All You Need to know about Cosmetic Dentistry


young girl sitting in dental chair

Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in recent times. People choose to undergo these procedures for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to just look better, while for others it is a health necessity. Apart from looks, cosmetic dentistry can also improve speech and bite strength among others. Whatever the reason for undergoing these procedures, it helps to know what you can expect from them. It is vital that you know how much these procedures cost and what you stand to gain from them beforehand. Also keep in mind that a lot of these cosmetic dentistry procedures are temporary and your problems can recur.

Following are some of the most common procedures:

Bonding

If you have excess space between your teeth or they are chipped, cracked, or broken, bonding can improve them. The procedure is pretty simple and takes very little time – most of the time just a single sitting with your dentist. Tooth-colored bonding materials and composite resins are usually made use of. Bonding can last for years but you should know that this type of restoration is more prone to staining and chipping.

Crowns

These completely cover misshapen teeth restoring their normal shape and function. They are usually made of ceramic, resin, metal, or porcelain materials. These are more expensive than most tooth restoration techniques and are usually prescribed by dentists as the last resort. They take more than one setting to complete. If you take good care of them, permanent crowns can last for a very long time.

Enamel Contouring and Shaping

This is usually performed if you have healthy teeth that look awkward. The process is usually combined with bonding to correct overlapped or crooked teeth, irregular or chipped teeth, and minor bite issues.

Dental Implants

Dental implants, though expensive, are a permanent solution for missing teeth. An dental professional would surgically implant these to your jaw bone. This is a rather lengthy process which involves several diagnostic tests, taking the impression of your jaws, creating dentures and so on.

There are also several other common cosmetic dentistry procedures such as bracing, whitening of teeth, correction of uneven gum line, lengthening or shortening of teeth, covering exposed roots, and correction of indentations in jaw bone or gums. The important thing is to sit with your dentist, explain your problems, and seek solutions that suit you the best. Never forget to ask about the limitations of the procedure and get a realistic idea of what you can expect out of them to avoid disappointment later.

For any other questions regarding your cosmetic dental options, don’t hesitate to contact Hinsdale Dental today!

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