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Dental Care

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth are one of the major parts of your mouth. It not only helps to chew food properly before swallowing, but it also helps in defining the way you smile. Having properly aligned clean and white teeth can create a great impression without any doubt. If you have stains on your teeth or your teeth are discolored, chipped, misaligned, broken, worn or gaps are there, then you can try cosmetic dentistry. There are different types of cosmetic dentistry which can give you a better smile.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are confused about  and how it can help you, then you are at the right place. We have listed all the types available and that you can choose. All you have to do is to choose the one which is ideal for you.

  • Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening method is one of the least expensive and simplest ways for improving the smile. Your teeth will be bleached with some of the in-office products in the dentist’s office for just $500. You can also buy a mold or gels from the dentist for bleaching your own teeth in the comfort of your home. Even there are some teeth whitening products that are available retails in stores and you can buy over the counter.

  • Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are customized shells made up of resin or porcelain. It is a tooth colored wafer-thin shell. This can cover the front surface of the teeth. It is bonded to your teeth by removing about a half-millimeter of your tooth’s enamel. These dental veneers can actually change the size, color, shape and length of the teeth.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Dental Bonding

In dental bonding, a putty-like tooth-colored resin is applied to your tooth first and then it is hardened with ultraviolet light. This helps in bonding the material to the tooth. Your dentist can trim, polish or shape it as per requirements. Over the time, this bonding can actually decay, crack or get chipped.

  • Dental Crown

A dental crown is also called a cap which can replace the whole damaged or decayed tooth present over the gum line. This can restore the size, appearance, shape and strength of the teeth if it was not exposed to healthy conditions before. These crowns can actually help to keep the weak tooth in place. These crowns are cosmetically used for covering the misshapen or some of the severely discolored teeth. They are available in form of metal or ceramic or resin.

  • Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are also a type of dental filling that is made of porcelain, composite materials or gold. This is used for filling the damaged and decayed teeth. The dental fillings are first molded into the place when you visit. But the onlays and inlays are created in the dental laboratory. Then they are bonded into place within the center of the tooth.

Wrapping it Up

So, these are some of the types of cosmetic dentistry that you can opt for beyond dental implants and more. Mainly the dentist will diagnose your problem and check your dental conditions first. Then he/she can advise you about which one will be ideal for you. Thus, make sure that you’re choosing the best dentist as think of it as you would be choosing a plastic surgeon or any other type of doctor.

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Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

A missing tooth literally takes away your smile. You don’t feel confident when you smile anymore. However, with dental replacements, you can now afford to claim your flashy smile back. Before you are back to smiling, you have to face the question of dental implant vs dental bridge. Which one is best for you?

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

In this post, you get all answers about dental implants and dental bridges. You will know which is right for you as well as other considerations you should make. 

Weighing Your Options for Both

In the recent past, the only option for those who have lost their teeth was dental bridges. To get it done, the adjacent teeth have to be carved off its enamel to create room for the bridge. Conversely, dental implants only affect the specific tooth. There is no touching of the next tooth. The results are permanent and a very strong replacement. 

However, when it has been long since you lost your teeth, it will need some preparation before an implant. This is because both the bone and gum will not be in perfect shape. On the advantages of each of the procedures, your dentist is in the best position to make recommendations on which route to take and how to prevent any infections from happening afterwards. 

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

A Shift in Oral Care

When you get an implant, your oral care routine will not change. You will be brushing and flossing just like you have your natural teeth. The shift in care comes when you get dental bridges since they affect more than one tooth. You will have to be more careful when you brush and floss as your dental health can affect your overall health. 

Your dentist will advise on what you have to do. Some of the requirements are a specific type of toothpaste and special-bristle brush. 

Time of Service

Implants will be at your service for a lifetime. They are from titanium, which is durable and resistant to decay. The implant becomes part of your natural tooth. On the other hand, dental bridges only last for not more than 10 years. The bridges are not designed to become one with your natural teeth. Therefore, they will decay and are susceptible to failing. 

The Aesthetics

You would want your new teeth to fit in just like the natural ones. There is no guarantee of getting close to natural aesthetics, but your prosthodontist or dentist will assess your case and do what they can. Implants are easy to imitate your natural teeth if the replacement is done as soon as you lose your tooth.

The Cost Question

Dental bridges will win the cost contest any day. They cost less, but you will have to replace them after 10 years. You should think about recurring costs. Dental implants are expensive, but you will have them for a lifetime. Currently, health insurances are only covering a portion of the replacement costs and you can also look into if your Medicare coverage will cover it. Make sure you weigh out both options so that you can be ready for the expenses.

Bottom Line

So, what is it going to you about dental implant vs dental bridge? This is a personal choice whether it be for your kids or for yourself. Hopefully, this post has been of help in pointing you to make the right choice.