Cosmetic dentistry is considered the new kid on the block by many. But procedures that are conducted under cosmetic dentistry have been developed and been used by dentists for a very long time. Cosmetic dentistry and aesthetics have been considered as two sides of a coin, but many do not know that besides improving the appearance of a person and boosting self-confidence it also helps promote oral/dental health. Many procedures are common and they help in improving dental health and also provide support to other oral tissues.

Tooth whitening

Cosmetic dentistry is best known for providing teeth whitening services it provides. Removing stains in the teeth and bringing back the sparkle is possible through this procedure. Whitening procedure is done at dental clinics or there are products available in the market that provide the same effect. These products come in the form of gels, toothpaste or whitening strips. Instructions come along with the product and they serve as a guide to this procedure. Whitening trays are obtainable as well from the market and also from the dental clinics. They are custom made, filled with whitening agents and they need to be placed on to the teeth for a certain time for a few days as prescribed by the dentist. Market-bought trays also provide the same service, they are flexible and provide the whitening effect to the teeth through using the process. Care should be taken while using the products from the markets as some will have allergic reactions to the peroxide that is present as the whitening agent. At dental clinics, proper care will be taken by the dentists in ensuring the correct amount of whitening agent is used and other soft tissues are protected from the agent.

Invisalign braces

Advancement in braces has provided these invisible braces for adults to choose from especially. Some adults feel awkward using braces when they are older, but these invisalign braces help them as they are not visible to others. They are different from the traditional metal braces and are made out of clear plastic. Improving smiles, bite issues, overcrowded teeth is all possible through this procedure. The teeth are moved into predicted positions by applying gentle pressure on the teeth while wearing these braces. But some who require more drastic movement of teeth might require wearing traditional braces for some time and then they can move to wear Invisalign braces. These braces can be removed and cleaned after each meal, so there is no fear of food being stuck between them. Dental hygiene can be maintained along with the correctional procedure also. The anchors for these braces are at the top of the teeth and they help hold these braces in position. Because of their invisible nature they can be worn throughout the day without being conscious of using braces.

Dental veneers

Correcting teeth that are broken, discoloured, damaged can all be fixed using dental veneers. They are small coverings placed over the damaged teeth to enhance their shape and colour. There are different types of dental veneers available to choose from. There are resin dental veneers and porcelain dental veneers as well. Both are thin materials and do not jut out when they are placed on the teeth. They are similar to the natural colour of the teeth, so it will be known that this dental procedure has been performed on the teeth to correct them. This procedure will be done in dental clinics within a short time. Dentists will obtain mould of the teeth and shape the dental veneers according to the shape of the teeth that needs correction. The veneer is glued to the teeth using a strong material so that they do not come off. The dental veneers are durable and if proper care is taken, then they can provide protection for more than 15 years.

Dental implants

Getting replacement teeth that are very much like the natural teeth and permanent as well – that is obtained from dental implants. They offer much more than dentures as they are fixed to the gums and act as permanent structures. If one has lost teeth due to injury or disease then dental implants can help provide good natural teeth replacement. Single or multiple teeth replacements are possible with this cosmetic treatment. The implant is fixed in the jaw bone through surgery and after that area is healed, the artificial teeth are mounted onto them. As this is a complex dental surgery, it requires some time for the gums to heal and then to place the replacement teeth. This procedure also gets rids of the person having to get used to wearing the dentures and correcting the alignment that is required with other replacement teeth options. It must be remembered that as this is a complex cosmetic dentistry procedure it must be performed by an expert dentist.

Dental fillings

Teeth decay or damage can be saved by dental fillings. They are also one of the most common methods of cosmetic dentistry performed along with teeth whitening. Fillings made of different materials like metal, resin, ceramic fillings are available. Each of them come with their specific benefits. Depending on where the filling is done and the type of teeth, the dentist will suggest the best one suited. Fillings can be chosen according to the colour of the natural teeth so they are not visible to the common eye. They are applied within a short amount of time and there is no waiting for the filling to set as well. Protecting the teeth from further damage and offering extra support to the chewing function is possible through these dental fillings. Besides this, they are easy to manage and do not require any special care. Regular brushing and flossing done for the natural teeth is all that are required.