What Is Cosmetic Dental Surgery?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental treatments that are focused on improving a person’s smile. The outcome of cosmetic dental surgery is based on how aesthetic the teeth look. The treatments don’t take functionality as a first preference.
However, most cosmetic dentistry treatments do improve the functioning of the oral cavity, especially issues with bites.
Who Practices Cosmetic Dental Surgery?
The American Dental Association doesn’t offer separate certification on cosmetic treatments nor does it recognize the branch as a separate specialty. Most dentists who offer cosmetic therapies have years of training to perfect the art form.
A cosmetic dentist is usually a general or family dentist who offers treatments that improve how your gums, teeth, and bite look. Furthermore, most of them will probably be members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
What Do Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Include?
Cosmetic dentistry follows the lines of harmony and symmetry. Furthermore, improving the other issues with teeth that may appear unsightly is also a part of cosmetic dentistry.
Usually, the procedures included in the branch involve –
- The removal of tooth structure or gums to make teeth appear even or longer
- The addition of aesthetic-looking dental material to gums and teeth
- The removal of stains, discoloration, and pigmentation from teeth and gums
- The straightening of misaligned teeth
What Are Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is also known as tooth bonding or dental bonding. This treatment focuses on repairing damaged, decayed, discolored teeth. Additionally, composite bonding also helps close extra spaces between teeth.
The procedure involves using a material that resembles the natural shade of the patient’s teeth. If there is decay, it is drilled out and the composite material is placed within the cavity. It is sculpted into place and set with a high-intensity light.
Similar to fillings, misshapen and uneven teeth are also corrected. The tooth-colored material is placed over the deformity and carved into the desired shape. Once it has been set, the teeth look more even and hence, aesthetic.
Compared to other procedures in cosmetic dentistry, composite bonding is inexpensive and economical. Additionally, it is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour to complete.
Dental Veneers
You might’ve heard of the term “Hollywood Teeth” – those are dental veneers. Veneers are tooth-colored shells that are manufactured from medical-grade ceramic. The shells are custom-made and shade-matched to the patient’s natural teeth.
When done correctly, veneers and natural teeth look the same. Veneers are used for a variety of reasons –
- Crooked teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Severely discolored teeth
The teeth are prepared by being shaved down to make space for the wafer-thin shells. The veneers are attached to the front surfaces of the front teeth using dental adhesive. Since getting veneers is a permanent decision, speak to your dentist to figure out if this is something you want.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most requested procedures in a dental office. This is because this treatment is the easiest way to make your teeth appear cleaner and brighter.
You can find many over-the-counter options to whiten your teeth. These are in the form of whitening toothpaste, oral rinses, oral strips, etc. But these aren’t as effective as getting your teeth bleached by a qualified dentist.
Teeth whitening is usually done to get rid of any stains and discoloration on the tooth surface. The stains occur over time due to –
- Consuming colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, etc.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Certain medication
Professional teeth whitening is done in the dentist’s office once the plaque, calculus, and other debris are taken care of. Your dentist will then take pictures of your teeth before they begin the bleaching process.
The gums are protected by a barrier during the treatment to avoid contact with the bleaching agent. The bleaching agent usually consists of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel is applied to the teeth for a little while and then removed carefully. Professional teeth whitening is six times more effective than any other option.
Dental Implants
When it comes to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, nothing beats the reputation of a dental implant. The restorative unit brags a 98% success rate, being the most stable option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
There are three parts of a dental implant –
- The implant post: Made of titanium, the post is the base of the implant. It is placed within the jaw bone via a surgical procedure. Once the site starts to heal, the bone fuses with the post, creating an extremely stable structure. The process of fusion is called “osseointegration” and can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
- The abutment: This part is attached to the implant post once the surgical site has healed and the fusion is complete. It is the part that attaches the implant post with the false tooth.
- The tooth replacement: This is the part that replaces the tooth in the oral cavity. It can be a dental crown (to replace a single tooth), a dental bridge (to replace multiple teeth), or a denture (to replace all the teeth).
The selection process for a dental implant is pretty intense. A patient has to have optimum oral health, zero bad habits, and good general health to be fitted with an implant. Additionally, once an implant has been inserted, you have to practice good oral hygiene. In doing so, you prolong the life of your restoration.
Cosmetic Dental Surgery At River’s Bend Family Dental
At River’s Bend Family Dental, you can find all of the above treatments listed and even more. Dr. Andrea Wimmergren is our resident dentist with an affinity for aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Her passion and expertise put you in extremely safe and capable hands at our establishment.
To get more information on all the services we offer or simply get a consult with Dr. Wimmergren, give us a call. Dial (763) 576-1855 to schedule a meeting and kickstart the journey to a brighter and healthier smile!
