As the name suggests, people who want to improve the look of their smile go for cosmetic dentistry. The usual services include teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers. Unlike general dentistry, which includes preventive services such as cleanings and restorations such as fillings, crowns, and bridges, cosmetic dentistry is all about aesthetics. For cosmetic dentistry services, get in touch with a Monterey, CA dentist.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate for cosmetic dentistry depends on the specific needs of the person. For someone with chipped, discolored, malformed, or misaligned teeth, cosmetic dentistry is best suited. Anyone who has healthy teeth can go for cosmetic dentistry. But make sure to get your cavities and gum diseases treated, if any. Once your oral health is restored, you can go for cosmetic treatments.
Types of cosmetic dentistry you can go for:
As we already understand, the ultimate goal of cosmetic dentistry is to achieve a balanced and pleasant smile. Some of the common cosmetic dentistry services to improve aesthetics include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and contouring.
Teeth whitening and dental bonding:
People usually go for teeth whitening to remove stains from foods and drinks. Of all the treatments, teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure.
Dental bonding is a good option for those who want to conceal flaws without removing enamel.
If you are going for teeth whitening, there are options for in-office and at-home whitening treatments. In regards to dental bonding, it is a reversible procedure that employs tooth-colored resin to repair and shape teeth. On top of that, dental bondings last for about 5-7 years.
Tooth and gum contouring:
Other cosmetic dentistry services include porcelain veneers, tooth contouring, and gum contouring. So, what are porcelain veneers? These are ceramic shells that are attached to teeth and are used to cover any sort of chip, fissure, or discoloration. On the other hand, traditional and minimal prep veneers require enamel removal that may or may not be reversible. Porcelain veneers have a 10-year lifespan.
What about tooth contouring? It is a procedure that molds teeth by removing enamel. On the other hand, gum contouring removes extra gum tissue to give people a more symmetrical grin.
Final thoughts:
Going for cosmetic dentistry? Remember that while the treatments are primarily focused on appearance, restorative procedures can also improve appearance. If you want to go for dental braces, they can help improve both the bite and appearance, while dental crowns will help restore fractured teeth.
