Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that improves the appearance of your teeth and smile. These procedures are elective rather than essential but they can make a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem.
강남치과A cosmetic dentist will have received extra training specifically dedicated to these treatments. They will have real world experience in applying them, vast technical knowledge and a refined, artistic touch.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, food and drink stains can discolor your teeth. Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic treatment that can lighten the color of your teeth by several shades. This is accomplished by applying a bleaching agent to your teeth’s surface, which is often done in a single office visit. Many dentists offer whitening products that can be used at home, such as trays that hold peroxide gel. A dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar and other debris from the surface of your teeth before whitening them. Then, the whitening product is applied for 30 to 60 minutes in increments, until the desired shade is achieved.
The results of your whitening procedure can last for months, and the procedure is completely safe and effective. Before you begin a whitening treatment, however, it is important to talk to your dentist about what type of staining you are experiencing and whether or not teeth whitening would be beneficial to you.
A restorative dentistry treatment, such as a dental crown, can also improve the aesthetics of your smile because it repairs the damage to your teeth. However, the primary goal of a cosmetic dentist is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. That’s why cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening are so popular. If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, we encourage you to make an appointment at NYC Smile Design for a consultation.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front side of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can hide imperfections such as chipped, crooked or misaligned teeth. They can also be used to correct discoloration, or a gap between teeth. They are made of either porcelain or a resin composite material. Porcelain veneers are more natural in appearance and resist stains better than the resin ones. They are a permanent treatment, but can last for a decade or more if you take good care of them.
The procedure is similar to composite bonding, but a lot more time and expertise goes into the fabrication process of porcelain veneers. The dentist will clean and polish your teeth before applying an etching solution. This roughens up your enamel so the cement will adhere. The dentist will then apply the veneer and a special cement. He will shine a light on it to activate the chemicals in the cement, which causes it to harden. The dentist will then trim off excess cement, check your bite and make any other necessary adjustments.
You may have some sensitivity for a few days after getting veneers, but this should subside once your gum tissue gets adjusted to the new material. You should avoid chewing on ice or boiled sweets, as they can damage the veneers.
Dental Implants
Anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and mouth can benefit from cosmetic dental procedures. It’s important to consult with a dentist who can explain the wide variety of options and determine which ones are right for you.
Cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, but it can also prevent larger dental problems from developing in the future. For example, missing or badly shaped teeth can lead to bone and gum deterioration, which requires costly treatments in the future. Cosmetic procedures like dental implants and tooth fillings can prevent this from happening.
In addition, cosmetic dental procedures can also help you eat better by strengthening your bite and making it easier to chew. This can prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw and may help you save money on food because you can eat more without having to chew through tough or uneven foods.
Cosmetic dentistry is different from restorative dentistry because it focuses on the look of your teeth, but not their function. The two areas of dental work overlap in some cases, but a restorative dentist seeks to correct teeth and bite issues to ensure they function well. In contrast, a cosmetic dentist is more concerned about how your teeth look and strives to bring your dream smile to life. Because of this difference, most insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic procedures unless they have a medical necessity.
Dental Bonding
Cosmetic imperfections like chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration can detract from your smile and leave you feeling less confident. Fortunately, dental bonding is a quick and easy treatment that can dramatically improve your smile’s appearance.
A cosmetic dentist can use composite resin to fix your teeth’s surface, creating a natural-looking and durable restoration. The first step is selecting the right shade of composite to match your natural tooth color. Next, the cosmetic dentist roughens the surface of your teeth to help the composite bonding material adhere to them. They then apply the resin to your teeth, which is sculpted into shape and then hardened with ultraviolet or laser light. After the procedure, your dentist will trim, shape, and polish your bonding to make sure it blends in with the rest of your smile.
While cosmetic bonding is an excellent option for a variety of cosmetic concerns, it’s not appropriate for all patients. For example, if you have significant decay or chipping, you may require more extensive treatments like a filling or crown. Additionally, bonded teeth aren’t as strong as your natural teeth and they’re not resistant to staining, so you’ll need to maintain a regimented oral care routine that includes brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular dental appointments. With proper care, however, your bonding will last up to ten years.