Cosmetic Dentistry: Top 3 Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is located at the corner of art and dental science. It represents, much like cosmetic surgery, the confluence and integration of dental anatomy and materials with an artists' vision and skill. The end result of any dental cosmetic procedure should be a delicate balance between form and function. The reult not only should be aesthetically pleasing, but your teeth and gums should be healthy and function flawlessly. Cosmetic dentistry is not taught to dentists in a formal training regimen, but it is learned by trial and error as well as by mentorship. One out of four patients presenting to a dentist request some sort of cosmetic enhancement to their smile. The following are the top three cosmetic dentistry procedures

1. Teeth Whitening-The over the counter products are getting better and better each year and we have seen the public's interest in this In-Office treatment decline over the last three years, but teeth whitening still remains the number one requested cosmetic treatment. The In-Office teeth whitening procedure involves using a peroxide based cleaning substance often combined with high power light energy ( ZooM) that removes difficult tooth stains in usually 1-4 treatments depending on the severity of the discoloration. By most accounts, the in-office treatment is not necessarily more effective but definitely quicker. What takes 1-4 office visits may take one to two months of diligent home treatment.

2. Cosmetic Dental Bonding-A great way to fix small to medium sized defects like gaps, fractures,chips, and misaligned teeth. The process can fix a chipped front tooth. The missing tooth structure is replaced by the bonding material in a etch-prime-bond technique that replaces missing tooth structure. Once the tooth structure is rebuilt by the cosmetic dentist, the final step gives the tooth/teeth a high speed finish and polish which helps make the tooth look natural.

3. Porcelain Veneers-This cosmetic technique is used when there are a lot of missing tooth structure to be replaced. Bonding is great for small defects, but veneers need to be considered when the defects are large. The dentists will take an impression of your existing teeth and build your ideal looking teeth with wax over the defected teeth. Then the wax replica is sent to a dental laboratory and it is fabricated out of porcelain. the dentist will then prepare your teeth to accept the veneers. Once properly in place, you will have a brand new smile and teeth that look gorgeous. Say good-bye to the chips,stains,and cracks in your teeth.

So, if you are looking to improve your dental health and the aesthetics of your smile call a bend cosmetic dentist