One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. This is why so many people are always looking for solutions to get the perfect smile. Cosmetic dental procedures are available to address issues such as discolored, irregularly shaped, incorrectly spaced, or misaligned teeth, while also improving the overall appearance of your smile.
Because there are so many cosmetic dental treatments available, many people don’t know where to begin when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Cedar View Dental in Lynnwood, WA has put together a list of the five most popular cosmetic dental treatments to help you determine which is the best treatment for you.
Five Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment for stained teeth that removes discoloration. It removes both internal and exterior stains, making teeth 5-10 shades whiter in a single treatment. Teeth whitening techniques begin with cleaning of the teeth to remove any plaque or debris. The teeth are then brushed with a whitening chemical. An activating light or whitening trays may be required in some circumstances. Following application, the whitening chemical will stay on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes before being rinsed. During the first 24 hours after application, the whitening agent will continue to lighten the teeth. Depending on your oral hygiene and eating habits, the effects of whitening will last for around a year.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling is a dental filling that is made of composite resin. Composite resin can be color-matched to your natural teeth color so that it blends in. The decayed tissue will first be removed, and the remaining tooth structure may be reshaped, before placing a composite filling. The composite resin will then be layered on until the cavity is filled. To blend with the tooth, the final layer will be sculpted and polished. Composite fillings last roughly 5-7 years.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is another common cosmetic dental procedure. Dental crowns completely enclose the tooth, improving its shape, size, and color, as well as restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Although crowns can be created from a variety of materials, the natural appearance of porcelain makes them the most preferred for aesthetic treatments. Dental crowns are installed by first reducing the size of the tooth so that it can accommodate the crown adequately. After that, the permanent crown is glued over the natural tooth. Dental crowns can endure from 5 to 15 years, depending on how well they are cared for.
Dental Implant
In order to serve as an anchor for a dental prosthetic like a crown, bridge, or denture, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is inserted into the jawbone. Because they are very durable and have a natural appearance, dental implants are a popular solution for replacing lost teeth. Two appointments, generally 3-6 months apart, are normally required to install a dental implant. Dental implants, once inserted, can last for 10-15 years, with some lasting up to 20 years.
Veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure used to correct teeth with irregular shapes, stains, or misalignments. They are usually constructed of porcelain, but they can also be made of dental composite resin. Porcelain veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel for placement, but they last for 10-15 years. Generally, composite veneers can be fitted without removing enamel. They do, however, only last 5-7 years.
Talk to the Cosmetic Dental Experts
Give the cosmetic dental experts at Cedar View Dental a call today if you need assistance selecting whether teeth whitening or restoration treatments are right for you.