COSMETIC DENTISTRY
What is cosmetic dentistry and how can it improve my smile?
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures to improve your smile from subtle changes to major renewals. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, malpositioned, chipped, misshaped or missing. Commons reasons to elect cosmetic dentistry are to: reshape teeth, close spaces, renew worn teeth, or alter the length or position of teeth. Common procedures include: teeth whitening, bonding, caps or crowns, onlays and inlays, veneers and reshaping, orthodontics and gingival contouring.
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a common and popular chemical process used to lighten teeth. Some people get their teeth whitened to make stains disappear, while others just want a brighter smile. Discoloration, which occurs in the enamel, can be caused by medication, coffee, tea, dark colored foods, and cigarettes. It can also be due to your genetic make up or simply from aging. Teeth whitening can be performed in the dental office or at home.
What is bonding?
Bonding is the use of tooth-colored materials to fill in gaps or change the color and or shape of teeth. Bonding lasts several years and often requires only a single office visit. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than some other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used to fill cavities, to close spaces between teeth or to cover the entire outside surface of a discolored or misshaped tooth (resin veneer).
What are caps (crowns), onlays and inlays?
Caps, also known as crowns, cover the tooth. This procedure is meant for the restoration of severely broken down, misshaped or malpositioned teeth and can be used for front or back teeth. Onlays are partial crowns covering only the part of the tooth that needs to be restored, preserving healthy tooth structure. Inlays are smaller than onlays and are used when a filling would not be adequate but an onlay is not yet indicated. Onlays and inlays are for back teeth. Today caps, onlays and inlays can be made in a variety of tooth matching materials depending on the individual patient’s need for esthetics and strength. This matching has led to the diminishing use of metals in restorations today.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of material, bonded resin or bonded porcelain, applied to an underlying discolored, misshaped and/or malpositioned tooth to achieve a better appearance and/or function. Porcelain is stronger, often more esthetic and longer lasting than bonded resin, however in some cases, bonded resin can be very esthetic, done more conservatively (preserving tooth structure), involve fewer visits and is usually less costly than porcelain.
What is reshaping?
One or more teeth may have minor irregularities, i.e. a rotation or height difference with its neighbor. In these situations minor adjustments made within the hard enamel outer portion of the tooth can often be a nice conservative treatment avoiding orthodontics, veneers or caps.
Orthodontics?
We all know about orthodontics, right? The metal braces that are worn for 2 years. Not anymore! Today clear removable trays can be used for many orthodontic procedures. This is an easier and more acceptable way for adults to do orthodontics almost invisibly.
What is gingival contouring?
Sometimes minor irregularities in gum positions can make for a less pleasing smile. Gingival contouring is done using a laser, electosurgery or traditional surgery. Laser is the newest and best alternative since the discomfort, tissue healing and results are most predictable. Often laser contouring can be done with no anesthesia or just a topical gel anesthetic.
Are there any downsides to cosmetic dentistry?
Some cosmetic dentistry is purely elective but much of cosmetic dentistry today is restoring broken down teeth with the latest tooth matching materials that are strong and look great. It is important to have an open discussion with your dentist about your preferences and limitations so your dentist can describe the benefits of the available treatment choices and cost differentials. This will help you make an informed choice which will enhance the health of your mouth and beauty of your smile.
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Dr. Robert A. Gallegos is a Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association and the American Academy of General Dentistry, he is on the faculty of the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, he is a mentor at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and a general member or Fellow of several dental organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gallegos practices dentistry in Middleburg, VA. You can learn more about his practice at www.MiddleburgSmiles.com and request a copy of this article at info@middleburgsmiles.com.