The 9 Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is a term that refers to various forms of dental works carried out by dental professionals to improve the dental aesthetics of teeth. Although cosmetic dentistry does not focus on restoring teeth functionality, it improves their appearance in terms of color, shape, size, position and alignment, thus improving the general smile appearance of a person.

In the modern world, dental issues are likely to interfere with a person’s confidence and self-esteem, thus affecting their overall performance on daily activities and impacting their social life negatively. This creates the need to address these issues, and this gave rise to cosmetic dentistry in Plano, TX.

Cosmetic dentistry services are offered in Plano, TX, by Lutke Dental clinic.

What it Entails

According to dentists near you in Plano, cosmetic dentistry will involve:

• Addition of dental materials to the gums or the teeth
• Straightening of crooked teeth and improving their appearance
• Removal of gums or tooth structure – gingivectomy is one example of such
• Scaling
• Neither the removal nor the addition of tooth structure, dental materials or gums for instance during teeth bleaching

Since there is a myriad of cosmetic dentistry procedures available in today’s world, patients are advised to consult with their dentist when selecting the one to go for because not all procedures will have the best outcome for everyone. To make you understand better about these procedures, below is a list of the most popular procedures in this field and the issues they address.

The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Available Near You

• Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, customized porcelain laminates which are directly bonded to a person’s teeth. They are used to close gaps, alter the shape of teeth, or enhance their color, especially if they fail to respond to whitening products. For an optimal outcome, tooth reduction will be necessary, and so will be a diagnostic mock-up.

• Composite Bonding

This is a restorative procedure that repairs decayed, discolored, and damaged teeth using materials which resemble the enamel’s color. The decayed part is first drilled out, and then the composite is applied on the teeth’s surface. What follows next is the sculpting, which ensures the shape is right before a high-intensity light cures it.

• Teeth Reshaping

Teeth reshaping, also known as enamel reshaping, involves the removal of some parts of the teeth’s enamel by filing. This process changes the shape of one’s teeth, and the process itself is not painful. Its immediate effects make it preferable and an option for many people.

• Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening restores the natural appearance of teeth by getting rid of the plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the teeth’s surface.

• Inlays and Onlays

These are indirect fillings manufactured in a dental lab that act as a coat of protection to teeth that are suffering from mild decay. Composite resin is the material used in its making, and it’s usually fitted directly on the teeth/tooth surface to strengthen it, restore its shape, and prevent further decay.

• Dental Implants

An implant is a metallic device usually made of titanium that serves the purpose of replacing missing teeth. This device is placed surgically in the jawbone at the locality of the missing tooth. By acting as a tooth root, implants will anchor an artificial tooth such as a bridge, denture, or a crown.

• Bite Reclamation

This procedure is mostly for people who have teeth that have worn out excessively as a result of acid reflux or years of grinding. The excessive wear alters the teeth’s vertical dimensions giving the bearer a shorter or a closed appearance to their smile and face. To restore their natural look, the vertical dimensions have to be reclaimed by a qualified dental professional.

• Gum Lifts

Gum lift refers to a dental procedure carried out to sculpt and raise a person’s gum line. During the procedure, the underlying bones or the gum tissue is reshaped, giving one a better smile appearance and teeth that are more symmetrical.

• Teeth Straightening

There are various ways of straightening overlapped or crowded teeth, and the most popular these days are Invisalign® which has provided an alternative option to traditional braces. Some of the reasons for its popularity are; they are removable thus making them easier to clean, they are more comfortable, and it’s “clear” property makes them harder to spot thus offering some privacy to its users.