6 Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures Explained
January 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dental Care
Cosmetic dentistry not only corrects dental anomalies, but also helps give people higher self esteem and confidence. The term includes many procedures but let’s take a look at 6 common ones.
1) Bad breath. Also called halitosis can be very embarrassing. Trying to get close to someone can prove to be quite difficult if you suffer from this. There are bacteria under plaque, on your tongue and in between your teeth. These bacteria breaks down food particles left in your mouth which creates volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Dentists use a halimeter to determine the amount of VSC being generated. They can prescribe an oral hygiene routine which may include artificial saliva, irrigators and tongue scrapers.
2) Bonding. This process is used to fill in gaps, cover stains and hide chips. It involved applying a composite resin to the tooth. The resin is available in several shades to assure a natural look. It is then sculpted to cover the desired area and dried using a high intensity light or sometimes a chemical. Other than a minor tooth roughening, there is no discomfort or pain. The process usually only requires one office visit too. That coupled with the relative inexpensive nature of this procedure when compared to others make it a very common cosmetic dental alternative.
3) Tooth reshaping. Also called contouring, it is a quick and inexpensive procedure. Normally used to treat overlaps, grooves, chips and worn edges this procedure does usually require a follow up visit. It entails the removal of some enamel but only after the dentist has determined via X-Rays that the tooth is strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The dentist will then reform the tooth and finish up with smoothing or polishing the edges.
4) Guards. This process involves making a cast of the teeth. Mouth guards are then used to disperse shock caused by violent contact. They can be used while playing sports or even while sleeping for those patients that tend to grind their teeth. Use of a mouth guard not only protects your teeth but can alleviate pain in the head, neck and jaw.
5) Whitening. Using a bleaching gel, the dentist can remove stains caused by tea, coffee or smoking. The gel consists of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the severity of the discoloration. There are also many over the counter alternatives to teeth whitening as it has become one of the most common procedures.
6) Crowns or bridges. If a patient suffers excessive decay or an injury that causes a tooth to need repair, the dentist can use a crown, which is an artificial replacement of the upper portion of the tooth. A bridge, on the other hand, involves placing a replacement tooth and holding it in place using two crowns bonded to adjoining teeth.
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