Almost all individuals would like to have a beautiful smile and good dental health! This is now becoming more possible with the advances in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry used to be limited to either the very rich or those that were famous, such as actors and actresses. This type of dentistry now, thanks to advances in technology and techniques is now available to many more individuals worldwide. It is used to improve the appearance of teeth and to restore or replace broken or cracked teeth. Teeth can become cracked, chipped, or broken through accident or injury. Age also plays a factor as teeth become more brittle with age. There are many types of cosmetic dentistry now, to address all sorts of issues, with five major types being most prominent.
The five major types of cosmetic dentistry are:
- Inlays and Onlays. These are not regular fillings, but little “covers” which are placed over the tooth that needs repair and are created in a dental laboratory before a patient comes into a dentist’s office to have them placed on a tooth or on several teeth. They are a good alternative to having a tooth extracted. Enough tooth must remain intact though so that the inlay or onlay can be effectively placed. Composite materials based upon individual needs are used for these.
- Dental Veneers. These are made for the most part from a medical type ceramic material and are used to fill gaps, make teeth look straighter, and again, for repair of a cracked, broken, or cavity destroyed tooth. Veneers are simply glued onto the front of teeth and can resemble the patient’s own tooth almost exactly.
- Composite Bonding. This is perhaps the most affordable type of cosmetic dentistry, as a composite material is used to cover the tooth and the dentist then artistically forms the shape using dental utensils. It’s close to a dental filling but matches the color of existing teeth. It can enhance teeth that are worn down and slightly cracked, chipped, broken, or decayed.
- Teeth Whitening. This is perhaps the most sought-after type of cosmetic dentistry with millions of individuals worldwide looking to make their smiles lighter and brighter. It uses special dental solutions that are safe and is applied by a dentist usually. There are also kits available for whitening in major department stores or pharmacies, but the best results usually occur with a trip to a dentist specializing in this. Safer chemicals are used by cosmetic dentists and the skills needed bring better results.
Affordability is something to be considered in choosing to undergo cosmetic dentistry.
Costs can vary anywhere from a few hundred dollars USD to many thousands of dollars depending upon the number of teeth that are cosmetically enhanced and the types of cosmetic dentistry a patient needs or wants. Being budget-minded only is not a good idea as skill is required in this type of dentistry and good results might not bring the cheapest prices. Looking around for a skilled cosmetic dentist that also fits a patient’s budget is a great idea. Several consultations with many dentists can be done before choosing which dentist will perform the dental work.
Good dental health is important and can be achieved through cosmetic dentistry.
Good dental health not only assists in a good appearance, it also can prevent disease, and tooth loss. Bad and rotting teeth harbour germs, which can spread into the gums and even throughout the body. Inflammation and periodontal disease can be prevented by following good dental hygiene patterns and having teeth repaired and restored as soon as it becomes apparent there is a problem. Brushing at least twice daily, seeing a dentist for cleanings every six months, and avoiding sugary, and sticky foods also assists in the prevention of dental problems. But when dental problems occur, it is wise to visit a dentist immediately for either a filling or some type of cosmetic work to restore any teeth that are causing problems.
Overall, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restoration are now more common and more affordable.
The general population is seeking cosmetic dentistry now more than ever before. Each year the number of individuals seeking dental cosmetic procedures increases as society now knows of the benefits of this type of dentistry. Individuals are also more aware that better health can occur when they have a set of teeth that are taken care of.
Payment plans that are offered through dentists are helping with costs and looking good and feeling well are more sought after now by individuals. Improving the appearance of your smile and not being self-conscious about doing this can lead to greater socialization and better self esteem also. Looking into dental cosmetic work is something that more individuals are doing and the trend towards increased interest in this field continues. Inlays and onlays along with whitening lead the way in popularity and number of procedures with an astounding increase of over 395% in the past few years. All other procedures also have seen a great increase and this trend is very much still growing each year.
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