The Most Common Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many different ways that your dentist can improve your teeth through cosmetic dentistry. Each procedure can improve your smile drastically.
One procedure that is simple and reasonable is teeth whitening. Your teeth can be bleached either at your dentist’s office or at home with a mold and gels so you can bleach your teeth yourself. There are many over the counter whitening products for at-home whitening like toothpastes, rinses and whitestrips – however not all are effective and some are unsafe and harmful. Your best option is to have it done professionally by a dentist.
Another procedure to improve your smile is getting veneers. Veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin porcelain that cover your teeth. Your dentist will remove some enamel from the tooth and then will bond the veneers to your tooth to change the color, shape, size or length. Many celebrities have veneers to make picture perfect smiles. This procedure can be a little pricey but a great smile is worth it.
Bonding is similar to veneers. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet light, which bonds the material to the tooth and your dentist will trim, shape and polish the new tooth. This is a good alternative to fillings. Bonding will take about 30 to 60 minutes and costs less than veneers.
Another alternative is a dental crown. The crown fits over and replaces the damaged tooth and restores the shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns can keep your tooth from breaking further and can cover misshapen or discolored teeth. They can be made from metal, resin or ceramic.
Indirect fillings (inlays and onlays) can be made from gold, porcelain or other materials to fill decayed or damaged teeth. These fillings are shaped during an office visit but are created in a laboratory and then bonded by your dentist. When the material is bonded within the center of the tooth, it is an inlay. When the filling covers the biting surface, it is an onlay. These fillings preserve as much of the tooth and are an alternative to crowns.
Dental implants are another way to fix your smile. This procedure puts titanium screws into your jaw and when the jawbone heals, it secures the “root” and your new tooth is affixed to it.
A few other options are a bridge, which fills gaps by placing a false tooth in between your teeth; a denture, which is removable; braces which straighten crooked teeth.
If you’re considering any cosmetic dentistry procedures or think you’re suffering from tooth decay, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental, and make an appointment with Dr. Farinas-Han. Smiles by Bergen Dental offers a variety of cosmetic dental procedures, and Dr. Farinas-Han can help distinguish which is the best option for you.
Want a more beautiful smile? Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Farinas-Han at Smiles by Bergen Dental! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.
