Along time ago, if you lost a tooth or your teeth were black, that was that. There was nothing you could do. Now, thanks to new science and technology, we have the wonderful field of cosmetic dentistry.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a series of dental techniques used to improve the physical appearance of your bite, gums, and (most importantly) teeth. But what exactly does it have to offer you?
There are two main fields of cosmetic dentistry: prosthodontics and orthodontics. Prosthodontics is mainly focused on the diagnosis and treatment of planning the comfort and appearance of your teeth. It also provides guidance for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the teeth in order to maintain proper oral functions. Orthodontics, on the other hand—as you are probably well aware if you have ever had braces—is concerned with fixing the structure of the bite, which can be caused due to any irregularities of the teeth or jaw, including crooked teeth (much to your teenage self’s dismay).
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
One of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry is the addition of an extra tooth or tooth-like material. This will help fill in gaps between the teeth or gums in case of loss. These include crowns, gum grafts, bridges, and more. In contrast, the other type of cosmetic dentistry often requires the removal of extra teeth or gum. The most common examples of this are gingivectomy and enameloplasty.
The last type of cosmetic dentistry involves neither addition or removal. Instead it works with the material already present in your mouth. This includes teeth whitening or tooth alignment. There can be some overlap between these types, as well as prosthodontics and orthodontics.
Common Cosmetic Dental Treatments
- Teeth whitening
Perhaps the most common treatment is teeth whitening. If you have yellow teeth, this is what you are looking for. The dentist applies a tooth-colored bleach that helps return your teeth to their natural color. It is also known as the tooth bleaching.
- Tooth reshaping
Tooth reshaping actually involves the removal of some of the enamel or the placement of some tooth-like fake enamel to improve the tooth’s appearance.
For these treatments and more stop in to New Smiles and meet with Dr. Nathan Doyel.
