What Are the Most Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Want a brighter smile? Want a gummy smile to disappear and be replaced by a normal smile? Want to get rid of discolored, chipped, or cracked teeth? Cosmetic dentistry—the branch of dentistry that addresses the aesthetics of a smile—gives you all the answers.

You may be one among the many who seek out cosmetic dentistry to improve their confidence and self-esteem through a beautiful smile. 

And why not? A bright smile is a winning smile! Learn what procedures are common in cosmetic dentistry. And consider doing one to enhance your beauty.

The Basics of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. Various procedures are included in this branch, with the most common being teeth whitening due to its accessibility. Other popular procedures include dental veneers, implants, and contouring.

Some restorative dentistry procedures overlap in function with cosmetic dentistry. For example, when you repair a cracked tooth with a dental crown or realign misshapen teeth with Invisalign. These procedures not only restore their function but also enhance your aesthetics. 

However, the main focus of cosmetic dentistry is purely concerning the appearance.

Who gets the most value out of cosmetic dentistry?

People who are dissatisfied with their teeth—either shape, color, or alignment—will find value in cosmetic dentistry. If you have stained or discolored teeth, or misshapen or misaligned teeth, cosmetic changes can mitigate the problem. It can also fix gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, and damaged teeth (chipped or cracked).

Is it safe for everyone?

The procedures are primarily safe for many people. The most critical condition for undergoing a dental cosmetic procedure is having healthy teeth and gums. If you have cavities or a gum disease, you may have to address these issues first. Once your oral health has been restored, you’re free to pursue a cosmetic treatment.

Is it expensive?

If there’s a major disadvantage of cosmetic dentistry, it’s the cost of treatment. While basic dental treatments may be covered by insurance, purely cosmetic procedures are excluded. And like many other cosmetic procedures, some procedures like porcelain veneers may need to be touched up or replaced every few years. Without careful budgeting, the costs may skyrocket.

The Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentists will attempt to bring the natural teeth’s appearance back to its prime through cosmetic dentistry procedures. Various types of procedures exist so let’s check out some of the more popular ones.

Teeth whitening

It’s a popular procedure that is used by around 35 million Americans. Teeth whitening paste, strips, and gels are easily available in stores and pharmacies. Despite these DIY whiteners usually containing low concentrations of bleaching agents, which are not very long-lasting, they are still commonly used.

For a more long-lasting result, a professional teeth whitening treatment in a dental office is the way to go. An in-office teeth whitening treatment can be done in one visit, with immediate results. Many dentists even offer whitening kits to take home where they can continue the whitening. A professional whitening treatment involves a higher concentration of bleachers to make it easier to soak into the enamel and remove deep stains.

Dental veneers

For the 80% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 who want a brighter smile, a dental veneer is most likely a procedure of their choice. Not just discoloration, veneers can also fix chips and cracks. The procedure involves using thin porcelain or resin shells fitting over the front surface of the tooth.

Porcelain veneers are considered the most effective type of veneer, although they do need to be replaced once every 10 years. Another point of caution is how the teeth’s natural enamel must be removed for the veneer to fit—and this process is irreversible.

But the biggest advantage of using dental veneers, particularly porcelain, is the natural-looking result. As it is customized to match the shade, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, porcelain veneers look less like artificial teeth.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding has become one of the most common procedures in the US of late. Dental bonding works similarly to dental veneers in that it requires resin to be fitted over teeth, but there’s no need to remove any enamel. Therefore, unlike veneers, the process is reversible.

The first step is choosing a suitable color for the resin with a shade guide. Then, the dentist will etch and roughen the tooth. A glue-like liquid will then be applied to the tooth to help the bonding resin to attach. After the resin is molded into the proper shape, the newly shaped tooth will get a laser treatment to harden. If necessary, your dentist will perform additional trimming and shaping to create the most natural look.

Tooth contouring

Cosmetic tooth contouring, or dental reshaping, is a huge market in North America, accounting for 35% of revenue share. It’s the go-to procedure to correct teeth imperfections, like uneven teeth, overly pointed teeth, or slightly overlapping teeth. Achieving balance and symmetry in the whole smile is the whole aim.

The dentist uses a special tool to sculpt and reshape the enamel while carefully calculating the contoured tooth in comparison to the other teeth. It’s a relatively affordable procedure with only one visit needed to complete it. No anesthesia is required in cosmetic tooth contouring, although some tooth sensitivity may occur for a while.

For more complex issues with your tooth structure, however, contouring may not be the most ideal solution. The dentist will usually recommend other procedures, like dental bonding and veneers, to get a more natural look.

Gum contouring

Gum reshaping or contouring is another popular cosmetic dental procedure. When someone has an excessive gum area covering a portion of the teeth and making them look shorter, this type of contouring will fix it. With gum contouring, the teeth can appear longer and more symmetrical. The gum line may also be reshaped for a more balanced appearance.

To trim away the excess gum tissue and expose more of the tooth’s surface, a dentist may use traditional surgical techniques or laser technology. Laser contouring is the more popular option as it is less invasive and offers faster healing times and less discomfort. 

Conclusion

Popular cosmetic dental treatments can help you achieve an attractive smile with straighter teeth that boost your confidence level. Teeth whitening and dental veneers are probably the most common procedures you have heard. But other procedures like dental bonding, tooth contouring, and gum contouring are also becoming just as popular. 

Riverside Dental Care offers these cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you gain even, whiter teeth for a sparkling smile. Contact us to find out more about these procedures and say “goodbye” to your dental concerns.