Cosmetic Dentistry: Concept, Procedures, and Types

cosmetic dentistry
12 Sep 2022

Cosmetic Dentistry: Concept, Procedures, and Types

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make your smile seem better by enhancing its overall appearance and appeal. Whitening the teeth, dental bonding, and veneer placement are examples of common cosmetic dental operations.

What sets cosmetic dentistry different from other types of dental care?

A general dentist is a main dental care practitioner. They provide both preventive care, such as tooth cleanings, and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental fillings, crowns, and bridges among other dental restoration procedures. The majority of dental procedures can restore look in addition to improving health and function. On the other hand, the primary goal of a cosmetic dentist is to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. They provide services that are designed to improve the look of the gums and teeth in your mouth.

Who can benefit from having cosmetic dental work done?

Cosmetic dentistry is something to consider if any of the following apply to you:

  • Teeth that have been chipped or fractured.
  • There are voids or gaps between each of your teeth.
  • Discolouration and staining of the teeth might occur.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Crooked or crooked teeth.

Anyone who wants to improve their smile could consider cosmetic dentistry.

You can seek cosmetic dental procedures provided that both your teeth and gums are in good condition. On the other hand, if you have a significant amount of cavities or gum disease, your dentist will want to focus on treating such diseases first. After you have restored the health of your smile, you will be able to make a decision about the cosmetic procedures you would want to investigate.

Cosmetic Dentistry Types

Cosmetic dentistry seeks to achieve the goal of creating a smile that is more harmonious, symmetrical, and cosmetic pleasant. Whitening of the teeth, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Teeth Whitening

Your teeth can get discoloured if you consume foods and beverages that are dark in colour, such as coffee, tea, or berries. Teeth whitening performed by a professional can substantially and safely lighten the colour of your teeth, making your smile seem more radiant. Whitening services can be provided either at the dentist’s office or taken home by the patient. When whitening is done at the dentist’s office it typically takes about sixty minutes to finish. Whitening teeth at home often takes a few weeks to see results.

Dental bonding

The process of dental bonding includes the application of composite resin in a tooth-coloured shade. Cracks, craze lines (also known as hairline cracks), discolouration, and other cosmetic flaws can be covered up and concealed using this substance, which is used by your dentist. The contour of a tooth can be altered with the use of dental bonding, which can make the tooth longer, broader, or more uniform. In most cases, dental bonding must be replaced every five and seven years. Additionally, it does not call for the loss of the patient’s natural tooth enamel, which implies that the procedure can be undone at any time.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are shells that are adhered to the front surfaces of your teeth. These veneers are made of medical-grade ceramic and are very thin and robust. A broad variety of cosmetic problems, like chips, cracks, and discolouration, can be masked with veneers, just as they can be with dental bonding. There are many different kinds of dental veneers, including classic ones and ones that need very little preparation. Because all veneers need the removal of at least part of the tooth’s natural enamel, their reversibility is contingent on the specific kind of veneer that is selected. In most instances, porcelain veneers need to be replaced about every ten years.

Tooth Shaping And Contouring

During this process, very little enamel will be removed from your teeth to alter their form. Because you have a finite amount of natural enamel, there is a cap placed on the amount of tooth structure that is removed by your dentist. 

Gum Contouring

Certain people are born with an abundance of gum tissue. When this occurs, it might give the appearance of a “gummy” smile or one that is imbalanced. In the process of gum contouring, your dentist will trim away any extra gum tissue and realign your gum line so that your smile appears more symmetrical and balanced.

Are there any possibilities that cosmetic advantages might result from restorative dental procedures?

The treatments that were just described are only intended for cosmetic purposes. However, there are instances in which restorative dental procedures, which are designed to restore teeth, can also enhance the look of a person’s smile. If you have a tooth that is damaged and you fix it with a dental crown, for instance, this not only improves the health and function of your smile but also enhances its attractiveness.

In a similar vein, dental braces are designed to enhance both your bite and your oral health as a whole. However, braces are also able to significantly enhance the looks of your smile.

Which cosmetic dental treatment is the most sought after among patients?

Teeth whitening is the cosmetic dentistry procedure that is performed the most often. It enables individuals to make discernible modifications to the appearance of their smile without requiring them to undertake invasive procedures.

A Message From Super Smile Dental

Increasing the overall appeal of your smile is the primary objective of cosmetic dentistry. There is a wide variety of treatments available, ranging from simple to in-depth procedures. Talk to our dentist in Cardiff about the precise aesthetic objectives you have in mind for your smile so that they can build a treatment plan that takes into account both your finances and your lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today for a whiter and healthier smile.