Cosmetic surgery is a relatively new category of dentistry. This branch of dentistry is involved with the appearance of teeth and also indirectly helps in maintaining the oral health and self-confidence of the person. Quality of life is greatly improved through cosmetic dentistry and so also reshaping and remoulding of teeth. This branch of dentistry goes hand in hand with orthodontic treatment and it varies from dentist to dentist on how they consider the treatment. Most of the common procedures in cosmetic surgery can be performed without any anaesthesia and are generally pain free. For more complicated dental procedures, anaesthesia is applied.

Cosmetic Whitening

Teeth whitening is almost synonymous with cosmetic procedures. In this procedure colour of the teeth is lightened a bit with different tools. Teeth change colour due to age, disease, trauma etc. This can cause embarrassment and also affect the function of the teeth sometimes. Through this procedure, the stained teeth colour is reduced. It can also be looked at as a type of tooth cleaning procedure, as stains in teeth can be caused due to plaque or tartar deposits. This is one of the least invasive types of treatment and improves the appearance of the teeth colour. There are different treatment options available – some are a do-at-home type of treatment, while there are others that are done by professional dentists.

Cosmetic porcelain veneers

Cosmetic veneers offer medical care to those who are not ideal candidates for simple whitening. This procedure provides more concrete dental care. Ideal candidates are those with issues on dental enamel, chipped or broken teeth or uneven spacing. Dental veneers are protective covers that are placed over the visible part of the teeth. The colour is chosen that mimics the colour of natural teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken to make an exact copy of the teeth. This mould is prepared by dentists. Before placing the veneer on to the problem teeth, the dental enamel is removed a bit for a good close fit. The type of veneer can be chosen from the options available. The veneers cover the damaged teeth and offer a different look for the teeth and setting it as a perfect tooth again.

Cosmetic dental bonding

Cosmetic bonding is similar to veneers in the type of support they provide to the teeth. The cosmetic help provided to the teeth is altering its appearance and look. The colour and shape of the teeth can be changed by dental bonding. A resin is applied to the teeth and polished to make it similar to the natural teeth. A special light is applied to the teeth to make the resin harden and stay on to the teeth. The chipped teeth can be changed by this bonding and it will look longer and natural. It is one of the easiest teeth changing procedures and can be completed in one consultation with the dentist.

Invisible braces

Braces are not accepted by people because of them being visible to others. This is where invisible braces come in as a good option. These dental aligners are custom made tight fitting devices that are slipped on to the teeth. These types of braces are suitable for adults and teens in whom the teeth are completely developed. These tight fitting devices help to move the misaligned or crowded teeth to their desired position. They are easy to care for, they can be removed while eating or brushing. They need to be kept clean if not bacterial action can damage the teeth. The time of treatment depends on the nature of the teeth, the extent of teeth overcrowding. Follow up treatments are required to help move the teeth.

Cosmetic teeth shaping

Teeth shaping or contouring is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that involves removing dental enamel and reshaping the teeth. Overlapping, crooked, chipped teeth can all be corrected with this procedure. Removing dental enamel essentially means removing the protective covering of the teeth. To ensure that the teeth is not lost, the reshaping process is sometimes combined with dental veneers or bonding. Care should be taken after reshaping is done. Biting on hard food or objects like finger nails can harm the reshaped teeth. When compared with braces teeth reshaping does not cost much and is also less time consuming.

Cosmetic dental crowns

Changing the appearance of teeth and giving a beautiful set of teeth is what cosmetic surgery does at its best. Another option that can be considered is placing dental crowns. Crowns help to alter the appearance, shape and improve the strength of the teeth. They are placed as caps over the teeth. Chipped or broken teeth, discoloured teeth, severely worn out teeth can all be protected with this procedure. There are different types of crowns available with materials like steel, ceramic, porcelain etc. Crowns can be chosen in the same colour as natural teeth. Typically this procedure will require two consultations with the dentist. One to take the impression of the teeth to make the crown and the next to place the dental crown.

Cosmetic dental implants

Dental implants are metal roots that are placed in the jaw bone. On this dental implant replacement tooth will be placed. Providing replacement tooth procedure is what is possible with cosmetic dental implants. Improving the appearance of the person is possible perfectly with this procedure. Losing a tooth can greatly bring down self-confidence of a person, especially if it is the front teeth. Replacing the lost teeth is done through this surgery. It is conducted under anaesthesia as the jaw bone needs to be cut. The process takes some time as it requires the jaw bone to be healed. It is only after this procedure that the tooth is replaced. Oral health is also greatly improved with this particular service as it does not require support from other teeth. There are two different types of implants based on where they are placed – one is placing the implant into the jaw bone and the other is placed onto the jaw bone near the gum tissues.