What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

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With the millions of Americans that suffer from anxiety when it comes to a dental appointment, the industry is complicated and diverse. The ten different specialty branches focus on anything from oral surgery to straightening teeth to working on the health of the gum soft tissue. The specialty service of cosmetic dentistry wilmington nc focuses on improving the image of your teeth. Your smile is an undervalued asset. A healthy smile has been proven to add up to seven years to your life. It is the foundation to your personality by impacting your self-esteem and self-confidence. A smile can be a huge mood booster and even have a positive impact on your immune system. Cosmetic dentistry keeps this goal in focus. Whether your teeth are discolored and stained, possibly cracked or chipped, crooked, misshaped or there is an uncomfortable gap; cosmetic dentistry can improve all of imperfections to inevitably improve your smile.

The Different Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

There are different processes available to address those flaws in your smile. The five most common are listed here.

Teeth whitening can be done in any dental office with a peroxide-based bleaching agent. If you are fond of your coffee or tea in the morning, red wine in the evening, or a cola during the day, these all will stain your teeth. Smoking tobacco can discolor your teeth. Having your teeth whitened restores them to their natural color which will be evident with your smile.

Another common cosmetic dental practice is that of composite bonding. The dentist can rough up the enamel surface and apply a putty-like composite resin directly on the tooth. The plastic like material can be shaped, sculpted and smoothed before an ultraviolet light cures and hardens the material. The color has been chosen to match your teeth and can cover cracks, chips and even close gaps between teeth.

Dental veneers take bonding to the next level in cosmetic dentistry. An impression is made first and this is sent to a dental lab. A wafer-thin custom shell is fabricated from porcelain or ceramic. The dentist can then use an adhesive and bond the veneer to the front of the tooth.

Inlays or onlays are also known as indirect fillings. Used to address a tooth with mild decay the inlays or onlays are fabricated from composite resin in a dental lab as well from an impression and are useful in providing support to strengthen a tooth.

The last procedure that is becoming more popular in cosmetic dentistry is that of dental implants. When you lose a tooth that remaining gap needs to be filled. You can have a dental bridge placed in that gap but as of late a dental implant has proven to have numerous benefits. A titanium post is drilled into the jawbone. Once this implant fuses to the bone an extension, or abutment is placed on the post. On the abutment is placed an artificial crown. The most natural solution and it also helps deter from any potential bone loss.

Cosmetic dentistry plays a vital role in the chapter of defining quality of life. Be good to your teeth and gums and enjoy your smile.

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