Your smile is one of the first things people see when they meet you. So, you should want your smile to shine! Cosmetic dentistry is different from just having regular teeth cleaning from your dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not normally required, it would be requested by the patient. This form of dentistry improves the appearance of your teeth through different cosmetic dentistry methods. There are 5 major types of this type of dentistry, to help make your smile bright.

5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

1. Inlays and Onlays

This type of cosmetic dentistry involves filling a tooth that has decayed or the tooth’s structure isn’t strong enough to support a normal cavity filling. Inlays and Onlays are made in a dental laboratory with materials such as porcelain, composite materials, or gold. 

An inlay is a filling made in a laboratory that is put in the center of your tooth, similar to a regular filling. While an Onlay is something that actually goes over part of or your whole tooth.

2. Composite Bonding

If your teeth are discolored, damaged, or decayed a type of cosmetic dentistry that would be used is called composite bonding. This procedure includes using a composite material that looks like the color of tooth enamel. The decay in your tooth will be drilled out and then your dentist will cover that portion with composite material, then it can be sculpted to look like a nice, healthy tooth in place of the decayed tooth. When the tooth is sculpted high-intensity light is used to set the material. 

3. Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers cover your natural teeth to fix cosmetic teeth problems like noticeable gaps, crooked teeth, or damaged enamel. These can change the size, shape, and color of teeth. Your dentist will remove a millimeter of enamel from your teeth and then bond the veneers to the front of your teeth. 

4. Teeth-Whitening

You can accomplish teeth whitening at home or at your dental office, it is also one of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry. At your dentist’s office plaque, tartar, and debris will be removed from your teeth. After removing this from your teeth it will restore them to their original color. Whitening your teeth even further includes using a bleaching agent to make them lighter and whiter. 

5. Implants

Dental implants are needed when there are damaged or missing teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will implant a screw into your jaw in the place where the tooth is needed. This screw is used to support the crown that will be in the place of the tooth. These are almost identical to the teeth surrounding it. When the bone and tissue have fused to the crown it is secured in place. After the procedure of an implant oral care is of the utmost importance. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Columbus, GA

Whether you need a routine cleaning or a cosmetic dentistry procedure Family Dentistry of Columbus is here to help. Contact us today, and get your smile back on track!