5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Dreaming of a picture-perfect, sparkling smile? Cosmetic dental work can make your dream smile come true.
Be it teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, implants, or inlays and outlays, cosmetic dentistry can give your smile and confidence a big boost.
Take a look at these different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures to see which will work the best for your smile.
1. Composite Bonding
Do you have chipped, cracked, fractured, or discolored teeth? Composite bonding can easily fix all these. Also called dental bonding, this cosmetic dental procedure uses tooth-colored resin to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Your dentist will first apply the resin to your teeth. They will then sculpt and shape it before bonding it permanently with UV light. Finally, they will polish the resin and make the necessary adjustments to make your tooth look natural.
What’s more, composite bonding is pain-free. It doesn’t require any drilling. And it can fix a number of dental imperfections without burning a hole in your pocket.
2. Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are indirect fillings. That means they are first made in a laboratory as a solid piece. They are then fitted into the particular shape and size of your cavity.
Indirect fillings are used in molars and premolars, when there’s too much damage for a simple filling, but not so much that a crown will be needed. They are made of tooth-like ceramic, porcelain, and composite materials which improve the aesthetic value of your teeth.
So, what’s the difference between inlays and onlays? A dental inlay fits inside your tooth, in cavities and hollows. A dental onlay extends onto the chewing surface of your tooth.
3. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are custom-made to cover the surface of your teeth. They can help improve the color, shape, size, length, and general appearance of your teeth.
Veneers are often made from porcelain or composite materials. They look exceptionally realistic and are a long-term solution to tooth imperfections.
Veneers can vary widely in both cost and strength. Porcelain veneers are generally stronger and more durable, but they come with a high price tag.
On the other hand, composite veneers are budget friendly. But they don’t last as long and may stain or chip over time.
4. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a quick, affordable, and non-invasive way to enhance the brightness of your smile. It can help remove stains and discolorations caused by soda, coffee, wine, and other drinks.
This cosmetic dental procedure can be done in just a single visit. Your dentist will first remove plaque and other debris from your teeth. They will then use a bleaching agent to give your teeth a natural, whitened shade.
That said, teeth whitening is not permanent. You will need a touch-up every few years, and more often if you drink excessive coffee and wine or are in the habit of smoking.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants can help replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, and provide a strong, permanent foundation for artificial teeth.
During the procedure, your dentist will insert a titanium screw into the jaw. This will help support the artificial tooth. Once the supporting tissue and the implant fuse, the new tooth is permanently secured into place.
Dental implants serve a cosmetic purpose and can enhance your self-esteem. They will also help improve speech, ease chewing difficulties, improve long-term oral health, and eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Ready for a Smile Makeover in North York?
Bad, broken, decaying, or missing teeth may come in the way of your smile and happiness. But that doesn’t mean you sit back and fret over the imperfections.
You can give your smile a complete makeover with cosmetic dentistry. From veneers to implants, whitening, bonding, and more, there’s a quick and durable fix for all types of dental issues.
Understand which procedure works the best for you, discuss it with your dentist, and get started!
To find out more about our Cosmetic Dentistry call Lawrence Park Dental today. We are conveniently located at the corner of Yonge St and York Mills – just south from HWY 401. Dr. Queiroz has been practicing dentistry since 1995 and is very passionate about oral health. He would be thrilled to help you with a smile makeover.
