Cosmetic Dentistry Information
Cosmetic dentistry treatments are used to improve the appearance of your teeth. It may also be used in restorative procedures for your teeth. Many cosmetic dentistry procedures are not covered by insurance or may have limited coverage. Check with your dental insurance carrier so you will know what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
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Inlays/Onlays/Veneers
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Inlays and onlays are used to provide a tooth filling or to repair structural tooth damage. They are made in a dental laboratory from composite or porcelain materials prior to your dental visit. Your dentist fits and bonds them to your teeth. Veneers are laminates that are custom made to cover the front of your teeth. They are made of porcelain or composite material, and are bonded to your teeth to cover gaps or discolorations to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Composite Bonding
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Composite bonding is a procedure where composite material that looks like your tooth enamel is used to fill your tooth or placed on the surface of your tooth. After your dentist shapes the material, he will use a high-intensity light to bond the material to your tooth. This procedure results in an invisible restoration as it blends with your natural tooth. Cosmetic bonding can used for stained, chipped, broken or cracked teeth as well as fillings.
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Bleaching/Whitening
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Tooth bleaching or whitening is used to remove stains from food, drink (specifically coffee, red wine or tea), smoking or inadequate oral hygiene. Your dentist can bleach or whiten your teeth in the dental office or she may also prescribe a bleaching or whitening system that you can do yourself at home. Bleaching is when your teeth are made lighter than their natural color. Whitening is a process that removes stains to restore your natural tooth color.
Implants
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Implants are used to fill gaps created by lost teeth or to support a bridge. They are artificial roots that are implanted into your jaw bone. The procedure is done by a periodontist or an oral surgeon. After the implant is placed, it is allowed to heal and anchor to the bone, which takes three to six months. Your dentist can then place a temporary crown on the implant until the gum tissue grows naturally around the crown. The temporary crown will then be replaced with a permanent one.
Bridges
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A bridge is used to fill a space left by a missing tooth. It is a unit that attaches crowns to the two teeth adjacent to the space, with an artificial tooth in the center (called a pontic) to cover the gap. Your dentist prepares the two teeth for crowns and takes an impression of your teeth. An impression is taken using a substance like putty to cast a mold of your teeth in order to have the bridge made. Your dentist will attach a temporary bridge until your permanent bridge is ready.
Braces
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Your dentist may determine that you need to visit an orthodontist for correction of crowded or crooked teeth. An orthodontist will place braces on your teeth that gradually reposition your teeth. You may have the traditional wire braces, or you may be given clear or tooth colored braces. These are made to fit snugly over your teeth and they are changed every few weeks to gradually correct the position of your teeth. "Invisible braces" are popular because no one can tell you are wearing them.
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References
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