6 Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures Explained
Cosmetic dentistry helps many people get a confident smile,
and also corrects many dental anomalies. Six of the most common cosmetic dental
procedures are…
1. Dental
bonding: This is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and
chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to
the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to
cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a
chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when
a minor tooth roughening is done. Dental bonding does not require more than one
visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental
restoration techniques.
2. Tooth
contouring and reshaping: This quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure
is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the
enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument
for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed. The
enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through
x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some
enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the
edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up
visit after the first visit.
3. Mouth
guards and night guards: These are plastic appliances that offer protection to
the mouth during sports and also while sleeping. Mouth guards disperse shock
caused by violent contact and thus protect the head and neck. They are prepared
using a cast of the teeth. The mouth guards can be stock, mouth-formed, or
custom-made. Night guards prevent bruxing between teeth during sleep. They are
ideal for people with worn teeth, those who suffer aches in the jaws, and
people with teeth that are sensitive to cold.
4. Halitosis
or bad breath: The breakdown of food particles by the bacteria present under
plaque, in the crevices on the tongue, and between teeth leads to the
generation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause bad breath.
Periodontal disease is also a cause of halitosis. Dentists determine the amount
of VSC being generated by using a halimeter. Treatment usually involves following
a prescribed oral hygiene routine that may include the use of irrigators,
artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, etc.
5. Tooth
whitening: This treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the
consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out
using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel
breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and
disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon
the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.
6. Crowns
and bridges: Teeth that need repair after an accident or excessive decay can be
treated by using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper
portion of the tooth. A bridge involves placing an alternate tooth that is held
in place using two crowns that are bonded on adjacent teeth.
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