Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentist in bismarck nd are dental professionals who focus on enhancing the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Many cosmetic dentistry procedures are solely cosmetic, but some types of cosmetic treatments also contribute to restoring the function and mechanics of the mouth and teeth. Cosmetic dentists collaborate with patients to figure out the best way to restore the patient’s smile to its dazzling, confident self, which can dramatically boost a person’s self-esteem and confidence and, by extension, their quality of life. Due to the largely elective nature of cosmetic dentistry, however, many of these procedures are not covered or are covered only minimally by dental insurance. Because of the enhancements they provide, most patients report that the benefits of cosmetic dentistry far outweigh their cost. If you’re thinking about a cosmetic dentistry procedure, talk to your dentist about your options to learn what’s recommended for you.
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments is teeth whitening. As people age, their teeth can lose their shine and be discolored by certain foods, beverages, or medications, or because of habits like smoking. Teeth whitening is an affordable, convenient option for people who want to brighten their smile. The treatment can be completed in your dentist’s office, and in many cases, only a single visit is necessary. Before the dentist begins the whitening treatment, the dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth, removing any traces of bacteria, tartar, and debris from the surfaces of the teeth. Once the teeth have been prepared, the dentist applies a bleaching agent to the surfaces of the teeth, which is held to the teeth for a selected period of time with a plastic tray. There are also at-home options for people who want to whiten their teeth, though these are usually less effective than professional whitening treatments.
Ceramic inlays and onlays, dental veneers, and composite bonding are all cosmetic dentistry procedures that can restore the appearance of the teeth in a more holistic way than merely whitening or brightening the teeth. Inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings and are made of tooth-colored resin in a dental laboratory. These are cemented onto the teeth and are used to cover and protect areas of mild or moderate decay or where the tooth structure is compromised for another reason. Inlays cover damage at the center of the tooth, and onlays cover the biting surface of the tooth, protecting and strengthening compromised teeth while restoring their shape, function, and appearance. Dental veneers are thin sheets of ceramic material that are custom-made to fit over the front of a person’s natural tooth. Veneers are bonded to the front of each tooth with medical adhesive, and they can be used to camouflage damaged or crooked teeth, severely discolored teeth, or gaps between two teeth. The composite bonding procedure uses tooth-colored composite material to repair flawed or decayed teeth. The dentist removes any areas of decay and then sculpts the bonding material into shape, curing it with a special light. Bonding can be an effective and affordable way to restore areas of decay or to repair chips, cracks, or worn-down areas in the teeth.
Dental implants are a popular choice for people who want to replace teeth that have fallen out or teeth that are irreparably damaged. Dental implants are tiny titanium or zirconia cylinders that are surgically implanted into the jaw where a tooth is missing. As the bone surrounding a dental implant heals, the implant becomes a permanent part of the jaw – just like a healthy tooth root. Once the bone has fully healed, a dental crown is affixed to the attachment apparatus at the top of the dental implant, creating a long-lasting replacement tooth that looks and acts just like a healthy natural tooth. Dental implants are highly successful, but gum disease can cause dental implants to fail, so it’s especially important to practice effective oral hygiene when dental implants are present.
