Four Cosmetic Dental Procedures For Patients
Dentists look after patients' oral health. They care for patients' teeth and gums, but dentists can also provide cosmetic services. The field of cosmetic dentistry is filled with procedures designed to beautify your teeth. Patients can take advantage of these four cosmetic dental procedures:
1. Dental Crown Replacement
Dental crowns are typically used to protect fragile teeth. They're often installed as part of root canal therapy. Metal crowns can be silver or gold. They are not as common in modern times, but some patients opt for metal crowns because they're less expensive. However, metal crowns are highly noticeable in the mouth due to their distinctive shine.
Dental crown replacement offers patients the opportunity to have old crowns replaced with new crowns. Metal dental crowns can be replaced with solid porcelain or porcelain-coated alternatives. Porcelain crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth, which makes them aesthetically superior. New dental crowns will also have more structural integrity than old crowns, which are more likely to fail.
2. Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be used to close large gaps between a patient's teeth that were created by tooth loss. Dental bridges utilize dental crown technology. One or more prosthetic teeth are suspended between two dental crowns, which are fitted over a patient's existing teeth. The dental crowns hold the bridge securely in place. Dental bridges can be considered an alternative to dentures or tooth implants.
3. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can give patients a complete tooth makeover. Unlike dental bonding, which only hides a small portion of a damaged tooth, veneers can hide the entire tooth. Dental veneers are made from thin pieces of material that are glued to the front of a patient's teeth. They are designed to look just like natural teeth, but without common flaws. Dental veneers can prevent the need for future whitening treatments since they will never become stained.
4. Teeth Cleaning
Clean teeth are more aesthetically pleasing. You can perform routine oral care at home, but tartar will still build up over time. Tartar buildup can create a white, chalky appearance. Stains can also accumulate over time. A cosmetic dentist can provide professional cleaning that will remove tartar buildup and stains.
If you require a deeper clean, your cosmetic dentist can remove more stubborn stains using teeth whitening treatments. Teeth whitening treatments use peroxide that is light-activated to whiten dark tooth enamel. People who regularly drink coffee and smoke cigarettes can usually benefit from teeth whitening treatments.