3 Cosmetic Dental Services And Why You Might Want Them
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and has become an integral part of 21st-century dentistry. From sportspersons to celebrities, many flaunt their radiant smiles nowadays, inspiring others to improve their appearance, too.
Several dental procedures fall under cosmetic dental services that can enhance your facial appearance. Knowing the common processes can help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile.
According to a survey, 86 percent of patients seek cosmetic treatment to boost self-esteem and attractiveness.
Below are the three most common cosmetic dental services and how they can benefit you:
Teeth Whitening
Receiving pearly white, shiny teeth is now as easy as the ABC with teeth whitening procedures. Extrinsic stains from food and drinks and developmental deformities (fluorosis of the teeth) can discolor your teeth. The simple solution to these unsightly, stained teeth is whitening.
Dental bleaching procedures are common practice and help people feel good about themselves by giving them a bright set of teeth. You can try natural remedies (baking soda, activated charcoal, etc.) to gain a whiter tone, but professional whitening procedures are the most effective and safest for the general public.
There are two types of teeth whitening procedures, which are as follows:
In-Office Dental Bleaching
The most reliable method of getting rid of tarnished teeth surfaces is to get in-office bleaching at a dental clinic. The dentist applies a high concentration of bleaching agents (hydrogen peroxide) to change the shade of your teeth.
Some dentists use light-activated bleaches that need a specific wavelength of light to work, while others use chemically activated chemicals. A meta-analysis reveals that both commercially available dental bleaching methods are equally effective in improving color.
It is a quick process, so you don’t have to take a leave from work. The bleaching activity completes within half an hour; however, the whole process might take you an hour (in total).
At-Home Whitening
American adults spend about $1.5 billion on domestic whitening kits. At-home whitening kits and strips are available online and offline. You can also get whitening rinses, but the efficacy is considerably lower than strips.
The concentration of bleaching agents in domestic whitening kits is less than in the dental office but needs extra precautions to stay safe. Research shows that in-office bleaching has better color rebound than traditional home kits. Apart from this, both methods have similar results.
However, take-home teeth whitening trays must be worn diligently. They take about a week or two to get the desired results.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Some of the most prominent benefits of teeth whitening are as follows:
- In-office whitening is a safe procedure with minimal side effects
- Whiter teeth significantly boost self-esteem
- Quick and highly effective
- The effects of bleaching last long
Risks of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is generally a very safe cosmetic dental procedure. However, some minor side effects or risks include:
- Gum sensitivity
- At-home whitening trays, with incorrect usage, can lead to gum irritation
Dental Veneers
Another way to mask your unpleasant teeth and boast a Hollywood-style smile is dental veneers. Many people opt for dental veneers to fix their slightly crooked teeth instead of receiving costly orthodontic treatments like braces.
Dental veneers are specially designed shells that fit onto your tooth surfaces. These prosthetic materials are used for fixing various types of tooth anomalies.
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Worn-down teeth (that have undergone attrition or other forms of wear and tear)
- Malpositioned teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
Such snap-on restorations effectively cover your dental defects without much hassle. Veneers require minimal preparation and can be placed in a few minutes. Customized veneers are designed by dental laboratories and fixed by the dentist on the next visit.
They are made from two types of materials:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is a ceramic that has gained popularity in the veneers world. Studies portray the vitrified glass ceramic as an excellent aesthetic restoration for flawed teeth. The aesthetics of porcelain veneers are great, and their durability is appreciable.
Some researchers found the longevity of porcelain veneers to be up to even twelve years. A 2023 study concludes that ceramic veneers have satisfactory clinical performance for all teeth.
Composite Veneers
Composite fillings are common in general restorative dentistry. They are made of composite resin but are less durable than porcelain veneers. However, composite is a viable option for young patients seeking to cover minor cracks or chips in the teeth.
These resin-based veneers are either directly applied to the teeth (direct composite veneers) or prepared in a dental laboratory (indirect composite veneers). The best thing about composite veneers is that they are budget-friendly.
Benefits of Veneers
Porcelain veneers and composite veneers have the following benefits:
- They impart a natural look by matching the shade of the teeth
- Cover a range of dental defects, including cracks, chipped teeth, and gaps
- The materials resist staining
- Minimally invasive
- They cost less than crown/bridges
There are not many risks associated with veneers. However, you might experience some sensitivity. Despite their resilience, veneers can also chip and crack.
Dental Implants
Dental implants do not technically fall under the cosmetic category, but they can enhance your facial profile by replacing missing teeth. An implant is a medical device that replaces a missing tooth. A screw is surgically fitted into the jaw and serves as a root for the artificial tooth, typically a crown that attaches to it.
Titanium and zirconia are the prevalent materials used to manufacture implants. Your dentist will decide what type of implant suits your specific condition.
Traditional Implants
The dentist surgically places the implant screw in your jawbone and lets it (become part of the bone. This process takes three to six months, after which the crown portion is fixed to the implant.
Mini Implants
A cheaper and more convenient alternative to traditional implants is a mini implant. These replacement teeth are smaller in size and placed in areas with insufficient bone density.
Benefits
Some reasons to consider implants include:
- Impart a natural look
- More long-lasting than dentures
- Permanently replace missing teeth
- Timely replacement of extracted tooth prevents bone loss
Risks
As a surgical procedure, dental implants carry a few risks, including:
- Infection
- Sinus rupture
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage
The careful approach and expertise of the dentist minimize the risks and side effects.
Are You Looking for High-Quality Dental Cosmetic Services?
If you are looking for top-notch cosmetic dentistry services, call us at Grove City Dental. Our dentists are expertly trained for any oral checkups and procedures for children and adults. Contact us to schedule an appointment or receive a referral.