Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Our smiles are a big part of our identity and essential to the first impression we make on others. Do you get self-conscious when you smile? Fortunately, a simple alexandria cosmetic dentistry procedure may be the solution to improve the aspects of your smile you don’t love. The overall goal of all cosmetic dentistry procedures is to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Below are more details describing the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that are available to you.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry procedures include any dental treatments that are aimed to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. Many cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive with a big result. Some of the more popular cosmetic treatments include:
- Composite dental bonding: Dental bonding is a tooth colored putty that is applied directly to the tooth. The putty can be shaped and sculpted by the dentist to repair many aesthetic issues such as decay, damage, staining, or discoloration. Your dentist will apply the composite onto the tooth's surface and then shape the putty until they receive the desired shape, size, and overall appearance. Bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic procedures used to treat cracks, chips, gaps, or discoloration.
- Dental veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made covers designed to be attached to the front of cracked, damaged, or discolored teeth. Veneers are commonly made of porcelain and are custom-made for each individual patient, resulting in the exact appearance desired. Due to the multiple stages in the process and customization required, veneers are one of the more expensive cosmetic treatment options. For individuals who can afford it, the result of this investment is an enhanced and natural looking smile.
- Teeth whitening: Overtime, our natural teeth become stained and discolored from food, drinks, or smoking. A professional in-office whitening procedure is an effective and affordable way to help reduce this staining and discoloration. The teeth whitening procedure is pain-free and can be easily performed in a short amount of time.
- Dental implants: When teeth are lost, or need to be extracted, a tooth replacement option is needed. A dental implant is a permanent custom-made replacement that is installed in two steps. First, the implant post, which is a small titanium screw, is securely placed into the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. Next, once the jaw bone has healed, an artificial crown which looks just like a tooth, will be attached on top of the post. Implants can be a large investment, but the result is a new tooth that looks and functions just like the surrounding natural teeth.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
For many adults, cosmetic dentistry procedures may seem like a luxury that is not worth the extra expense. However, investing in a cosmetic procedure is more than just repairing your smile. In reality, a small change to your smile may go a long way to boosting your self-esteem. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, you should start by doing a little research into which procedures are covered by your insurance policy, and which procedures your dentist has experience performing.