Cosmetic dentistry is actually quite diverse with the different procedures that are available to make your teeth and your smile look better. Whether your teeth have become stained or discolored, if you have chipped or cracked a tooth or even if you are tired of looking at the gap between your teeth, there is are several options in cosmetic dentistry to correct these perceived imperfections. Different than other specialties in dentistry that deal with logistical, functional and health issues with your teeth or gums, cosmetic dentistry simply focuses on improving the look of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
An entry level procedure in cosmetic dentistry is that of teeth whitening. If you are fond of your morning coffee or tea, enjoy that evening glass of red wine, have a cola at lunch or smoke tobacco, over time your teeth will become stained or discolored. You can spend as little as $100 for an over the counter program to whiten your teeth at home or you can have it done professionally in the dental office with a peroxide bleach with much better results for $450 to $650.
Inlays and Onlays
When the tooth has experienced some decay that needs to be addressed but there is enough natural tooth that a crown is not necessary, an inlay or an onlay is the solution. An inlay can cost from $250 to $1,500 and an onlay may cost between $350 and $1,500. An inlay is a composite resin filling fabricated in a dental lab to cover a cavity. An onlay is when the cavity involves the biting surface of the tooth so there is more to the fabrication.
Dental Bonding
If you have a crack, a chip or even a gap that you would like to disappear dental bonding is a quick and affordable alternative. With an average range of $300 to $600 per tooth, a putty-like composite resin is applied to the tooth. The dentist can shape, sculpt and smooth the putty to create a new and better look. Then an ultra-violet light cures and hardens the resin.
Dental Veneers
Taking the bonding up a notch is the veneer procedure. After an impression is made and sent to the dental lab for fabrication, the dentist will use an adhesive to place the wafer-thin, porcelain or ceramic veneer to the front of the tooth making any flaws disappear. This procedure can range from an average of $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
Dental Implants
Growing in popularity are implants. Not only are they the most natural solution when losing a tooth but the most beneficial when it comes to maintaining bone integrity and the sensation of biting and chewing. An implant is when a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once that post fuses to the bone an extension or abutment is added to which a final artificial tooth, or crown, is affixed. This procedure can average from $1,500 to $4,500 per tooth.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a diverse specialty in the dental industry. One of value when you try to also assess the value of your smile.
More on Cosmetic Dentistry : How Do I Pick The Right Cosmetic Dentist for Me?