Looking to improve your smile? Want your teeth to look brighter and healthier? Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental practice with the goal of improving the appearance of your teeth. There are several procedures available to you, all bringing out the best your smile has to offer. This process is also known as a “smile makeover,” due to its immediate and noticeable effects. As cosmetic dentistry is not covered by dental insurance, it is important to know which treatments fall under the cosmetic category. We will go over the most popular practices below, along with more information on what exactly cosmetic dentistry entails.
Composite and Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of dental ceramics that bond to your teeth. Handcrafted specifically by size, shape, and tint, veneers blend perfectly with your natural teeth while augmenting the overall appearance of your smile. There are both short-term composite resin veneers and long-term, permanent porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are also the most natural-looking option and have stain-resistant properties.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over teeth to restore their structure and functionality. Crowns are needed when a tooth is cracked or worn down and can last many years if supported by proper oral hygiene. Providing an important defense against decay or damaging behaviors, crowns can provide many hygienic benefits. They can also provide aesthetic improvements to your smile as a whole, giving your teeth proper shape and appearance.
Teeth Bleaching or Whitening
Teeth bleaching or whitening is the practice of using chemicals to remove stains or discoloration from your teeth. The process involves making a unique cast of your teeth and creating a wearable mold. These are worn during the night as the bleaching agent restores the luster of your enamel. The process takes approximately two weeks, with occasional upkeep and maintenance. The process also works on tetracycline stains, caused by calcifications of the teeth. These are caused by extended antibiotic use, or through transference from parent to child.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are complete artificial replacements for a tooth that work in the exact same way. They include both the root system beneath the tooth and the tooth itself. They are a permanent alternative to dentures, allowing you to eat and chew without the worry of discomfort or slipping. There are both traditional implants that take time to heal and specialized immediate load implants that can be used right after being placed in.
Filling Replacements
The standard practice for adding a filling to a tooth involves silver-mercury amalgams, which can give an unpleasant metal tinted look to your teeth. Cosmetic filling replacement changes out that silver-mercury for composite resin. This resin not only provides greater bonding power and protection but also blends in with the tooth, producing a uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
More Information About Cosmetic Dentistry
If you would like to know more about cosmetic dentistry, Savannah Dental Solutions is here for you. We have options for all your health and cosmetic dental needs and can answer any questions you may have with an easy consultation. Contact us today at (912) 354-1366 to schedule an appointment.
