Cosmetic dentistry is one branch of the very diverse field of dental science. Visiting cosmetic dentists in Marco Island lets you enjoy various perks you might not know. Find out more about these advantages below.
Here are some of the positive effects of cosmetic dental procedures:
Malocclusion refers to crooked teeth. People with misaligned teeth suffer from bite problems. They tend to bite harder, leading to complications like jaw injuries and tooth decay. Cosmetic dentists can correct these with clear aligners, which work like braces but without wires, clips, and rubber bands.
Cosmetic dentistry improves oral health by making it easier for you to remove food debris and residue. Invisible braces line up the teeth correctly, so there are fewer corners that the floss or toothbrush cannot reach. Cosmetic procedures can also fill up holes in the enamel to protect the inner layers of your teeth from further infection and restore biting ability.
Losing one or more teeth affects your ability to chew and talk properly. You may be forced to bite harder on food when eating, which can lead to problems in the jaw and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). You could also experience gastrointestinal afflictions because of insufficiently chewed food. With the help of cosmetic dentists, you can replace lost teeth or repair damaged ones.
Everyone aspires to have those shiny, white teeth and a perfect smile. Having these gives a tremendous boost to any person's self-esteem. Everybody becomes more confident and happier with bright teeth. With this in mind, cosmetic dentistry helps to avoid feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-depreciation.
There are many forms of cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Below are these operations and what purpose they serve for your oral health.
Dental implants are ideal for people who have lost both teeth and roots. Other restorative devices like dentures and bridges need the root to be present. Dental implants, however, take the place of both these parts.
To install implants, oral surgeons will first drill a hole in the gums and plant metal posts that act as your new root. The crowns, or the artificial teeth, are screwed on top of the implant. The process may take several months as the implant site must heal and bond completely with the bone to avoid failure. You will have functional new teeth and a firm metal root when the procedure is over.
Veneers are artificial shells covering the enamel to hide imperfections or protect chipped teeth. In some cases, veneers may be used to cover gaps between your natural teeth.
Veneers are made out of either porcelain or resin. Porcelain is more durable than resin but is also more expensive. On the other hand, resin veneers may be less sturdy but are also easy to replace. Porcelain veneers also require more dentist visits than resin, which may require only one session.
Teeth whitening removes any discoloration from the enamel and restores its natural shine. All whitening services use bleach, which breaks down contaminants on the tooth's surface and makes them easy to remove.
Your dentist may either ask you to visit the office for chairside bleaching, or they may offer a home bleaching kit containing the bleaching solution and trays you'll wear over your teeth. All instructions you need to know are printed on the box and will be discussed by your dentist.
Teeth bleaching is not recommended for people whose teeth have brown or gray tones or are undergoing active treatment for gum disease. Patients with dentures, fillings, or veneers cannot use bleach as well. These restorations will not respond to the treatment.
Inlays and onlays improve tooth structure that has been damaged by tooth decay. They function the same way as dental fillings but can cover a larger space. They also bond with the tooth, making them very durable, and they are also less prone to staining.
Inlays are designed to cover up tooth surfaces with minor cavities. On the other hand, onlays are used when the damage from dental caries has extended to the cusp or the tooth's biting surface.
Cosmetic bonding addresses many dental problems. First, the procedure repairs chipped or broken teeth after an accident. Cosmetic dentists may also recommend this to fill up gaps between teeth. It can also be used in periodontic treatment to cover roots exposed by receding gums.
Your dentist will create a mold using composite plastic and apply this over your tooth. They will then shape the resin to provide the perfect fit. Afterward, the mold will be exposed to ultraviolet light and polished.
Bonding usually requires only one visit, but your dentist could need multiple sessions depending on the number of teeth that need treatment. Patients can drive home after the appointment since no anesthesia or sedation is involved in the operation.
Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of using uncomfortable wires and brackets on the teeth, these removable retainers utilize custom-made acrylic molds that fit over the patient's teeth. Both orthodontic devices function similarly: they exert slight pressure to get the misaligned teeth to move.
Comfort is the clear aligner's most significant advantage. You can remove them when you eat and they're potentially less painful than traditional braces. People conscious of their appearance also won't find aesthetics a problem with these dental appliances because they are less visible than conventional braces.
There are various brands of plastic aligners in the market. You can check with your cosmetic dentist to see which brand they offer,
Having great teeth has various benefits for you as a patient. Whatever your concerns are, you can trust your cosmetic dentist to help you. At Island Paradise Dental, our team is here for you. We’re always willing and ready to answer your questions and address your concerns. Contact us now and schedule your next dental appointment.