With conventional dentistry, you can expect regular treatment for oral diseases, oral hygiene, prevention, and diagnosis. In comparison, cosmetic dentistry is about improving one’s appearance. It is a common solution that people use for fixing chipped or crooked teeth, replacing missing teeth and discoloration. There are several types of cosmetic dentistry offered by Thornton Dental. Below are several treatments associated with cosmetic dentistry. Let’s take a look.
Dental Bonding
If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth in the event that it is broken, stained, chipped, cracked or with extra space, then you would consider dental bonding. The dentist applies enamel composite resins to the surface of the teeth, molding it into shape and hardening it using laser light or ultraviolet light; after which, they are polished. Once done, the structure of the patient’s teeth is naturally blended and it improves their smile.
Bite Reclamation
Bite Reclamation is a process that changes the vertical dimension of teeth that has suffered years of wear and tear due to acid reflux or grinding. Once treatment is done, the patient will have a closed appearance in their face and in their smile.
Dental Crowns
Cosmetic dentists install dental crowns; also called ‘caps’ and placing them over a tooth that has been damaged. The crowns help to restore the size, shape, appearance, and strength of the patient’s teeth. Most crowns are made using metal, ceramic, porcelain, or resin. They can last up to 15 years and no less than 5 years with proper hygiene.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are known as permanent partial dentures; used for the replacement of any gap or missing teeth. The dentures are typically made of alloys, porcelain, or gold. It takes up to two visits to the dentist to have the procedure completely done. These dentures can last up to 15 years, but not less than 3 years.
Dental Braces
These days, adults and children benefit from installing dental braces to correct misaligned and crooked teeth to improve disorders of the jaw joint, improve asymmetrical bite or appropriately position the jawline. The orthodontist or dentist will apply stable pressure to the patient’s teeth; repositioning them so they can gradually align. Porcelain, ceramic, or metal bracket is used to bond to the patient’s teeth. Most patients wear these for up to 3 years, but no less than a year. A retainer is then applied to keep holding the teeth in its new position.
Dentures
Dentures are usually installed to replace someone’s missing teeth and the tissues surrounding them. It is an artificial process. Some people have full dentures while others have partial dentures to replace only the number of missing teeth in the mouth.
Conclusion
All of these dental procedures are done to improve the patient’s appearance; giving more confidence to smile more. It is the patient’s responsibility to choose the procedure that is best suited to their own personal situation.