What is cosmetic dentistry ?

Different types of treatments available in cosmetic dentistry at present

• Porcelain veneers - These technique uses porcelain wafers, which are placed on the fronts of the teeth to improve the appearance. Porcelain veneers can make dramatic effects on a person's smile and self-confidence. A wide variety of dental problems can be cured by veneers such as whitening stained or discolored teeth or create an attractive smile by closing the gaps between teeth. This process usually removes a thin sheet of enamel from its outer surface. After that molds of the mouth is taken. The process takes about one and a half to two hours. The porcelain is carefully crafted into veneers in the laboratory. By two weeks they are ready to be used to improve teeth's strength and appearance.
• Resin / tooth colored fillings - It is also referred as composite, white fillings or bonding The appearance of the teeth can be substantially improved by using resin fillings. Small cavities of the front or back teeth can be repaired by using resin. Resin saves time and money than porcelain veneers. However they are not stronger than porcelain veneers and they also needed to be repaired every few years. This process usually takes an hour and the resin can get discolored over time. These cost something around $100 to $400 per tooth.
• Gum lifts - Gum lifts clinically termed as gingivectomy, removes the gum so that the teeth and as well as the gum-line appear longer. Some people have excess gum covering the most of their front teeth. Also the upper lips come up when they give a smile which are often termed as gummy smile. The teeth appear to be differently sized due to an uneven gum-line which never gives an attractive smile. These problems are corrected by making the required area numb and removing the excess gum. The dentist instructs to use an antiseptic mouth rinse like peridex. The patients are also instructed to give an upward pressure on their gums as they heal. It is not a painful procedure but the patient may feel some discomfort, a couple of days after the procedure. The process usually lasts about thirty minutes. The cost varies from $75 to $175 for each tooth.
• Bonding - Bonding are particularly useful for gapped, chipped or discolored teeth. In this mode of treatment resin are fillings having a matching color of the teeth, are applied the dentist. But the resin have to be replaced occasionally as they doesn't last long.
• Implants - These are used in replacement of dentures. Implants are stronger and more attractive than replacing a missing or lost tooth. The patient's jaw is provided with an anchor. In addition a ceramic restoration with a matching color of the original tooth, is built around the anchor.