Composite White Fillings
It might be cheating to include fillings on this list, but nowadays they do have a large aesthetic component. There was a time when fillings were not the same color as teeth. However, that time has passed. Dentists can now blend plastics and glasses to make a strong, naturally colored filling that is practically indistinguishable from your tooth.
Fillings are meant to support the tooth and make sure the remaining structure does not decay further. They also help to insulate the tooth from swings in temperature, which is important because when your tooth wears away and the pulp or nerve is exposed you become extra sensitive to hot and cold.
Teeth Whitening
There are a few ways for a dentist to whiten a patients teeth, but the most common practice involves a custom tray that holds a blend of hydrogen-peroxide. Going to a dentist and getting a professional and personal tray made is crucial because these chemicals are harmful to your gums and if they come in contact with them they can cause gum disease. Many of the home whitening kits have generic trays that do a poor job of containing the gel. Whitening usually takes 2-4 weeks, and several procedures, but the results are worth it! So remember, if you want a whiter smile, go a professional to have it done.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, which are sometimes made of a plastic porcelain hybrid, are used to change the shape and color of the front sides of the teeth. They are usually recommended for patients who want to improve their smile and have cracked or chipped teeth, gaps in between their teeth, are permanently stained, are poorly shaped or slightly crooked. Contrary to what most people think, veneers are not expensive, almost always costing less than crowns and lasting longer than bonding.
Crowns
Crowns are a great way to target an individual tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth and is both a cosmetic fix and a health related fix. If your tooth is damaged or weakened, even if it has since been corrected with a filling, a root canal, or dental implant, it can still be a good idea to have a tooth crowned. It adds an extra level of protection. Related, if your tooth is damaged or worn and you want to upgrade its appearance, getting a crown can be the perfect solution.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the last procedure to round out the five most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States. It is generally used to correct gaps in a patients teeth, but can also correct the appearance of a chipped, stained or cracked tooth. In the procedure the dentist will apply a special type of resin to your tooth, giving a naturally healthy look.
No matter which procedure you choose to have done, make sure it is with a dentist you trust. Cosmetic dentistry is almost always elective, so there would be nothing worse than being left with a worse set of teeth than the ones you started out with.
Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.
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