In simple terms, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that can improve the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Usually, cosmetic dental procedures can be elective rather than essential, but some treatments provide restorative benefits. The most common dental methods include teeth whitening, fillings, veneers, and bonding. The best cosmetic dentist in Illinois can help you choose the cosmetic dentistry procedures suitable for your needs.
Do You Need Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments?
Anyone with healthy gums and teeth can opt for cosmetic dental treatments. However, for individuals ‘plagued’ by excessive gum diseases, decay, and cavities, the dentist would prefer to prioritize such pressing conditions first and then move towards cosmetic dentistry. Nonetheless, cosmetic dentistry types might be an excellent option for people with –
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked teeth
- Teeth with gaps or spaces in between
- Tooth discoloration and staining
- Misaligned teeth
- Mishappen teeth
Types Of Cosmetic Dental Procedures: Which One Is Right For You
In Dresden, Germany, cosmetic dentistry emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century. People regard Newell Sill Jenkins, a pioneering American dentist, as the founder of aesthetic dentistry because of his revolutionary invention – Jenkins Porcelain Enamel. And, ever since, there has been no looking for cosmetic dentistry.
Currently, there are many cosmetic dental procedures, and the charges in the global cosmetic dentistry industry are USD 29.6 billion. Thus, if you are among millions of people aiming to achieve a more balanced, symmetrical, and attractive smile, the right cosmetic dentist in Illinois can help.
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Teeth Whitening
The food and drinks we consume regularly affect the appearance of our teeth. Eating sugary foods and drinking excessive tea, coffee, soda, or red wine can taint the enamel in due course of time. But fret not, as professional teeth whitening can reverse such staining, providing you with a dazzling smile. It is an excellent option if you aim to enhance your smile’s appearance without any drastic measures.
A recent study by Oral B has shown that whiter teeth can make people look five years younger and 20 times more attractive. Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth by ten shades. It is a swift, efficient, and safe procedure whose results last several months. In-office teeth whitening takes about an hour to complete. Who knew looking more youthful could be so easy, swift, and non-invasive?
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Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is ideal if you want a relatively simple and affordable solution to mending minor flaws, such as gaps, chips, and cracks in your teeth. It entails the application of tooth-colored composite resin to conceal cracks, craze lines, discoloration, and other dental imperfections. In addition, dental bonding can also change the shape of your teeth to make them look more aligned and uniform.
The effects of dental bonding last for five to seven years, after which it needs replacement. The most alluring aspect of dental bonding is that it is an entirely non-invasive and reversible cosmetic dentistry procedure, which does not require the removal of your tooth’s natural enamel. Hence, dental bonding might do the trick if you prefer to take the non-permanent trajectory to improve your smile.
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Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells composed of medical-grade ceramic. They are at the front surfaces of the teeth to provide a uniform, bright, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Veneers can help cover a range of dental imperfections, including cracks, chips, discoloration, and more.
It is noteworthy that all veneers mandate some removal of the teeth’ natural enamel. Thus, porcelain veneers are ideal if you are looking for a long-term and semi-permanent solution for your cosmetic dentistry needs. The best dentist in Illinois can help you choose the right veneers for your smile-saving needs.
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Gum Contouring
Some people are born with excessive gum tissue, which is visible when they smile. Although a ‘gummy smile’ does not bother some people, it can alleviate the self-esteem of many. If you want to reduce the proportion of gums displayed when smiling, gingival or gum contouring suits you. It is a cosmetic dentistry procedure wherein the dentist removes extra gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a symmetrical and balanced appearance.
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Braces
Braces are a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure that also has restorative effects. Usually, braces are the most sought-after way to straighten teeth and achieve a well-balanced smile. In addition, braces also help in correcting a bad bite (underbite or overbite). Nowadays, many options for braces are available. For instance, people can opt for traditional braces made of metal. Likewise, other choices include clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.
In recent times, clear aligners have skyrocketed in popularity, as they are invisible, easily removable, and very convenient to use. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth that make you feel underconfident, consult a cosmetic dentist in Illinois, who will guide you through getting the right braces.
So, there we have it, a crisp overview of the types of cosmetic dentistry procedures and a guideline on choosing the one that is right for you.