Cosmetic dentistry is one of the fastest growing areas in modern dentistry, as more and more people strive to achieve the smile of their dreams.
Cosmetic dentists provide restorative and aesthetic dentistry treatments to enhance the health, structure and appearance of teeth and gums. Common procedures include dental implants, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and crowns.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are an ideal solution to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, providing comfort in everyday life.
Once implants are implanted in your jawbone, they heal through osseointegration – when bone bonds together around metal posts.
Once your implants have fully healed, your dentist can attach replacement teeth to them. They may also serve as a support for bridges and partial dentures.
If you’ve lost a tooth or multiple teeth, the result can be an embarrassment to both your smile and confidence. But the experienced staff at Cosmetic Dentistry Center in Brooklyn, NY can help restore your smile with dental implants.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is a commonly used cosmetic dentistry procedure to conceal minor aesthetic flaws such as chips, cracks and discolorations. It’s more cost-effective than veneers and can be employed to fix chipped front teeth or hide small gaps in between them.
The process is straightforward and can be completed in just 30-60 minutes. Your dentist will apply a conditioning liquid to precondition the tooth surface in preparation for applying bonding material.
After applying the composite resin, it is applied directly onto the tooth surface and molded. Finally, it is hardened with either blue light or laser for optimal adhesion.
Dental bonding material has a shorter life expectancy than porcelain veneers and crowns, so it should only be used for cosmetic repairs to teeth near the front of the mouth where bite pressure is low. With proper maintenance, these improvements can last five to ten years before needing touch-up or replacement.
Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic Dentists use teeth whitening to give their patients the white, bright smile they desire. A whiter smile can improve a patient’s aesthetic and boost their self-confidence levels.
Teeth can become discolored due to various reasons, such as smoking, coffee/red wine consumption and certain medications. Professional whitening will make your teeth several shades lighter and is the most efficient way to lighten stains and discolorations.
In-office whitening is typically completed within one visit, though more severe staining may necessitate additional sessions. Your dentist can prescribe a tooth whitening product and provide custom-fit trays that fit into your mouth like a mouth guard for added convenience.
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can straighten out crooked, uneven teeth, gaps and stained smiles. They’re made out of porcelain or other hybrid materials in shades to match the rest of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are permanently attached to your tooth with dental cement and an ultraviolet light for hardening the adhesive. Not only are these durable, but if taken care of properly they may last over a decade.
Before deciding if veneers are the right treatment for you, do your research. Find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry and takes time to understand your needs and goals for the procedure.
Crowns
Dentures, also referred to as caps, are used by cosmetic dentists to enhance the aesthetic appeal of teeth. These custom-made coverings are constructed out of materials like porcelain and crafted to look like natural teeth for optimal blending in with the rest of a patient’s smile.
They can be an ideal solution for patients whose teeth are too weak to support fillings or require extensive restorations. Furthermore, they may be recommended after a root canal.
Crowns can be made from a range of materials. Porcelain, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-metal alloys such as gold and silver, or combinations of both are all popular choices for crowns.
