Cosmetic Dentistry: Improve Your Smile Through These 7 Tooth Restoration Options
7 Basic Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
1. Cosmetic Dental Veneers
Veneers are one of the newest additions to the field of cosmetic dentistry. They are cemented onto the incisal of canines and incisors (front teeth). These shells are typically made of composite resin or porcelain.
Veneers can treat minor tooth stains. They can also repair small cracks, gaps, and chips by sealing these fissures. They are quick fixes that can instantly restore teeth in a simple yet effective way.
A veneer procedure takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth require veneers.
2. Cosmetic Tooth Whitening
Store-bought whiteners were all the rage at one point because they were advertised as easy solutions for whitening teeth. However, they may not be effective on all types of stains. Additionally, it may take longer for you to see results.
Professional Tooth Whitening is a painless procedure. To prevent tooth sensitivity for patients who have weakened enamel, our dentist in Great Neck, NY, can monitor the dental whitening intensity and adjust it accordingly.
This cosmetic whitening dental treatment can last for a long time with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to our dentist’s office near you.
3. Cosmetic Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are often referred to as indirect fillings. Much like conventional fillings, they are placed into cavities or grooves around and within teeth. The difference is that inlays and onlays are pre-molded before they are cemented on the affected tooth.
Inlays are for cavities within teeth. In contrast, onlays are for cavities on the thin uppermost layer of the crown.
Since inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit perfectly on your teeth, they are resilient against chewing pressure and tooth friction. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and will keep their original color even after a long period. With proper care, indirect fillings can last up to 25 to 30 years.
4. Cosmetic Enamel Shaping
Enamel shaping or teeth shaping is a straightforward procedure to enhance the shape and appearance of your teeth. This is a painless procedure as shaping deals with only the outer layer of the teeth.
Enamel shaping is not so much about tooth restoration but about improving its physical appearance.
5. Cosmetic Dental Crowns
For patients looking for a tooth restoration procedure that serves as an alternative to conventional fillings, cosmetic dental crowns are a great choice. Fully customized for each tooth, they can repair badly decayed, misshapen, and irregularly sized teeth.
The advantage of dental crowns is that they act as the affected tooth’s protective cover. A crown is composed of metal fused with either acrylic or porcelain. These materials help make it durable and able to distribute bite force.
6. Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is another category that may be completed in half an hour to a full hour. It aims to repair damaged portions of teeth that are above the gumline.
Our cosmetic dentist in Great Neck, NY will roughen the damaged tooth in preparation for the resin-application. The resin is made of a plastic material. It is shaped with care so that it matches your real teeth. Post application, edges that you feel are uncomfortably brushing against the inside of your cheek will be buffed and polished until they are completely smoothened.
Bonds do not have the same long-term lifespan as veneers. They also require careful maintenance to avoid incurring cracks and stains. Dental bonding is an excellent choice for promptly patching up minor damages on teeth.
7. Cosmetic Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most complex of all the cosmetic dentistry options on this list because they require surgical procedures. Only dentists who are qualified for dental surgery can oversee such an operation.
The dental implant procedure has greatly improved over the years, and you should not experience any pain during your treatment. Typically, anesthesia (general or local, depending on the scope of the surgery) will be applied to the implant location.
Implant treatment requires several months to finish. Parts of the gums and jawbone that have undergone surgery will be given time to heal. The healing process may take a few months each time.
Despite its lengthy process, these dental fixtures are preferred for their permanence. Dental implants restore teeth and aid with bone regrowth–an excellent benefit for those whose jawlines have weakened.
If you would like to learn more about the different services available within cosmetic dentistry, please contact Great Neck Dental Associates. We can answer any questions you may have or schedule you for a consultation with our cosmetic dentist.