Contrary to what most people may think, cosmetic dentistry goes way beyond just checking the teeth for defects and fixing them.
Today, people engage in cosmetic dentistry simply because they wish to have an excellent set of teeth that would give them the perfect smile.
Why is this? You might want to ask. Well, the answer is quite simple.
Having a perfect smile is sure to attract a lot of favors for you, such as getting promoted at your workplace, landing a date, and even saving your life. The list is virtually endless.
A nice set of teeth is always sure to stand out anywhere. Hence, proper attention and care should be given to them.
This article looks at cosmetic dentistry, the types, and how they are important for a perfect smile.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a medical procedure that focuses on treating and cleaning the teeth, should they be stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
If you feel your teeth look a certain way that makes your face or mouth look awkward, with cosmetic dentistry, you can get them fixed, making you look much better in the process.
Moving on, cosmetic dentistry comes in various forms, with the most common being teeth whitening.
This is because quite a lot of people have discolored teeth due to the kind of food or drink they consume. As such, they visit a cosmetic dentist, seeking to make their teeth white and shiny for a better smile.
Below are the different types of cosmetic dentistry:
Teeth Whitening
Now, a lot of people are usually afraid to smile in public simply because of the discolored teeth that they have, which can be quite uncomfortable for themselves and others around them.
Thanks to teeth whitening, this problem has now become a thing of the past. Individuals who have difficulty smiling because of the state of their teeth can now visit a cosmetic dentist to apply for a teeth whitening procedure.
Also, if you are one of those wondering how expensive teeth whitening may be, you may be pleased to hear that teeth whitening is one of the least expensive teeth procedures to undertake.
For one, your teeth can be bleached with in-office products in your dentist’s office for about $500, or you could get teeth whitening products such as teeth whitening toothpaste at your local retail stores for a convenient in-home whitening for just $3–$50.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are usually more complicated than teeth whitening and cost more ($500-$1300 per tooth). For one, it is used by individuals who wish to improve their smile and at the same time protect their teeth from damage.
To do this, veneers (wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin) are used to cover the front surfaces of the teeth.
After that, a half millimeter of enamel is removed from the teeth's surface, causing the veneers to bond with the front of the teeth, changing their color and shape in the process.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are best used on an individual who has a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth.
Crowns are used in cases where a person has a damaged tooth to act as a substitute above the gum line and enhance the strength and aesthetics of the tooth.
A crown is used to hold the tooth in place to prevent it from breaking. Also, there are instances where an individual may have severely discolored teeth that may be unable to be fixed through teeth whitening.
In this case, crowns are used to cover them up, offering a better appearance by doing so.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays serve as alternatives to crowns and can be quite costly for some ($650-$1200). However, they are used as fillings for decayed teeth.
Inlays, in particular, are especially used to fill up the center of a tooth, while Onlays are used to fill up one or more points of the tooth.
These fillings help to preserve and protect whatever is left of the damaged teeth to prevent them from getting worse.
Tooth Implants
Tooth implants are done by cosmetic dentists to serve as a replacement for a missing tooth. These implants are usually made of titanium and are inserted into the bone socket.
This way, when the jawbone heals, it heals around the tooth implant, causing it to act as a tooth in the process.
This cosmetic dental procedure is quite expensive and could range anywhere from $1000 to $3000.
Dental Braces
Dental braces are tools that are used to correct a set of teeth that are not well aligned.
Having a set of teeth that are not well placed can sometimes lead to an awkward appearance, which is why most people try as much as possible to get them corrected.
This problem is usually more common among teenagers, which is why they are usually found putting on dental braces.
These braces are usually attached to the front of the teeth or the back of the teeth depending on the type of dental brace in question (traditional braces or lingual braces).
In addition, they are made of metallic wire and are used to put more pressure on the teeth and to help straighten them to give off an improved smile.
In terms of cost, they are quite expensive, generally falling in the range of $3000 to $10,000.
Conclusion
It is always advisable to visit a cosmetic dentist from time to time to know the state of your teeth through x-rays to detect possible problems that may be present within.
Also, cosmetic dentistry empowers you to feel more confident about your smile and generally improves your mood.
Having a good smile not only makes you look more attractive but also shows that your body is in a good place, and one way to prove this is by displaying a good set of teeth. It does not get any better than this.
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Thank youDeloris, your comment is much appreciated.