Are you conscious of your smile? Do you often find yourself smiling with closed lips or covering your mouth with your hand when laughing? Many people are not comfortable with the appearance of their teeth. Feeling self-conscious can affect your confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. Fortunately, an imperfect smile does not have to ruin your life. Cosmetic dentistry offers many solutions to enhance your smile and overall well-being.
Common Beneficial Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Many people believe that cosmetic dental care only improves the appearance of a person's smile. The fact, however, is that most cosmetic dental procedures not only improve your smile but also the health of your teeth. There are various cosmetic dental procedures, and each one can potentially turn your life around. An improved smile will boost your self-esteem and confidence. Some procedures could be more effective than others, depending on the patient. The following are some beneficial cosmetic dental procedures:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most beneficial procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist can recommend this procedure if you have one or more missing teeth. Dental implants will come in handy in replacing the missing teeth, from the root to the crown. Implants also prevent deterioration of the jawbone and further tooth loss. The dental implant procedure entails putting a titanium post into a patient’s jawbone to serve as the root for the abutment and artificial tooth.
A dentist can use a dental implant to replace a missing tooth by attaching a dental crown to the implant's abutment. You could be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- You have naturally lost one or several teeth
- Your tooth got knocked out
- You have undergone a tooth extraction
An implant offers unique benefits that a fixed bridge or partial denture does not provide. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Increased comfort
- Enhanced chewing and speaking abilities
- Improved oral health
- Reduced dangers of further tooth loss and a natural appearance
To reap the benefits of dental implants, you should have them placed by an experienced dentist to avoid potential complications like:
- Osseointegration failure — Osseointegration occurs when bone grows around an implant. If osseointegration fails, the implant cannot be secure enough to keep the crown in place. This is also known as dental implant failure. The implant could fall out on its own, prompting your dentist to remove it. Your dentist can recommend an implant replacement if your dental implant fails.
- Improper implant placement — Sometimes, a dentist makes a mistake while placing an implant. If there is a problem with the location or angle of the implant, you could have complications. The implant could fail to fuse with the bone properly. It could be too close to adjacent teeth and cause discomfort. Dental implants can also become loose or painful. Your implant could be removed or replaced if this happens. However, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from a different dentist before obtaining a new implant.
Limitations of Dental Implants
There are several risks related to dental implants. First, you could suffer nerve damage. Your dentist should take X-rays to locate the nerves in your mouth before carrying out the procedure. You should discuss the risks with your dentist before the procedure because nerve damage can have lasting effects on your body.
Second, dental implant surgery has a risk of infection, just like any oral surgery. The dentist will guide you on how to keep your incisions clean as they heal. Reach out to your dentist if you notice swelling, pain, or fluid oozing from the incision site. You could undergo another procedure to treat an infection of the bone or gum.
You could also suffer sinus damage. Typically, the upper jaw is located directly below the nasal sinuses. A dentist can penetrate the sinus while replacing your upper teeth. If this happens, you could suffer infection or discomfort. Your dentist will advise you on how to handle the situation.
In some situations, dental implants can affect the teeth around them. If the adjacent teeth have minor issues like root damage or decay, the trauma from the procedure could worsen them. A dentist must assess your other teeth and address any problems before placing an implant.
You should discuss all the risks with your dentist before you go for dental implants. Share with your dentist any health conditions and the drug you are using. The dentist will advise you on whether implants are the best option for you.
Dental Bonding
Dentists usually use bonding as a cosmetic dental care procedure and preservation method. The bonding procedure involves applying a colored resin directly to the tooth. Your dentist will then use ultraviolet light or a laser to bond the material to the teeth.
Individuals who have aesthetic issues with their teeth are the best candidates for dental bonding. Dental bonding does not fix oral trauma or excessive tooth decay. It is the best option for individuals with minor teeth issues like minor decay, gaps between their teeth, chips, small cracks, and discoloration. These issues can be corrected during your regular visits to the dentist. They do not need extensive restorative surgery.
The health of your teeth will also determine if you are the best candidate for dental bonding. Even if your tooth is chipped, stained, or cracked, its roots must be in good condition. The enamel is another significant section of the tooth, which should also be intact. You can only be a good candidate for dental bonding if you do not have any other oral issues that could affect the procedure. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to determine your eligibility for dental bonding.
Bonding has the following benefits:
- Closes unsightly gaps between the teeth
- Repairs cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth
- Can change the shape of your teeth
- It can conceal tooth discoloration
Limitations of Dental Bonding
There are no significant risks associated with dental bonding. However, the composite resin used in dental bonding is not as strong as natural teeth. The material can separate or chip from your natural tooth. Fortunately, breaking or chipping is rare.
A bonded tooth can chip if you bite your fingernails, chew on pencils or pens, eat ice, or bite hard candy or food. Unlike other dental materials, composite resin is not stain-resistant. Therefore, you could develop discoloration if you smoke or consume staining foods and drinks.
Inlays And Onlays
Also known as indirect filling, inlays or onlays are used to fill a section of a decayed or damaged tooth. Indirect fillings, like traditional fillings, are made from composite, metal, or porcelain materials. A cosmetic dentist can recommend an inlay to fill a damaged portion within the tooth's center. Onlays, on the other hand, could be used to protect a section of the tooth's biting surface. Inlays and onlays come in handy for improving the overall appearance of your smile. They could also be preferable to crowns because they preserve a healthy tooth structure.
During inlays and onlays, the dentist removes decay and old filling material. If you have a cracked or broken tooth, the dentist smooths it out before putting the restoration in. Your dentist then takes an impression of your tooth. The next step involves taking the model to a dental laboratory to make a permanent restoration.
It will take several weeks for the permanent restoration to come in from the lab. You will wear a temporary inlay or onlay during this period. You will need to be careful while wearing your temporary restoration. The temporary restoration can break if you chew hard foods because it is made of temporary material. The cement used to hold the temporary restoration is also not strong. Therefore, you should avoid eating sticky foods that can remove the temporary restoration from your tooth. Your dentist will put on the permanent restoration during your second appointment.
Advantages of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays have the following advantages:
- They last longer than fillings
- They are easier to clean than crowns because they do not overlap the gum lines.
- Stronger than fillings
- You can maintain a natural tooth structure with inlays and onlays
Limitations of Inlays and Onlays
Your natural tooth can still break down because inlays and onlays do not cover your tooth completely like crowns. If this happens, you could end up with a full-coverage dental crown. If there are too many breaks, it might be possible to save your tooth. In this case, you will have to undergo a tooth extraction.
You could suffer cavities around inlays and onlays if you do not clean your teeth properly. Cavities can also develop around the inlays and onlays if they do not fit properly. Inlays and onlays cover a large section of your tooth, but you must floss and brush daily. Proper oral hygiene prevents bacteria from accumulating on the adjacent natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are ideal for repairing damaged, broken, or decayed teeth. A dental crown is typically a ''cap,'' which the dentist places on top of the damaged tooth to improve its shape, size, or strength. Crowns can be made of metal, resin, ceramic, or porcelain. With proper care, they can last up to 15 years. Apart from protecting a damaged tooth against further decay, crowns also improve the appearance of your smile.
You could be eligible for dental crowns if you have severely cracked, chipped, decayed, or misshapen teeth. You will require two visits to complete a dental crown procedure. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums during the first visit to determine your eligibility for dental crowns. The dentist could also take X-rays to determine if you have a healthy tooth and no underlying decay.
Your dentist will remove any decayed or damaged sections of your tooth to prepare it for a crown. He/she will then take an impression of your tooth to prepare a custom-fitted dental crown in the laboratory. During this period, the dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Your dentist will remove the temporary crown on your second visit and replace it with a permanent dental crown. The dentist could also adjust the size and fit of the dental crown to ensure you feel comfortable.
Limitations Of Dental Crowns
Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with dental crowns. They include:
- Gum recession — Dental crowns can contribute to gum recession in some cases. This could occur, especially if the crown margin is too close to the gum line. If this happens, the natural tooth's root could be exposed, leading to increased sensitivity.
- Longevity issues — With proper care, dental crowns can last a longer period. However, problems like wear and tear, changes in oral health, or material breakdown can affect their longevity.
- Aesthetic concerns — Despite advancements in dental materials, there are still possible aesthetic concerns with dental crowns. Some of the concerns include changes over time or color changes.
- Prolonged discomfort after crown placement — Although discomfort is expected after a dental crown procedure, severe or prolonged discomfort could indicate a problem that needs attention. The problem could be underlying tooth health or poor crown fit.
Other Cosmetic Dental Care Procedures That Can Benefit You
The following are additional cosmetic dental care procedures that can benefit you:
- Gum contouring
- Tooth contouring
- Porcelain veneers
- Tooth whitening
Find a Reputable Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
Cosmetic dentistry offers many benefits that go beyond the aesthetics of your smile. Investing in cosmetic dentistry can notably impact your life, from improving your oral health to boosting your confidence. Remember to work with a qualified cosmetic dentist for the best possible outcome.
Finding a reliable cosmetic dentist can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of where to start. You can seek referrals from loved ones who have undergone cosmetic dental procedures, check online reviews, or seek recommendations from your local dental association. If you need a reliable cosmetic dentist, contact Northridge Advanced Dentistry. For years, we have provided high-quality cosmetic dental services, delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients. Contact us at 818-701-3010 to speak to one of our cosmetic dentists.
