As an optional dental procedure, cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of teeth and enhance the smile. Nevertheless, cosmetic dentistry does not restore the health of teeth.
Thanks to advances in dentistry, a person no longer has to live with stained or damaged teeth. Dental abnormalities, which can adversely affect appearance, can easily be corrected by numerous cosmetic methods. These include:
Whitening
By whitening teeth, you can remove the stains caused by smoking, tea/coffee drinking and other activities that may darken your teeth in the long run. Both intrinsic and extrinsic discolorations are removed by bleaching. Hydrogen peroxide, which is used in most of the process, is primarily utilized every three years. Teeth can be whitened by up to five shades. Peroxide tooth whitening trays can cost as much as $ 200 – $ 500.
Bonding
When teeth are broken or chipped , and have spaces between them, they can be restored in appearance by a bonding process, in which tooth-colored plastic is bonded to the teeth. Depending on how bonding is performed, the appearance, shape, and size of teeth may change. Typically, patients are encouraged to avoid eating hard foods that may chip the bonding material, as composite fillings wear faster than the more traditional silver ones. An average bonding cost ranges from $300 to $700 for a single tooth and takes 10-15 minutes. Using bonding, discolored teeth can be repaired normally.
Porcelain Veneers
The front side of the teeth is covered by extremely thin shells. Porcelain veneers have a greater level of resistance to spots and cracks compared with bonding. Using special bonding materials, they can easily be attached to the teeth, enhancing the appearance of teeth or filling in gaps between teeth. The veneers are more stain resistant and give a more consistent appearance as compared to bonding. These veneers can last for approximately 15 years. Veneers can cost up to $2,000 on a single tooth. When veneers are applied, teeth are ground to a lower level than when crowns or caps are applied.
Orthodontics and periodontics
Orthodontics deals with correcting irregularities of the mouth and face. The use of braces is used in orthodontics for a number of conditions, including jagged teeth, protruding teeth, spreading teeth, underbites, etc. Metal braces made from titanium are expensive and require wearing for two to three years. Straightening braces that don’t require surgery cost less and require fewer sessions. For those who place emphasis on cosmetic appeal, lingual braces are ideal. They are placed behind the teeth. Periodontics improves the appearance of one’s smile by reshaping the gums, a procedure performed using lasers that costs approximately $2,000 in most cases.
Porcelain Crowns
For teeth that are damaged, have silver fillings or are decayed to a great extent, or that have already undergone a root canal, porcelain crowns are typically used. It is possible to match your tooth color to the crown.
