The amazing advances in dentistry over the last few decades have made cosmetic dentistry into a sort of plastic surgery for teeth. Several treatments that are now done on a regular basis were in their infancy not so long ago.
Let’s take a look at five of the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry treatments today:
1. Composite Bonding
This refers to the process of repairing teeth by filling cracks, holes, and cavities using composite material – and this material matches the natural color of teeth. After drilling out the decay, a dentist mixes tooth-colored putty-like resin that is applied, sculpted, and smoothed into the shape of the tooth it is fixing.
Once the final shape is reached, the dentist uses a special light to harden the repair. Once it is hardened, the dentist checks the bite for any high spots; anything that does not feel comfortable to the patient can be filed down until it feels correct. The dentist then polishes it to match the surrounding teeth.
2. Dental Implants
A dental implant is not only cosmetic in nature but also restorative. It helps to prevent teeth from shifting into a gap created by a missing tooth, and an implant also enhances a smile – so instead of seeing a gap, the patient has a crown that looks like a regular, perfect tooth.
The surgical process of dental implants involves drilling a hole into the jawbone and implanting a post into the jawbone. After that, a dental lab will make a crown that fits securely onto the head of the implant.
3. Porcelain Veneers
One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is having dental veneers. These veneers are thin porcelain surfaces that are specially formed in a lab using a mold that was taken of the patient’s teeth – each tooth that needs a veneer. The veneers are then bonded onto the front of the individual teeth that need resurfacing.
Veneers are often used for people who have stubborn stains, uneven teeth, thin gaps between teeth, cracks, or pitting. Almost all of the original tooth is still present.
4. Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening has become incredibly popular – the industry now takes in over $3.2 billion a year for this treatment alone. This can include special whitening toothpaste, whitening trays, strips, and more. The safest way to get teeth whitened is by a dentist.
5. Teeth Straightening – Invisalign Clear Aligners
Most people who wear braces do so as youngsters, either in middle school or high school. But more and more people are now correcting their crooked teeth well into adulthood.
Straightening teeth can now be done using far less invasive techniques like Invisalign® clear aligners. Similar in appearance to a dental retainer, Invisalign works well for people who only have slightly crooked teeth.
These clear aligners are custom-created using 3-D imaging software. Each set is worn for two weeks before switching to the next-sized set.
Invisalign can be removed to eat, drink, and for brushing. Otherwise, they need to be worn at least 22 hours a day to gain a full effect.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Minnesota
Whether you want implants, whitening, straightening, bonding, or porcelain veneers, Dr. Hagerman of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to make your smile look perfect.
Contact us today at (651) 646-2392 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain an amazing smile.