The 5 Most Common Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Roughly 74% of people believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chance at a successful career.

It’s little wonder that cosmetic dental treatments have grown so popular. Nowadays, cosmetic dentists are capable of performing a myriad of procedures. These treatments vary from simple whitening to rebuilding an entire mouth.

Most cosmetic dentistry work is done because people want to have pretty teeth. However, cosmetic treatment can also lead to restorative benefits. We’ll touch more on that in just a moment.

What Is Cosmetic Dental Treatment?

Where general dentist work deals with treating oral health problems, cosmetic dentistry specializes in improving the look of your mouth, teeth, gums, and smile.

Why consider cosmetic dental treatments?

There are a variety of reasons people visit a cosmetic dentist.

The most common factor behind cosmetic treatment is to improve the appearance of your smile. If your teeth are stained, chipped, or misaligned, cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile makeover. Treatment can help to lighten, repair, or straighten your teeth.

Another reason for cosmetic dental treatment is the potential restorative benefits.

Your overall health is improved when treating teeth problems. For example, periodontal disease deteriorates bone and decays teeth. A full mouth reconstruction restores what’s been damaged.

Addressing jaw pain is another reason. If you suffer from chronic headaches and neck tension, these could be symptoms of a poorly functioning jaw joint.

Read on to find out about five of the most common cosmetic dental options available.

1. Teeth Whitening

Quite possibly the most common aesthetic dentistry treatment. The procedure is non-invasive and relatively low in cost.

Teeth whitening is exactly how it sounds. It’s a quick and simple way to lighten your teeth color by several shades.

2. Veneers

These are thin porcelain or composite laminates that are custom designed to cover the front surface of a tooth.

This cosmetic procedure is ideal for people who have chipped or cracked teeth, or want to close a gap in their smile.

3. Invisible Braces

The traditional wire braces are no longer a person’s only option. Invisible braces are not only sought after for aesthetic reasons. They can also help correct misalignment, all without anyone ever being able to tell.

4. Direct Composite Bonding

This method involves permanently attaching fillings or crowns.

A composite material is put onto the surface or cavity of a tooth and then sculpted into shape. The final step involves hardening and bonding the material with a special high-intensity light.

Direct composite bonding is perfect for repairing chips, cracks, discolored, or decayed teeth.

5. Porcelain Crowns

Dental treatments using this method involve fixing the shape of a tooth by covering it with a crown, or “cap”.

This treatment is a hybrid between restorative and cosmetic care as crowns help preserve damaged teeth. Crowns used to be obvious since they were made of metal, but now can come in all-porcelain and thus blending in with a smile as natural.

Dental Health Is Vital

Whether you’re missing a tooth or want staining removed, cosmetic dental treatments can help. There are numerous procedures that can correct dental defects and help prevent potentially life-threatening problems.

Consult with us today and find out which procedure would best benefit your condition.