The primary goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve your self-confidence, smile, appearance, and the quality of your life. Various procedures fall under this category depending on the specific needs of a patient. If you have a dental problem that requires cosmetic procedures to improve or restore your smile, check for suitable orthodontic appliances such as aligners from a lab near you. That said, read on to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.
Who Can Benefit from These procedures?
The appropriate age for cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of procedure you are having. For instance, the recommended age for braces installation in children is between eight and fourteen years. This is the age when the child has lost almost all of their baby teeth and has permanent teeth in place.
The next age group with recorded high numbers in cosmetic dentistry is between 31 and 40 years, with 39 percent. Following closely is 41 to 50 years with 33 percent. It is also noted that in the total dentistry patients, at least 96 percent are female.
Should You Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
There are many reasons why different people are not happy with their smiles. The most common complaints include discoloration, teeth gaps, and crowding. Similarly, dental veneers are the most sought-after treatment as they can correct most cosmetic-related teeth problems. It is always advisable to go for a dentist who is specialized in your area of interest.
Types of Cosmetic Procedures
If you are looking for aesthetic dental treatments or smile makeovers, various options are based on your needs. Read on.
Tooth Whitening
There are plenty of whitening treatments available today. They include in-office teeth treatments, over-the-counter products, and highly intensive treatments that involve custom impressions. According to dentists, KOR treatment is considered the most effective form of in-office teeth whitening procedure. It comes in three divisions based on the severity or the type of staining involved.
If you have mildly stained teeth, you can go for the deep whitening take-home tray package. The second option, KOR max, is suitable for anyone with stubbornly stained teeth. It has a take-home tray system and one in-office procedure. If you suffer from deeply stained teeth with dark brown bands on the teeth, you will require the KOR ultra max with the take-home tray and two in-house procedures.
Veneers
If you have discolored, crooked, chipped, or misshapen teeth, veneers will come in handy. There are different types of veneers to choose from. They include porcelain veneers, composite veneers, palatal veneers, removable veneers, and lumineers. Their differences mostly come in the application method used.
For instance, porcelain veneers bond directly to the tooth using a special cementing substance, requiring recontouring. However, prepless veneers, on the other hand, do not need to be recontoured before their placement. Veneers provide long-lasting results, thus are more preferred over orthodontic treatments and teeth whitening.
Clear Aligners and Braces
While braces and clear aligners fall under the orthodontic treatment category, they are highly considered cosmetic in nature. The reason being, most people can function with their teeth as they are without suffering. Additionally, most people who invest in clear aligners or braces such as Invisalign get them to improve their smile and body image.
In some instances, these treatments may be medically necessary as they are used to put pressure on the teeth to help them shift into correct positions over time. Children and teenagers get metallic braces most of the time, while adults get clear aligners since they are hardly noticeable.
Gum Contouring
This procedure is used to change and improve the shape and appearance of your gum. The method involves cutting away the excess gum tissue that causes a gummy smile. The gummy smile occurs when a person has excess gum tissues on their top jaw. Gum contouring is also a suitable treatment for restoring exposed teeth that arise due to receding gum tissues.
Unlike what its name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is not all about vanity. Most of these cosmetic procedures are used for the restoration, preservation, and protection of damaged teeth. This improves a patient’s appearance and significantly enhances their self-confidence and oral health, helping them enjoy life more. A smile is the greetings to the world; make yours last forever.
