Learn the Basic Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry

For many people a perfect smile can be the most powerful tool they have, an entrée into professions like acting or modeling, a trust-builder in professions like real estate or retail sales, or just a way to strike a long-lasting friendship or warm a hard heart. Unless you're born with absolutely perfect teeth, that winning smile may need to be created through cosmetic dentistry. Modern cosmetic dental surgery is readily available and can create almost miraculous results.

Procedures Involved in Cosmetic Dentistry

The phrase "cosmetic dentistry" dentistry actually covers a number of procedures including:

Tooth Whitening. Tooth whitening is also referred to as tooth bleaching and involves lightening the teeth and removing stains. This procedure can be done inside the dental office or you may be given a kit with whitening materials and a training session on how to use them appropriately.
Dental Bonding. Teeth that have become chipped, cracked, broken, stained, or are spaced too far apart may benefit from this advanced cosmetic dentistry procedure. A tooth-colored material is applied or bonded to the surface of the tooth to repair the given defect. Find a cosmetic dentist for dental bonding.
Tooth Reshaping and Contouring. This procedure involves the removal of the tooth's enamel to modify the shape and surface of the teeth. Frequently bonding and reshaping and contouring are performed as joint procedures.
Tooth Veneers. In this dental procedure, thin, custom-made shells are designed to wrap the front of the tooth to correct discoloration and to fill spaces between the teeth. Using a tooth veneer is also the preferred cosmetic dentistry for buck teeth.
Braces. Although once used only in children and adolescents, braces are now being widely used to adjust crooked teeth in adults. This cosmetic dentistry procedure and relieve crowded teeth and align teeth the don't meet properly.

While each of these procedures is effective in its own right, it may take a combination of methods to truly create a dazzling, perfect smile. It's a good idea to visit with your dental professional about which procedures are most likely to correct your specific problems. Since none of these procedures are inexpensive, it would also be a good idea to find out which, if any, will be covered by your insurance or if it's time to start saving your pennies for whitening or straightening.

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