Did you know that having a flawless smile is now easier than ever? Thanks to the advancements made by cosmetic dentistry, you can easily correct imperfections and change the entire look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized type of dentistry that combines restorative dental procedures with aesthetics. The final result is a smile that is both functional and beautiful.
There are different types of cosmetic dental procedures that can correct a range of dental issues that affect the teeth such as discoloration, spacing, size, shape, and alignment. Some cosmetic procedures can correct multiple concerns at once, while others focus on a single area of improvement. In order to determine which is the best treatment option for you, you will need to consider what things you are looking to fix about your smile.
Additionally, it helps to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. These treatments are well-known for their ability to improve the function and appearance of many different types of smiles. Here are the top 5 cosmetic dental treatments:
Most Popular Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Teeth whitening procedures are becoming very popular because they are a minimally invasive approach to improving the look of your smile by simply removing years of stains. During a whitening treatment, a whitening agent is applied to the surface of the teeth. It is then absorbed into the teeth where it breaks apart discolored molecules. The result is teeth that are about 5-10 shades lighter. Although it doesn’t seem like much, simply whitening your teeth a few shades brightens your entire smile and can make you look years younger.
Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatment for Minor Imperfections
Another extremely popular cosmetic dental treatment are composite fillings. Composite fillings are used to restore small to medium areas of damage or decay on the teeth. They are fabricated using composite resin, which is a dental material that is customized to match the natural color of your teeth, as well as the natural contour. This means that once a composite filling has been placed, it will not be noticeable and will blend with the rest of your tooth. For this reason, many outdated amalgam fillings are now replaced with composite fillings. In some cases, composite resin is also used in a technique called dental bonding. This technique bonds composite resin to the natural tooth structure as a way of repairing superficial damage such as chips or cracks.
Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatment for Larger Imperfections
Dental crowns are commonly used to cosmetically restore teeth that have been significantly affected by damage or decay. They can also be used to change the size, shape, or color of a single tooth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits entirely over the visible portion of an existing tooth. This preserves and protects the natural tooth structure, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing outer shell. Multiple dental crowns can also be used in cases where one or more teeth are missing. When multiple dental crowns are fused together with one or more fake teeth, this is known as a dental bridge.
Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatment for Versatility
Veneers are another popular cosmetic dental treatment due to their versatility. Dental veneers are thin shells made from composite resin or porcelain that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth. They are used to correct a number of cosmetic defects such as unevenly sized teeth, oddly shaped teeth, stubborn stains, overlapping or crooked teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and teeth with gaps in between them. Since veneers can be used on an individual tooth or multiple teeth, they also offer flexibility for a variety of smile makeovers.
Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatment for Missing Teeth
Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments used to replace one or more missing teeth. This is because their structure resembles that of a natural tooth and can restore the greatest amount of function. Dental implants are titanium screws that act as artificial tooth roots. They are implanted into the jawbone where they will fuse with the surrounding bone and act as an anchor for a dental prosthetic. Depending on the number of missing teeth needing replacement, dental implants can be used with crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dr. Mark and Dr. Gina Covington are committed to providing their patients with the highest level of care. Both doctors are members of the Academy of General Dentistry as well as the American Dental Association. Locally, both belong to the Western Piedmont Dental society and the Foothills Dental Continuum. Because dentistry is a dynamic field, continued education is a paramount concern. Both Dr. Mark and Dr. Gina have completed several hundred hours of continued education to become proficient in the science and placement of dental implants. This course of study has allowed them to become Fellows of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
