Cosmetic Dentistry: The Different Types Explained

Research suggests that the amount of money spent on cosmetic dentistry in the US has doubled in the last five years. More and more Americans are turning to these dental services as a way to achieve a better smile and improved oral health.

But what is cosmetic dentistry and what difference does it make to a patient's smile?

In this article, we'll cover the cosmetic dentistry meaning and the different services it entails. Read on for everything you need to know about cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to a range of dental services that can improve the appearance of your smile, as well as the integrity of your teeth. As well as the obvious aesthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry improves oral health and can make a huge difference to those suffering from low self-esteem.

There are many reasons why cosmetic dentistry might be a good solution. Those who have suffered from accidents, a disease, or poor dental care, are all examples of people who can benefit from our cosmetic dentistry services.

If a patient feels self-conscious about any of the following issues, cosmetic dentistry can help restore confidence and allow them to show off a dazzling smile:

• Discolored teeth
  
• Cracked teeth
  
• Missing teeth
  
• Misaligned or misshapen teeth

Let's start off by answering the question: what are dental veneers? Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are applied to the front of a tooth.

There are many benefits of veneers, as they can cover up cracks, discolored teeth, or gaps between teeth and leave the patient with a totally natural-looking tooth. A tiny amount of enamel is removed from the tooth's surface, then the veneer is bonded to the tooth.

Veneers are a very popular choice and are a great way to fix the appearance of a tooth that is making the patient too shy or insecure to smile freely.

At Dental Arts of Salem, we also offer the option to get Lumineers fitted to your teeth. These work in a similar way to veneers, however, there is no need to have tooth enamel removed when opting for Lumineers.

Getting both veneers and Lumineers is a very easy process, but a local anesthetic is sometimes advised to allow the patient to relax during the procedure.

Teeth whitening is a great option for those who are happy with the shapes and spacing of their teeth but are looking to get the perfect bright white smile. Teeth whitening is a straightforward process that your dentist can carry out for you to avoid yellow-looking or discolored teeth.

Teeth can become discolored through years of smoking or drinking coffee, as well as from insufficient dental hygiene.

At Dental Arts of Salem, we use Zoom! teeth whitening that will greatly improve the color of your teeth in an appointment of just one hour. For patients who already wear veneers or crowns, your dentist can make sure your teeth have a uniform color for a natural-looking smile.

Dental crowns are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. They are required when a tooth is too damaged or weak to be fixed by a veneer.

We use a special Lava dental crown which offers patients the perfect combination of durable teeth and a natural appearance. Our crowns are created from a mix of zirconia, glass, and ceramic materials which sustains the function of your existing tooth for years to come!

Crowns are the perfect solution to protect and strengthen severely cracked and damaged teeth, without having to replace the natural tooth with a denture. Your dentist will take a mold of your tooth to be sent to a laboratory. You will then be able to have a crown fitted that has been specifically created for your mouth.

Dental crowns are a permanent solution for cracked teeth. They do not last forever, but their longevity can be extended through careful eating habits and good dental hygiene.

At Dental Arts of Salem , we also offer laser surgery as a cosmetic dental procedure. This treatment is used to lengthen the natural crown of a patient's tooth and does not involve applying a veneer or any artificial cap.

Rather, when a patient feels conscious about the smaller size of their teeth and feels they have a 'gummy' smile, laser surgery is the perfect solution to expose more of the tooth.

Also known as laser gum contouring, this treatment lifts and evens the gum line, to result in a full and bright smile. It is a low-pain procedure and doesn't require any form of anesthetic.

Healing times are quick after laser surgery, and there is little bleeding and rarely a need for stitches.

The final type of cosmetic dentistry to discuss is dental fillings. Thanks to advances in the field of dentistry, we have come a long way since the days of metallic fillings which are easily visible in the mouth.

Tooth-colored fillings made from a composite resin now allow patients to fix cavities or decayed teeth while maintaining a natural appearance.

Fillings can be categorized as inlays and onlays. Inlay fillings are bonded to the center of the tooth, while onlay fillings make contact with the biting surface of the tooth.

Dental fillings are a great choice when the patient is satisfied with the front appearance of a tooth (in which case a crown could be fitted) and simply requires the tooth to be strengthened. Some fillings will need to be molded in the laboratory in advance of being fitted, while others can be done directly by your dentist during the appointment.

If you'd like to know more about how cosmetic dentistry can help improve your smile, Dental Arts of Salem is here to help. One of our experienced dentists can talk you through the different options available and help you develop a treatment plan.