8 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

You've most probably come across the term "cosmetic dentistry" and are wondering how it's different from general dentistry and other dental procedures. In this blog, we will be talking about the role of cosmetic dentistry and the more common cosmetic dental procedures.

What are Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

• Teeth Whitening

• Dental Crowns

• Dental Bridges

• Veneers

• Tooth Bonding

• White Fillings

• Inlays and Onlays

• Teeth Straightening

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Also known as aesthetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry refers to the procedures designed to improve the appearance of the mouth, including the teeth and gums. While it’s not as essential compared to other branches of dentistry from a physiological standpoint, cosmetic procedures can do wonders for boosting a patient’s confidence.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve your Smile?

The term ‘cosmetic dentists’ is not a Dental Board-approved dental specialty and therefore, doesn’t require any additional education. On the other hand, a specialist prosthodontist attends additional years of University education to specialise in dental rehabilitation services which include cosmetic dentistry. General dentists can also offer cosmetic dentistry by having an interest in cosmetics and attending various courses. From replacing missing or broken teeth to restoring your smile’s natural shade, the dentists and prosthodontists at Pinnacle Dental Group can offer cosmetic dentistry procedures that make it easier for people to smile, speak and chew.

What Are Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

Here are some of the most sought-after and recommended cosmetic dental services to help improve the overall quality of your smile:

Teeth Whitening

Professional in-chair teeth whitening is a robust alternative to over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This relatively simple procedure involves removing surface plaque and coating the teeth with a whitening solution.

• The teeth whitening dentist takes note of your teeth’s current shade.

• A pumice polisher is used to remove plaque from the teeth’s surface.

• Various implements, such as gauze and retractors, may keep your teeth dry and protect your gums.

• The teeth are then coated with a whitening solution, such as hydrogen peroxide.

• Most whitening procedures are aided by a light or laser to activate the bleaching compound.

• After three to four rounds, the teeth are rinsed.

• An application of fluoride may be used to ease teeth sensitivity from the procedure.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that covers a broken tooth. It closely resembles the appearance of your natural teeth and may be fashioned from several materials:

• Ceramic including porcelain and zirconia

• Composite

• Metal

Your dentist will factor in a number of variables to determine the best type of crown for your tooth:

• Where the broken teeth are located

• Position of the surrounding gum tissue

• The function of the tooth that needs replacement

• Colour of the surrounding teeth

• How much of the natural tooth is still intact

Crowns are often used when the tooth’s damage or cavity is too big for fillings. Additionally, crowns are an excellent option for teeth that are cracked, weakened, or severely worn down.

Dental Bridges

Much like dental crowns, a dental bridge plays the role of replacing severely worn-down or broken teeth. But unlike dental crowns that are fitted over the original tooth, dental bridges replace missing teeth and are supported by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. There are four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional Dental Bridge

• Cantilever Dental Bridge

• Maryland Dental Bridge

• Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

Missing teeth can affect you in many ways. Aside from being noticeable when smiling, missing teeth can affect the way you speak, chew, and the alignment of the rest of your teeth. A dental bridge can quickly address these issues. Speak with your dentist to discuss if a crown or a bridge would be an ideal choice for your situation.

Veneers

Either made from porcelain or composite material, veneers are a protective layer placed over a tooth. These thin, shell-like restorations cover the front surface of the tooth to improve their appearance. There are many reasons why a tooth gets discoloured over time, and veneers are usually used to address these issues.

Additionally, veneers can be used to fill gaps between teeth, fix minor chips, and cover misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.

Tooth Bonding

A tooth bonding treatment is a relatively simple procedure used to restore chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth. Essentially, your dentist will use a shade guide to choose the resin colour for your tooth and attaches the moulded resin to the original tooth.

From fixing small gaps to repairing decays, cracks, and discolouration, tooth bonding is an option that can get you in and out of the dental office quickly.

White Fillings

Dental fillings are probably one of the most commonly known dental procedures. This minimally invasive procedure is used to fill in decayed or broken portions of teeth.

Compared to other silver fillings and other materials, white fillings look more natural and inconspicuous. This hardly noticeable material is excellent for fixing small cavities and minor cracks on your teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are an alternative to getting crowns and fillings. When fillings are not enough and crowns seem too much, dental inlays and onlays sit right in the middle. This solution is more robust than fillings but not as intrusive as dental crowns.

Inlays will fill in cavities and hollow spaces on a tooth, while onlays function much like crowns, but they don’t cover the entire tooth’s surface. Onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns by how they function. The only difference is that they only cover a portion as opposed to the entire tooth.

Teeth Straightening

While metal braces may be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to aligning crooked teeth, a number of options are also available:

• Ceramic Braces

• Invisible Braces

• Lingual Braces

• Teeth-Straightening Surgery

Whatever option your dentist recommends, these are all meant to set your teeth straight and make sure that they’re all properly aligned.

Cosmetic Dentist Sydney

We understand how important a perfect smile is for most people. This is why we make it a point to offer premier Cosmetic Dentistry Services across Miranda. At Pinnacle Dental Group, we employ a strong focus on providing cosmetic dental care to improve your smile and confidence.

We keep abreast with the industry’s latest techniques and technologies in order to provide the most efficient and effective dental services possible. Get in touch with us today for a consultation.