Fast Facts On Cosmetic Dentistry
- Fillings were used as far back as 4,000 years ago!
- Gold was one of the original dental materials.
- Cosmetic procedures can benefit you functionally as well!
The general purpose of cosmetic dentistry is primarily for looks. However, there are a lot of functional issues that can be fixed with cosmetic appliances. Since there are a lot of cosmetic dentistry procedures, there is a lot to go over.
Cosmetic dentistry – Who needs it?
Lots of patients are eligible for cosmetic dentistry, a perfect smile with white stainless teeth is a very hard goal to achieve. Lots of patients were also not educated on proper dental care, or given there teeth the attention necessary to keep a white perfect smile. If someone is more active in sports and physical activity they may be more prone to injury.
Since there are a number of cosmetic procedures, we will discuss them in this article.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays & onlays are known in the cosmetic dentistry field as indirect fillings, these have to be made in a lab. If a tooth has mild to moderate decay, or not enough of the tooth structure to support a filling, then the onlay will be used. These inserts are typically made in a lab from a composite of porcelain.
While the main purpose of inlays and onlays is to restore the tooth, they also help strengthen, shape, and help stave off future decay.
Composite Bonding
Dental Veneers
Veneers, generally made from ceramic, are typically used for the teeth in the front of the mouth, dental veneers are used to close gaps, reshape teeth, and cover-up deep oral stains. Veneers also can help with things like chewing and even speaking.
If you have gaps in your teeth they can create speech impediments such as lisps, or mispronouncing words, veneers may help fix this issue.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening uses materials that are more technical than off-the-shelf solutions. These materials will even need to be cured with UV light!
Dental Implants
Invisalign – Clear Braces
Summary
- Dental Implants
- Professional Teeth Whitening
- Dental Veneers
- Composite Bonding
- Inlays & Onlays
- Invisalign
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Cosmetic dentistry costs will change depending on the procedure required, since there are lots of procedures available, costs will be different based on the procedure. At Smiles Dental Group we are always below whatever the Alberta Dental Fee guide recommends because we want you to get the most value for your money.
You can see the cost of some of our procedures on our dental fees page here.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your situation, you might need one or more of them. If you think you might need a cosmetic enhancement always talk to your dentist first.
You should have an implant, bridge, or partial denture depending on what is advised for you. Your other teeth could move into the gap created by the missing teeth which can be a problem. You also leave a more exposed gum line which could be more easily infected.
