Cosmetic Dentistry

Some of the specialties of cosmetic dentistry may include adding material to teeth or gums such examples include:

•Teeth whitening or bleaching
•Teeth straightening
•Bonding
•Porcelain veneers
•Crowns
•Gum crafts
•Removal of tooth structures or gums (which is also known as Enameloplasty or Gingivectomy)

The most common cosmetic dental procedure is teeth whitening. Although over-the-counter products are available to whiten the teeth, dental supervised treatments are recommended for best results.

In tooth reshaping, the dentist removes part of the enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth. There are different procedures for tooth reshaping such as correcting chips in the teeth or to alter the shape, length, and position of the teeth. It can also be used to correct crooked teeth or overly elongated teeth. Under certain circumstances this procedure offers quick results and may be used as a substitute to braces.

Bonding is the process used when enamel-like dental material is applied to the tooth surface. It is then sharpened and hardened and then polished. Dental bridges are false teeth, known as pontics which are fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in one area of a missing tooth. The two crowns bridging the tooth are attached to the teeth on the sides of the false tooth. This is also known as a fixed bridge. This procedure can be used to fix one or more missing teeth. Unlike dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth. Bridges can help reduce gum disease help correct some bite issues or even improve speech. With proper hygiene, bridges can last over ten years.

Veneers are thin, custom made laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. This can help to close gaps or disguise colored teeth. A gum lift raises the sculpt of the gum line. This involves reshaping tissue or underlying bones to create the appearance of more symmetrical teeth. In the past, dental fillings were made of gold and other metals. Some of these were even combined with porcelain and other dental material. The reason these were so popular is that they had the appearance of a neutral tooth surface and color, unlike silver fillings.