What Is Cosmetic Dentistry, Anyway?

But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry? You might wonder. If you’ve been thinking about changing up the appearance of your teeth, keep reading to learn more.

According to WebMD, cosmetic dentistry is defined as the “method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall smile.” A dentist specializing in cosmetic dental work uses different techniques and procedures to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

Dental work for cosmetic purposes has become increasingly more popular. With new and improved techniques and technology, dentists can provide procedures that can basically give you a whole new set of teeth, if that’s what you want, of course. From dentures to teeth implants, from straightening to whitening, there are many different ways to improve the look of your teeth with a cosmetic dental procedure.

There are so many different types of cosmetic dental procedures, so if you’re interested in improving your smile, it’s a great idea to educate yourself on what kind of cosmetic dentistry will suit you best. Here’s a quick guide on what procedure(s) would fit your situation:

Dentures – Dental patients that are missing teeth (whether it’s a few or all of their teeth) have the option of getting dentures. Dentures are a prosthetic device that rests on your gums to look like natural teeth. You can get dentures in particle or full options.

Dental Implants – For those who have lost a tooth or several teeth, a dental implant is a great way to replace missing teeth while keeping your smile looking naturally beautiful.

Veneers – For a person with discolored, chipped, or cracked teeth they can opt for veneers. Veneers are essentially a thin layer of porcelain or resin that is placed over your natural tooth.

Composite Bonding – Composite bonding is another option for someone with one or more decayed, discolored, or damaged teeth. This process includes a dentist making small changes to the enamel then adding composite resin to the outer layer of the tooth to enhance its appearance.

Cosmetic Crowns – Many dental patients have to get crowns for necessary reasons, like a root canal. However, crowns can also be used to treat poorly shaped teeth, badly decayed, broken, chipped, or to cover spaces in between teeth.

Enamel Shaping – This is for people who would like to have their natural teeth shaped differently. They want their teeth to be straight across the bottom of their top row of teeth for many people. Essentially, enamel shaping includes removing or adding artificial enamel to the teeth to create a new shape.

Straightening and Orthodontics – For many people, their natural smile just needs some straightening. Many orthodontic procedures can help with your smile and your jaw’s overall alignment. Suppose you’re only interested in straightening your teeth. In that case, you can opt for a system such as a clear aligning system, such as Invisalign, which many dentists and orthodontists offer.

Teeth Whitening – For dental patients who like the shape and alignment of their natural teeth but could benefit from a brighter, whiter smile. It’s important to note that whitening will only help with surface stains. If discoloration is caused by a problem with your teeth or gums, teeth whitening is not the solution for you.

Oak Hills Dentistry is a family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Layton, Utah. We know that a bright and beautiful smile is a significant confidence booster; that’s why we are dedicated to giving you a smile you’ve always dreamed of through our many cosmetic dental services. We will sit down with you and explore all your options and find the one the suits you best. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment with us!