Cosmetic dentistry is defined as the art of dentistry applied to create or enhance the beauty of an individual within functional & physiological limits. Cosmetic dentistry is practiced in dentistry to improve the outlook & appearance of teeth & gums. Generally, it focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, alignment, & overall smile appearance. Teeth Bleaching: One of the most popular techniques used in cosmetic dentistry is tooth bleaching used for a relatively quick & simple way to change their smile. In-Office Teeth Whitening: In-office teeth whitening enables dentists to satisfy the immediate desires of patients without requiring immense amounts of time & energy. In this procedure, the patient views the clinician as responsible for the results & the clinic has total control over the required process. Whitening treatments can provide a massive boost to the smile if effectively utilized. Dentists must understand the variation between in-office & take-home whitening treatments, how to figure out the patients for in-office whitening, the cause of tooth discoloration & pulpal response. It's more than a vanity technique aiming at giving patients whiter teeth. With in-office treatments, the speed of our treatment process is considered an essential key. Clinicians' primary aim is to boost patients. How can they transform their smile in just one appointment? A radical change in outlook & patients’ heightened perception of their smiles are achieved with the vanishing of staining that passed unnoticed before whitening. At-Home Teeth Whitening: Generally, whitening products contain two types of tooth bleaches, hydrogen peroxide & carbamide peroxide. For home whitening, your dentist will provide you a custom-made tray. Your dentist will guide you through how to place the bleaching solution in the tray & for what amount of time. It’s a little slower process than the teeth whitening process at the office, which is a rapid & fast process. But if you feel more comfortable whitening at your home at a slower pace with the help of a dentist, this is a preferable process. The home teeth whitening process will take you a few days to a few weeks. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening: One more preferable way of teeth whitening is using over-the-counter bleaching products. You can see various options available online & in grocery stores, such as toothpaste or strips that will whiten by bleaching your teeth. In these products, the concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist will use in your treatment. But if you think about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, then discuss the option with your dentist. One of the drawbacks of teeth whitening is that you will experience tooth sensitivity after treatment. Sensitivity happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin & it starts to irritate the nerve of your tooth. Often sensitivity is short-lived. Teeth whiteners can also damage your tooth enamels & gums if misused. So, to avoid such circumstances, you should talk to your dentist & follow his directions properly.

Orthodontics: Dental braces are tools used in dentistry to correct crowded or crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, known as malocclusion. Braces in dentistry are often used during adolescence. But more adults get corrective dental braces later in life. In dentistry, the success rate of braces depends on various factors, including your age when your treatment began & what your primary treatment goals are. The type of braces that your dentist will recommend you also depends on various factors. Straightening a child’s teeth is a highly complex process, whereas, in teens & adults, it's not very complicated. Your dentist must think about this at the initial stage of treatment. Teeth Straightening with Traditional Braces: Braces are custom made according to individuals' requirements. Classic braces in dentistry are mostly made of metal brackets glued individually to each of your teeth. Still, there are clear ceramic options as well. The brackets are then connected by wires. Braces move your teeth by applying constant pressure on them for extended periods. After exerting such constant pressure, the shape of your jaw gradually adapts to conform to this pressure. Teeth Straightening with Clear Aligners: Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. The largest producer of clear aligners is Invisalign. Clear aligners can not be used for every patient. Your dentist will decide what’s best for you. Clear orthodontics aligners are generally used for patients who have mild & comparatively crowded teeth. These are made from clear plastic & fit tightly over the teeth. They can be removed for eating & brushing. To continue moving the teeth into the desired position, you’ll get a new aligner every few weeks. The treatment time depends on how much the teeth need to be moved. The more your bite is off, the longer it will take. Its treatment time is usually 10 to 24 months.

Prosthodontics: This is most often used to correct chipped or discolored teeth but can also be used to close the large spaces between teeth, change the shape of teeth, or make teeth appear longer. You can walk into our office and leave with a brand new smile the same day. The top options for this cosmetic treatment are tooth veneers and tooth bonding. Tooth Veneers: Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells attached to the front surface of the teeth to improve their look & appearance. Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resins & are permanently bonded to your teeth. Porcelain veneers resist stains comparatively better than resin veneers. You should discuss the best choice of veneers with your dentist at the initial stage of treatment. Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored because of root canal treatment or excessive fluoride and teeth that are worn down or are chipped or broken. Dental Bonding: Tooth bonding is the application of composite resin to the surface of the tooth. It’s a simple, inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure that is usually completed in a single visit. Tooth bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures that provides a significant change. In this article, we have discussed cosmetic dentistry, its aspects, and dental treatment procedures. We discussed in-office & at-home teeth whitening based on their functionality and treatment procedure. We discussed teeth straightening with the help of metal braces, clear aligners, and veneers. Information about these tools used in dental treatment can be covered in your cosmetic dentistry consultation, call us at (562) 999-3602.