Far too many Americans are skipping the dentist. This is especially true for older Americans. In fact, nearly half of Americans on Medicare do not attend a regular checkup with the dentist.
A failure to see the dentist regularly can lead to serious oral health issues. In addition, it can have a negative impact on dental cosmetics.
Dental cosmetics refer to any procedures intended to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. Read on to learn all about cosmetic dentistry. Also, explore the various types of cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. In this era of celebrity and social media, it seems that everyone wants a bright, white smile.
Teeth whitening procedures are used to correct surface stains and discolorations. The dentist is essentially bleaching your teeth.
First, you need to check with your dentist to see a teeth whitening is an option for you. Bonded surfaces and crowns cannot be effectively bleached.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are another great way to create a perfect smile. They are used as a corrective measure for crooked or discolored teeth, chips, and gaps.
Here, the dentist creates a custom-made thin shell out of composite or porcelain material. Next, the veneer is cemented to the front of the tooth.
Crowns
Another common procedure is for the dentist to install crowns. Crowns, also referred to as caps, are considered a dental implant. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, three million people have dental implants.
Crowns are a solution for a broken or decayed tooth. Sometimes, they are used for irregularly shaped teeth or those with large fillings.
Crowns are custom-made out of porcelain or acrylic material. The material is fused to metal to create a permanent connection and withstand biting force.
Some implants require placement of a small screw in the mouth. This screw allows the crown to be permanently mounted inside your mouth.
Bonding
Crowns and veneers are two major cosmetic procedures. Bonding is a non-permanent solution and a less intrusive procedure.
Bondings are used to correct a broken or chipped tooth. Here the dentist adheres, or bonds, materials to the tooth.
The downside to bondings is that they do not last forever. Also, a bonding may not work if the tooth is too damaged.
Inlays and Onlays
Finally, another common type of cosmetic procedure is inlays and onlays. Often referred to as fillings, inlays and onlays are designed to fill damaged and decayed teeth. This prevents cavities and more severe oral health issues from taking root.
Fillings are made out of porcelain, composite, or gold. When a filling is bonded to the center of a tooth, it is called an inlay. If it covers the biting surface or covers more than one point of the tooth, it is an onlay.
A Recap of Dental Cosmetics
Oral health is important to your appearance and health in general. For this reason, many people see a dentist for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.
If you need to see a professional for dental cosmetics, contact us today to make an appointment.