Six Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures Explained

 Cosmetic dentistry helps many people achieve a confident smile and also corrects many dental abnormalities. Six of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are:

1. Filling teeth:

This is done to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chipping. This process involves applying a synthetic resin material to the tooth. The material, available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried with intense light or chemicals. This process is not uncomfortable for the patient unless minor tooth grinding is performed. Dental bonding requires no more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive compared to other tooth restoration techniques.

2. Orthopedic and prosthetic teeth:

This quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure is used to correct dental problems such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing tool to remove a small amount of enamel and the tooth is restored. Enamel removal is done only after the dentist has confirmed with X-rays that the tooth in need of repair is strong enough to resist enamel loss. This process is completed by smoothing and polishing the edges of the newly shaped tooth. This process often requires a follow-up visit after the initial visit.

3. Mouth guard and night guard:

These are plastic devices that help protect the mouth while playing sports and also while sleeping. The mouth guard reduces shocks from strong contact and thus protects the head and neck. They are prepared using a set of teeth. Jaw guards can be stock, oral or custom. Night protection prevents grinding between teeth during sleep. They are ideal for people with tooth wear, those with jaw pain and those with teeth that are sensitive to cold.

4. Halitosis or bad breath:

The breakdown of food particles by bacteria present under plaque, in the crevices of the tongue and between teeth leads to the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that cause bad breath. Periodontal disease is also a cause of bad breath. Dentists determine the amount of VSC produced using a hygrometer. Treatment usually involves following a prescribed oral hygiene routine, which may include the use of irrigators, artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, and more.

5. Teeth whitening:

This treatment is very helpful to get rid of spots that appear due to drinking tea, coffee, tobacco and alcohol. Bleaching is done using a bleaching gel, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide. The broken gel releases oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and break down the stains. The time it takes for results to appear depends on the source of the stain and ranges from a few hours to several weeks.

6. Crowns and bridges:

Teeth that need to be repaired after an accident or excessive decay can be treated using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper part of the tooth. A bridge involves placing a replacement tooth that is held in place using two crowns that are attached to adjacent teeth.