Whether your teeth have been damaged in an accident or you simply want to boost your overall appearance, cosmetic dentistry can completely restore and improve the look of your smile. There are many different reasons you may need cosmetic dentistry, and there are several different types of treatments that can meet your aesthetic and oral health needs.
Each of these treatments has its strengths, drawbacks, and purpose in the world of cosmetic dentistry. Some of the most common cosmetic dental treatments include veneers, dental bonding, tooth whitening crowns, and dental onlays. Here are some of the most commonly performed treatments.
1. Veneers
Veneers are a popular form of cosmetic dental treatment. Porcelain or ceramic veneers can create a dramatic difference in the appearance of your teeth in a relatively short amount of time. Veneers are often made of porcelain and are highly resistant to staining.
These customized coatings are directly applied to your natural teeth and can last for up to 20 years with proper care. The process of getting veneers is relatively straightforward.
Patients with severe stains or misshapen teeth can get these attractive coatings and achieve a sparkling white smile that looks just like natural teeth.
The main drawback is that veneers are more expensive compared to other treatments like whitening and dental bonding. It may require several visits to complete based on the extent of your needs.
However, their longevity and ultra-natural results are worth the investment, and they have the ability to conceal significant imperfections. Some of the most dramatic changes in cosmetic dentistry come from a new set of veneers. If you are interested in learning more about how dental veneers can transform your smile, visit out veneers page.
2. Dental Bonding
For minor shape and aesthetic issues like gaps, cracks, and chips, dental bonding is an affordable and quick choice. Since it uses resin and not porcelain, it’s not as durable as veneers. Therefore, it is more prone to breakage and stains. However, dental bonding does provide an affordable solution to minor problems like gaps and chipped teeth.
Dental bonding is made from a tooth-colored resin and it blends in with your natural teeth. Dental bonding is frequently compared to veneers and it is often seen as a more cost-effective option.
3. In-Office Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a procedure that can produce “instant” results. Instead of spending months (and hundreds of dollars) on take-home whitening kits, professional whitening at the dental office offers a one-and-done experience.
Dentists can use stronger peroxide compared to what you can find over the counter, which allows the teeth to whiten faster and in many cases better than less concentrated agents. Tooth whitening is an excellent option for patients who have moderate to mild discolorations on their teeth. Furthermore, for more severe stains, veneers or dental bonding are often a better option.
4. Crowns and Caps
Crowns are for functional or tooth strengthening purposes. As a result, the crown covers the entire tooth. Any discoloration, stains or chips get covered up and the tooth looks like “new”. Porcelain crowns and caps cover imperfections on your molars with natural tooth-like color and texture. The results are can be so significant that it’s often difficult to tell the natural tooth from the crown.
5. Dental Inlays or Onlays
This is a potential alternative to crowns and other filling materials. Inlays are essentially a custom made and fitted filling, much like a puzzle piece fits into a puzzle. Inlays are typically made of porcelain or composite material, and they can also be made of gold, however, not everyone feels gold is an esthetic alternative.
If you have metal fillings, these are a wonderful replacement that can restore the look of your teeth and eliminate the unsightly look of traditional fillings. However, onlays are very similar, they cover more of the tooth in areas where the tooth needs supporting to prevent a future fracture. Not only will you get a beautiful tooth as a result, but your tooth will also be stronger. Dental inlays and onlays are not entirely cosmetic procedures as they can be done as part of a restorative dental treatment plan.
Get Excellent Cosmetic Dentistry in Burnaby
If you are considering cosmetic dental treatments, it is important to visit your dentist to discuss your options. At VCCID our dedicated team can perform a cosmetic analysis to determine what corrections are needed. We develop a treatment plan custom catered to your needs and smile goals. To find out more about improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry, contact us today at (604) 434-0248.
