Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is mainly used to improve the aesthetics of the teeth. It involves numerous procedures that greatly influence the smile of a person. Some of them include adding a dental appliance to the teeth, while some involve changing the appearance, such as the alignment, color, etc.

Types of cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can be classified into four categories based on the type of procedure involved. They are as follows.

Addition of dental appliances: Such procedures involve bonding a dental restoration to the teeth. Some of the common procedures of this type are dental crowns, dental bridges, veneers, fillings, implants, etc.

Removal of material: Material from either the teeth or gums will be removed in this type of treatment. Typical examples are gum surgery (removal of infected tissues and replacing them with healthy ones), grinding/buffing (removal of a thin layer of the enamel), etc.

Neither removing nor adding materials: Such procedures involve improving the appearance with the help of surface applicants, which are later removed like the teeth whitening gel.

Changing the alignment of teeth: Malocclusion issues can be corrected with the help of orthodontic corrective devices such as braces and Invisalign.

What issues can cosmetic dentistry solve?

Chipped teeth: Teeth that get chipped due to an injury end up looking oddly-shaped. Such teeth can be restored to their original shape with the help of either bonding, veneers, or crowns.

Misshapen teeth: These are the teeth that are naturally out of shape. They can be treated just as chipped teeth.

Cracked/fractured teeth: Teeth that break due to an external injury can be treated with veneers, crowns, or a simple filling (if it’s a hairline crack).

Missing teeth: Missing teeth can be replaced with either dental implants or using simpler options such as bridges or dentures.

Discolored teeth: Teeth tend to get stained when not cleaned appropriately or when you consume colored food items. They can be restored to their original color using teeth whitening.

Cavities: They are the result of the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth for a prolonged period. Such teeth can be treated with medication and restored to shape with the help of dental filling.

Malocclusion: Malocclusion is the misalignment of the teeth. It can be treated using appliances such as dental braces and Invisalign.

Common cosmetic dental procedures

Filling: Dental fillings help treat cavities by removing the decay and disinfecting it. It can be shaped to match the contour of the tooth.

Bonding: Bonding is the process of applying a dental-grade, tooth-colored resin on the surface of a tooth to restore it to its ideal shape and size. It is then hardened with the help of a curing light.

Whitening: Whitening is the process of removing the stains off of a tooth’s surface. Conventional whitening gel can be used for this purpose. As an advanced method, laser teeth whitening can also be used.

Crowns and bridges: Crowns help to restore a broken or cracked tooth to its original appearance and functionality, while bridges restore a missing tooth.

Dental implants: Implants help to replace missing teeth. They are the most preferred solution to replace teeth as recommended by dentists.

Veneers, Inlays, and Onlays: These are cosmetic dental appliances used for treating cracked teeth, misshapen teeth, fill cavities, improve the appearance of discolored teeth, etc.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (630) 978-9005 to have a consultation with Dr. Sun, and we will be happy to help.