allows you to restore a natural smile.
Clear Braces
Braces are some of the most basic dental cosmetic treatments. The dental procedure is suitable for straightening misaligned teeth. Braces move the teeth over time to get them into place. Traditional braces are made from metal, while clear ones from ceramic. The difference with invisible aligners is that they are less conspicuous than the regular kind. If you are a candidate for braces but don’t want them to be visible, then clear aligners are the best option. Because of the porcelain build, invisible aligners tend to be more expensive than the metal variety. Clear braces don’t work for everyone, though. They are most efficient when dealing with moderate cases of tooth misalignment. Several types of invisible braces are available on the market. The choice will depend on the treatment requirements and your budget.
Composite Bonding
Bonded is a process that cosmetic dentists use to fix tooth decay. It involves the attachment of materials such as veneers, crowns and fillings to teeth. A dentist has to drill out the decay to create a suitable surface for bonding. After attaching the dental material with adhesive, the dentist has to file the tooth to restore its original shape. A high-intensity light is then applied to cure the tooth. Besides tooth decay, direct composite bonding is suitable for repairing cracks, chips and gaps between teeth. The dental material used in this procedure is the colour of natural teeth, creating a simple aesthetic solution. Your teeth look healthy without having to remove or replace them. Composite bonding costs significantly less than some of the other common cosmetic dental treatments because it doesn’t require from much work.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are suitable for correcting issues such as chipping, discolouration and cracking. They are replicas of real teeth worn on top of the actual tooth to hide the existing defect. Medical-grade porcelain is used to make the shells to suit you personally. A dentist will take a mould of your tooth then use it to make a shell. Using a dental adhesive, a dentist attaches this shell to the enamel. It allows the dentist to create a natural look. The procedure is an invasive one and, therefore, recovery takes a while. Removable veneers have become a common alternative to traditional veneers. These veneers are snap-ons that you can wear and remove as desired. Clip-on veneers are appropriate for a person who is not a suitable candidate for the invasive process of regular veneers. Some people get removable veneers to test them before deciding on the real ones. The versatility of veneers is what makes them popular cosmetic treatments.
Inlays and Onlays
Also called indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are suitable for restoring mild tooth decay. Rather than traditional fillings, inlays are used to replace a small piece of decayed tooth. They are ideal when regular filling cannot work due to an unstable tooth structure. Dental materials like porcelain and ceramic are used to make indirect fillings. A dentist then attaches the inlay/onlay to the tooth with adhesive cement. For an inlay to work, the cusp must be intact, and it fits directly on the tooth. If most of the cusp is gone, then an onlay is more suitable. This indirect filling extends to the back of the tooth to provide the support that a cusp would. The bonding seals the inlay/onlay onto the tooth, preventing further damage and strengthening the tooth.
Various treatments are available for individuals suffering from dental issues such as tooth decay, discolouration and misalignment. Cosmetic dental procedures allow you to restore your smile and improve oral health. It is essential, however, to know the various treatments and when they are suitable.
Ask your dentist for full details of treatments available to you and make sure they are registered with the Dental Heath Council (GDC) if in UK.
