Getting your desired smile and look is more attainable than ever, with numerous options for cosmetic dental procedures available these days. Whether you want to restore or improve the appearance of your teeth and smile, a well-executed cosmetic dental treatment can boost your confidence and overall quality of life. 

Cosmetic dentistry is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced dentist. However, inappropriate or poorly performed procedures can result in a lifetime of pain and discomfort. That’s why doing prior research and choosing a reputable dentist with extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry is imperative. 

The dentist can give you an accurate assessment of which procedures are suitable for you after a thorough examination. But for a starter, this article examines the most common types of cosmetic dental procedures and a few tips to help you figure out whether they’re appropriate for your needs. 

Exploring the Common Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a range of procedures. While some provide restorative benefits, the primary focus of these methods is to enhance the appearance of your teeth and teeth. Let’s explore the most common cosmetic dental procedures and how they work below. 

Dental Veneers 

Typically made of porcelain or ceramic material, dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover your natural teeth. Based on the Dental and Skin Clinic’s veneer results, this cosmetic dental procedure provides an exceptionally realistic look. The dentist uses a special adhesive to securely bond the tooth’s front surface to improve their appearance. 

Dental veneers can conceal cracks, chips, gaps, tooth discolouration, and other cosmetic flaws. But they’re only viable if your teeth are free from extensive cavities and diseases. Suppose you’re dealing with serious oral health issues. It’s imperative to address them before getting veneers. 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a metal post or frame designed to replace a missing portion of the teeth. They are often made out of titanium and surgically implanted into the jawbone beneath the gumline. Replacing missing teeth with these implants can help restore the appearance of teeth and an individual’s ability to chew.

Since veneers replace tooth roots, having healthy gums is imperative for this cosmetic dental procedure. You may not qualify for a dental implant if you have active gum disease unless it’s under control. A gum disease creates conditions that increase the risk of infection, which can result in the failure or loss of the dental implant. 

Dental Crowns

Alternatively, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps designed to fit over a damaged tooth or an implant. With 10 to 15 years of lifespan, crowns are considered permanent restorations commonly used to treat poorly shaped, decayed, and chipped teeth. 

The dentist often recommends this procedure after undergoing root canal treatments. This is especially true if the tooth treated with a root canal is far back, such as a molar or premolar. These teeth usually have to endure all the pressure of biting and grinding, so additional support from a dental crown is necessary. 

But dental crowns are an unsuitable option if you have extreme damage to the tooth structure resulting from an injury or tooth decay. Likewise, advanced gum diseases, known as periodontitis, can prevent you from getting dental crowns. This is because untreated gum diseases can compromise the bone’s supporting structures. 

Teeth Whitening

 It’s natural for the teeth to lose their whiteness as the enamel wears down and reveals the softer and more sensitive dentin layer underneath. Professional teeth whitening can enhance the appearance of discoloured or stained teeth. This cosmetic procedure typically involves using relatively high-concentration peroxide to lighten the colour of the enamel.

You can easily find over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products these days. However, these products may not enhance you like a professional whitening treatment. The whitening agent level in OTC counterparts is lower than in professional whitening treatments. Plus, they can bring more harm than good when misused. 

It’s worth noting that certain factors and dental conditions can increase the risk of complications during whitening treatments. For instance, those with gum diseases, tooth decay, and exposed roots may experience heightened tooth sensitivity and irritation. 

Composite Bonding

Also commonly known as dental bonding, composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure to enhance the general appearance of your teeth using thin layers of tooth-coloured composite resin. Specifically, it’s designed to fix chips, close small gaps, and alter the shape and colour of your teeth. 

Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding doesn’t require enamel removal, so it’s entirely reversible at any time. Likewise, having a healthy set of teeth is essential to qualify for dental bonding. It means the tooth roots must be free of infection, and there must be enough enamel structure for the composite material to adhere to. 

Choosing the Most Suitable Cosmetic Dental Procedure

Now that you know about the various types of cosmetic dental procedures, let’s walk you through the process of choosing the best method. Below are a few tips to help you make an informed decision in selecting the most suitable cosmetic dental treatment. 

Assess Your Needs and Preferences

Everyone will have unique factors to consider when assessing different cosmetic dental treatment options. Some of these may include budget, treatment duration, and overall health. Asking the following questions can be beneficial in evaluating your needs and preferences and determining the right treatment for you:

• What specific improvements you’d like to see in your smile?
• How much can you afford and are willing to spend?
• What’s the amount of time required for each treatment?
• Does the treatment require frequent dental visits?
• Are you struggling with certain oral health conditions? 

Consider Long-Term Maintenance

It’s crucial to factor in the long-term maintenance involved in a cosmetic dental procedure. Some methods may need more frequent follow-ups and dental visits, whereas others require minimal maintenance. Considering the maintenance requirements of each procedure is vital so you can make a choice that matches your lifestyle. 

Schedule a Consultation With a Dentist

Consulting with a dentist is the most critical step in finding the most suitable cosmetic dental procedure. They can assess your oral health and provide comprehensive information about each treatment’s potential risks and benefits.