Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry concerned with the appearance of your teeth and smile. Cosmetic dentists perform several different procedures, including teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, and dental crowns. They can also fix minor imperfections with cosmetic tooth contouring and tooth bonding. Orthodontists can correct your bite or straighten your teeth regardless of your age.
Also called “teeth bleaching,” teeth whitening treatments can be done in the clinic or at home using whitening products.1 Not everyone’s teeth can be bleached. Whitening products manufactured for use at home usually contain a smaller amount of these ingredients.
A veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain or composite material. Veneers are custom-made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. They can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discolored teeth, or chipped teeth. They can even cover spaces between the teeth. The lifespan of a veneer varies from person to person, but most will last around 20 years. Veneers are made of a thin porcelain or a resin-based composite material. The procedure for each is slightly different.
Crowns, also called caps, are custom-made to fit over your whole tooth. They are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain that has been fused to metal to withstand biting pressure. Among the more popular materials for crowns today are ceramic and composite crowns.
Ceramic Crowns
Composite Crowns
Porcelain Crowns
Metal Crowns
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
Orthodontists can help straighten teeth and correct a bad bite. They see adults as well as children. If you have buck teeth, crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, or crooked teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry involves a tooth shaping or “enamel shaping,” cosmetic tooth contouring can be done to correct small problems like chipping. It can also fix teeth that are slightly overlapping. This process is usually not painful and produces immediate results.
Bonding is a process in which tooth-colored materials are adhered (bonded) to the tooth. This is a procedure that can be used to conceal imperfections like chips and cracks or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been badly stained.
