Cosmetic dentistry is the practice of doing something to your teeth simply to make them look better as opposed to something that improves the health of your teeth.
What may surprise you is that cosmetic dentistry may have been made famous by the Hollywood smile but it is not a new thing. In fact, cosmetic dentistry can be traced back to at least the early 1800s.
However, in recent years it has grown dramatically in popularity. Much of this revolves around getting whiter teeth or making sure they are properly aligned. It should be noted that many dentists offer this service but, you need to be sure that you have found a reputable and well-qualified one, such as this specialist Little Bay Invisalign dentist, before having any procedure done.
Bonding
Bonding refers to when resin is applied to your teeth. Your dentist will colour the resin to match your other teeth and the resin makes your teeth stronger
This process isn’t designed to give you whiter teeth. But, it is one of the most effective ways to repair cracks and chips, shape teeth, and even provide a better cosmetic option than the standard amalgam filling.
veneers
You’ve probably already heard of veneers and may even know someone with them.
Your teeth need to be healthy before any veneers can be applied. The dentist will create veneers from thin pieces of porcelain or a resin composite. The front of your teeth are then shaved, to create a better surface for adhesion. The veneers are then stuck to your teeth and should stay there for 10-15 years.
Veneers can be used to create a whiter smile. Although, they are also very effective at creating a better-shaped smile.
The Dental Crown
Most people see a crown as part of a standard dental procedure, such as filling a tooth, especially one that has been badly damaged. While the crown does add strength to your teeth, it also improves the cosmetic look of your teeth, especially if it is the frontal teeth that are most visible.
The crown is designed to fit over a tooth. The original tooth will need to be filed first to ensure the crown adheres properly. It should last between 5-15 years.
Enamel Shaping
This is effectively assistance with mild contouring issues in your mouth. The procedure adds a special compound which can be used to change the shape of a tooth. This can help with the look of your smile although it is often used to help prepare your teeth for veneers or bonding.
You can also have enamel shaping done before you have a whitening treatment.
Whitening
You can’t talk about cosmetic dentistry without mentioning whitening. The most effective way to whiten your teeth is for the dentist to apply a special compound and use infrared light to dry and seal them in place. The results are almost instantaneous and will boost your confidence.
Of course, there are over-the-counter options but you’ll find the dentist is the safest and most effective choice.