Gone are the days where going to the dentist was only something that was done out of medical necessity. Now people go to the dentist to beautify themselves as part of self-care and the desire to make some aesthetic tweaks to their appearance. Cosmetic dentistry is no longer something only the rich and famous are privy to; these days many dental offices provide flexible payment plans and affordable procedures that can make a difference in someone’s look and boost their confidence.
If you’ve been looking to improve your look, especially surrounding your smile and face, consider checking out some of the most in-demand procedures that high-end dental offices may offer.
Crowns
Crowns are sometimes both a medical and cosmetically necessary procedure in which a tooth-shaped cap is placed over a tooth in order to restore its shape, size, strength, and to sometimes improve its appearance. Crowns will cover the entire visible portion of your tooth that lies above your gum line. Most typically, people need crowns to protect a weak tooth from cracks or decay. Sometimes they are needed after a big filling has been done where the tooth had to be significantly worn down. Installing a crown over a large filling will help restore a normal bite so you can chew as you would normally, especially on back teeth and molars. Crowns are also used to keep dental bridges in place when there is more extensive reconstruction that needs to be done, especially for problematic teeth that have issues below the gum line. Similarly, crowns can also be used in cases of dental implants where an entire tooth needs to be extracted and replaced with a replica to maintain harmony in your bite.
Since crowns have so many different uses, people can also opt to use crowns to make cosmetic improvements like fixing damaged discolored or damaged teeth, similarly to veneers. The biggest difference between the two is that crowns encase the entire tooth, while veneers only sit on the front side of the tooth.
Veneers
If you’ve ever wondered how people on TV and in movies have such perfect teeth, the secret is they almost all have a full or partial set of porcelain veneers. They are wafer-thin, custom-made “shells” that look identical to actual teeth and go over the surface of your natural teeth. They are bonded to the front of a tooth that is first shaved down to a smaller size, and the end result is a change in desired color, shape, size, and length. This procedure is sometimes necessary for people who have incurred trauma or damage, such as chipped or broken teeth. They are also used to fix discoloration, gaps, misalignment, or teeth that have growth defects. Some people simply want a perfect smile that their genetics didn’t bless them with. No matter what the reason, veneers are an excellent option.
The process of getting veneers is usually comprised of three steps: consultation, temporary veneers and filing, and the final application and bonding. The first step is speaking to your dentist about what you are looking to fix with veneers. During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and do some x-rays to make sure they are structurally sound to go through the procedure. In some cases with damaged teeth, a root canal may first be required if the inner nerve has been damaged. Your second visit will involve the filing down of your current teeth in order to prepare them for attachment of the temporary, and eventually, permanent veneers. Once your permanent veneers are crafted and ready, your third and final visit will consist of the permanent bonding of your veneers that will result in the smile of your dreams!
Implants
For some people, veneers and crowns simply aren’t an option because the damage to the root of their tooth or teeth is too great. Even with advancements in oral care, millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss across the country. In order to restore the tooth, implants are necessary to provide a strong foundation where the roots once held the tooth intact. These implants look and function exactly like teeth and have many advantages over bridges or dentures. Depending on your needs, your dentist will tell you what is likely best for your situation. Implants are the best option over other methods because they have a more realistic appearance and give the feeling of having a natural intact tooth. There is no filing down required; the damaged tooth is simply extracted, and once the site of the extraction is healed, the implant is placed in to last for many years of working functionality.
Choosing between implants or a bridge will depend on the overall structure of your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will perform x-rays to determine which option is better for you.
Botox and Fillers
Believe it or not, you can get some facial rejuvenation next time you’re at our dental checkup! Who better to improve the aesthetic symmetry of your face than a dentist who has intensely studied the physiology and structure of every single muscle and nerve in the head? Dentists are medically licensed to inject wrinkle-smoothing Botox and fillers like Juvederm right in their office. These methods are used to help occurrences of a “high lip” for people who want to improve their smile and feel that their top gum is too prominent. Some people want to fill out their nasolabial folds that can become more prominent with aging. Whatever your facial aesthetic goals are, there is a right combination of fillers for you that your dentist can recommend.
Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about what you can do to improve your look if you are seeking out some cosmetic changes. Dental professionals are not just there to drill your cavities! Making small cosmetic tweaks or major changes to your teeth’s structure and look can greatly improve your life and self-esteem. Make a consultation to discuss what you can do to achieve your goals.
https://www.animated-teeth.com/dental_crowns/crowns-vs-porcelain-veneers.htm
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns#1
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