Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments

For anyone, having the perfect smile can do a lot to raise their self-confidence and self-esteem. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in. This type of dentistry involves any dental procedure that improves the look of your smile.

Common types of cosmetic dentistry

When it comes to the perfect smile, there are a number of popular treatments available for your smile makeover.

Teeth Whitening – is the most popular cosmetic treatment. Eating, drinking, smoking or poor oral hygiene can result in the staining of teeth. To remove the stains involves treatments that requires the use of bleach or use of lasers to whiten teeth and enhance the appearance of your smile.

Teeth Straightening – is another treatment that can be used to improve the appearance or function of a person’s teeth. This treatment involves applying gentle pressure to your teeth by wearing a brace. The outcome is that it moves the teeth back into the right place. There are different types of braces available. Some of these can be taken out – Invisalign for example.

Bonding – is a process to repair teeth that are broken, chipped or discoloured. It involves applying enamel-like dental compound onto the surface of the tooth which is then shaped, hardened and polished. The result is that it blends in with the rest of the tooth’s surface.

Bridges – are false teeth designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. Two crowns that are on either side of the denture are used to hold it in place. Such treatment comes with risk and requires a commitment from the wearer to good oral hygiene.

Veneers – are custom-made porcelain laminates that are fused directly onto your teeth. They can help fix teeth that are chipped or discoloured. They can also contribute to straightening out teeth that are a little crooked.

Implants – are different to bridges. They replace teeth that are missing. Treatment involves surgically placing the implant in the jawbone and is permanent. Implants act as the anchor for an artificial tooth such as crowns, bridges and dentures.

What are the benefits?

Cosmetic dentistry treatments have advantages. Apart from improving self-confidence and self-esteem, other benefits include improving:

  • Appearance of teeth and gums.
  • A person’s bite.
  • Colour of teeth.
  • Shape and position of teeth.

Depending on the individual there may be other benefits that are specific to them.