The Meaning of Cosmetic Dentistry


cosmetic dentistryCosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that is growing popular among regular patients, celebrities and more. People refer to the field as being cosmetic because the procedures that patients receive are not necessary for their health or wellness. Most patients obtain such procedures to improve the way that they appear to other people. The following is a list of the most common cosmetic tooth procedures and some information about each one of them:

Teeth Whitening
Millions of people spend money on teeth whitening. Many celebrities have their teeth whitened so that they can look their best in movies, musical performances, television shows and the like. A teeth whitening session can be as inexpensive as $20 or as much as several hundred dollars in price. One of the most common teeth whitening procedures is the dental tray. The dentist mixes a stain-stripping substance into a tray, and the patient has to wear the tray over the teeth for a certain amount of time. The person may have to visit the office several times to bet the maximum effect of the treatment.

Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are similar to fillings in that dentists use them to provide a cover for decay and corrosion. However, dental inlays consist of a ceramic or composite material that resembles the color of the teeth. Another difference between inlays and fillings is that the dentist bonds the inlays into place after a lab technician creates them. Dentists usually prepare regular fillings while the patient is sitting in the chair. Both solutions can prevent tooth decay from spreading, but the inlays spare the patient the cosmetic discomfort of wearing amalgam fillings.

Dental Implants
Some patients request dental implants as an alternative to partial and full dentures. Implants work well for individuals who have lost teeth because of accidents, decay, deformities and other detrimental situations. Dental implants are complex devices that bind to the bone and can last a dental patient a lifetime. They are superior to other options because of the amount of time that they can last. For example, even the best dentures are only good for approximately seven to 10 years.

Dental Veneers
Dental veneers consist of an extremely thin porcelain material that covers the tooth’s enamel. Many people use veneers to cover minor discoloration, chipping and slight crookedness. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise have used dental veneers to correct their slight imperfections. A dentist can place dental veneers on a patient’s teeth in one dental visit. The procedure starts with chiseling the tooth’s enamel, and it ends with the dentist gluing the veneers on top of the teeth.

Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a procedure in which a dentist covers a person’s cavities with a composite material. The composite material resembles tooth enamel and dentin.
An interested person can contact a reliable dental facility such as Clear Lake Dental Care to schedule a consultation about a dental procedure. Someone will let the individual know the possibilities so that the patient can make an informed choice.