Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental care that focuses on improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. Unlike general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry procedures are not meant to address dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. At Charles Street Dental, cosmetic dentistry procedures focus on improving the appearance of teeth through various procedures, including teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding.
book onlineThe Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
One benefit of cosmetic dentistry is the opportunity to improve the appearance of your smile. This can happen with teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental bonding, and other types of treatments. Sometimes, cosmetic dentistry is a way to rebuild damaged teeth. For example, dental crowns are often used to repair damaged or broken teeth.
The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, white fillings, and porcelain veneers can make your smile look brighter and more uniform. Teeth whitening can lighten teeth that have darkened due to age, medication, or staining. White fillings and porcelain veneers can also brighten your smile by covering dark, stained, or chipped tooth surfaces.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a procedure that fixes the appearance of chipped teeth. The tooth-colored material is applied directly to the surface of the tooth and molded and shaped for a natural appearance. Composite bonding is reversible, as it doesn’t require removing a layer of the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are used to cover the fronts of your teeth. They are customized to fit your teeth perfectly, and they are resistant to stains.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a tooth that has lost a significant amount of its structure, such as after tooth damage or decay. A crown will be fabricated in a lab to look natural, fit comfortably, and function like a normal tooth. A dental crown may be recommended over other types of cosmetic dentistry for teeth that are likely to break or fracture in the future or for the restoration of dental implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are one possible solution for missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth fused between two crowns. These crowns hold the bridge in place over the teeth on either side of the gap or opening. Unlike dentures, bridges are permanently attached to teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a secure tooth restoration option. They are regarded as the closest approach to genuine teeth. A titanium post is surgically implanted into the jawbone to form a dental implant. An abutment is attached to the post to allow the crown to securely sit on top of the implant. Since the post is surgically inserted into the bone, it is incredibly secure and stable.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations that are created in a dental lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be made out of porcelain or gold. Dental inlays are used to treat teeth affected by decay or trauma, whereas onlays are used to repair teeth affected by decay or trauma as well as teeth that have large defective fillings.
Get in touch with Charles Street Dental at 121 Charles St S Boston, MA, or call 617-226-2822 to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.