With the advancements in dental technology, cosmetic dentistry has evolved to offer a broad spectrum of services and procedures that not only aim to improve dental health, but also to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Contrary to common misconceptions, the objective of cosmetic dentistry extends beyond mere appearance, it also involves your oral function.
WHAT IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY?
Cosmetic dentistry is a profession that is centered around the enhancement of dental aesthetics in terms of the color, shape, size, alignment, and overall appearance of your teeth and smile. This specialty within the dental field provides a robust array of services and procedures that can be catered to an individual’s unique needs and visions of their ideal smile.
A few of the cosmetic dentistry services we provide here at Cleary Dental include: dental fillings, gum disease, dental bonding, and dental veneers.
DENTAL FILLINGS
One of the most common dental procedures, dental fillings are primarily used to treat cavities and repair cracked or broken teeth. Traditionally, these fillings were made from a silver or grey material known as amalgam. However, in recent years, tooth-colored fillings have surged in popularity because they blend in better with natural teeth, rendering a more subtle and appealing finish.
Understanding the process of getting dental fillings can provide you with some comforting clarity. The procedure begins with the dentist numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. The dentist then carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with the filling material. Following the procedure, regular dental care such as brushing and flossing, along with regular check-ups will ensure the longevity of your fillings and overall oral health.
GUM DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into tartar, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The body’s immune response to this bacterial invasion leads to inflammation, resulting in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. In it’s early stages this is a condition known as gingivitis. If not treated at this stage, the disease can progress into periodontitis, causing the gums to retreat and the underlying bone to deteriorate. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry provides both therapeutic and aesthetic solutions to gum disease. Scaling and root planing, particularly, are non-surgical procedures typically used to treat gum disease before it advances to a more serious stage. The procedure involves removing dental plaque and tartar, which houses bacteria, from the tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. Often performed under local anesthesia, this deep cleaning procedure can gradually restore gum health over several visits, helping you manage gum disease effectively and avoid further complications.
For severe cases of periodontal disease, surgical treatments, including gum graft surgery and flap surgery, may be suggested. Gum graft surgery involves borrowing tissue from another part of your mouth and grafting it onto receding gums. This procedure not only improves the aesthetics of your gum line but also protects exposed roots from decay. Flap surgery is conducted to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the pocket size to make the area easier to clean.
Optimal dental hygiene combined with regular dental visits form the backbone of gum disease prevention and management. Regular professional cleanings, as part of a diligent oral health regimen, can ensure the removal of plaque and tartar buildup, thereby preventing the onset of gum disease.
DENTAL BONDING
When it comes to the restoration of chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, dental bonding is an effective and minimally invasive option. During the dental bonding procedure, the dentist will carefully apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected tooth. Using a special light, we will then harden this material, bonding it directly to your tooth. The process is typically pain-free, and results in improved function, aesthetics, and overall oral health.
If you have slight imperfections in your teeth, dental bonding can prove to be a highly effective and minimally invasive solution. As it does not involve the removal of the tooth enamel, like with veneers or crowns, dental bonding can be a preferable treatment option for those who wish to retain more of their natural tooth structure. This simplicity often allows the procedure to be completed in just one dental appointment, significantly reducing treatment time.
During the bonding process, the resin applied is carefully contoured and polished to match the surrounding teeth, resulting in a seamless, natural look. This versatile process can even be customized to alter the shape and size of your teeth, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your smile.
Although dental bonding offers numerous benefits, it is not as durable or stain-resistant as other restorative procedures, such as dental implants or crowns. Over time, the bonding materials may chip or become discolored, requiring additional or replacement treatments. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene, refraining from habits like teeth grinding, and having regular dental check-ups can extend the life of your dental bonds.
DENTAL VENEERS
For those looking for a complete smile transformation, dental veneers can be the option to consider. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. They provide an instant transformation in the color, shape, size, or even the alignment of your teeth. Veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile, boosting your self-confidence and quality of life.
Applying veneers usually includes two to three visits to the dentist to our office. During the first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth to ensure that dental veneers are the right choice for you. We will then take an impression of your teeth to create a custom model. Additionally, the dentist will lightly buff and reshape your teeth to prepare them for the veneers.
Upon completion of your veneers, you will return for a second appointment. During this visit, our dentist will meticulously clean your teeth to achieve a durable bond. We will then use a specially formulated cement to apply the veneers, hardening it with a unique light beam. The result is a brilliant, confident smile that mirrors that of natural teeth. When properly cared for, dental veneers can last for many years, minimizing the need for replacement or repair.
The success of any cosmetic dentistry service, including veneers, significantly depends on maintaining impeccable oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups, routine brushing, and flossing are crucial elements of preserving the endurance and appeal of your veneers. This routine dental care should coincide with a balanced diet to ensure your overall oral health is maintained.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY AT CLEARY DENTAL
cosmetic dentistry offers a wide array of solutions designed to improve not only the health but also the aesthetic appeal of your smile. If you’re considering any of these services or procedures, it’s essential to schedule a consultation appointment with us at (856) 428-3050.