Cosmetic dentistry is the type of dental work that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, bite,s, etc. Its primary focus is on improving dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance.

The two primary specialties that focus on dental aesthetics are:

  • Prosthodontics
  • Orthodontics

There are a number of different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures available. They are as follows:

  • Whitening
  • Reshaping
  • Bonding
  • Bridging
  • Veneers
  • Implants
  • Gum lifts
  • Straightening
  • Bite reclamation

As a multispecialty dental clinic based in Kakkanad that offers the best cosmetic dentistry procedures with the help of one of the best dentists in Kakkanad, here are five helpful cosmetic procedures that everyone should know about.

  1. Inlays and Onlays

This cosmetic dental procedure, also known as indirect fillings, is created at a dental laboratory. These are used when a tooth has mild or moderate tooth decay or insufficient tooth structure in order to support a filling. If there is no damage to the tooth cusps, the inlay is placed directly on the surface of the tooth. However, if the cusp or the tooth has significant damage, an onlay may be used to cover the entire surface of the tooth.

Inlays and Onlays used to be made of gold but are now made in a dental laboratory from a composite of porcelain or ceramic material and are then attached to the teeth with the help of dental cement. These strengthen the teeth, restore the teeth and avoid any further decay or deterioration.

  1. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is the repair of decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth by using material that resembles the color of tooth enamel. The decay is drilled out and the composite is applied onto the tooth’s surface and then sculpted to the right shape before curing it with a high-intensity light. Also known as bonding, this procedure effectively covers teeth damage and gives the appearance of healthy teeth in its place. It is one of the least expensive procedures available to patients with tooth decay, chipped or broken teeth, and worn-down edges.

  1. Dental Veneers

Manufactured from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are made from custom-made caps that are placed perfectly over your natural teeth. They look exceptionally realistic and can solve a number of cosmetic problems ranging from cracked teeth or damaged enamel to gaps between two teeth. The veneer is applied to the front of each tooth with the help of a dental adhesive.

  1. Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available, which can often be completed in a single visit. First, the plaque, tartar, and other debris from each tooth are removed, restoring it to its natural appearance. The teeth are then whitened with a bleaching agent to achieve a lighter shade than their original shade.

Teeth that have worn out or stained over the years due to consumption of certain foods and drinks and certain personal habits such as smoking can be restored to their original state with the help of teeth whitening. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be done either at the dentist’s office or at one’s own home.

  1. Dental Implants

These are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. A small titanium screw is inserted into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which then serves as a support for the crown. These implants are indistinguishable from the other surrounding natural teeth. Once the bone and the supporting tissue fuse to the implant, it is permanently secured in place. During the implant placement period and after the procedure, it is important to practice diligent oral hygiene in order to clean plaque and another food residue from the area.

Cosmetic procedures are elective rather than essential, although some treatments also provide restorative benefits. There are many advantages to cosmetic dentistry. Some of them are:

  • It enhances your smile
  • Boosts self-confidence
  • Improves oral health
  • Offers lasting results
  • Improves bite
  • Restores stained teeth
  • Improves the shape of your teeth
  • Treats chipped or crooked teeth
  • Replaces missing teeth

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it is important to choose a dentist that specifically offers the option you’re interested in. In doing so, they will be able to provide input on which procedures would be best for you.