Cosmetic dental surgery involves any process used to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth. These surgeries can include teeth whitening, fillings, bonding, dental implants, and veneers. Cosmetic dental surgery has been around since the first century. Dentures were extracted from humans and animals as early as 700BC. This process continued until the 1800s. Modern technology improved cosmetic dental surgery during this period.
At this point, advancements such as using dentures became common practice in the dental field. The use of plaster to make molds began in the 1800s, with the first dental lab producing fake teeth in 1850. Traditional porcelain crowns didn’t become popular until the 1950s. This solution was an improvement from plastic and acrylic dentures.
Modern dental procedures have been around for a long time. Teeth whitening began in the 1800s but didn’t get perfected until the late 1900s. Dental veneers were invented in 1930, while dental fillings and bonding began in 1949. Procedures such as dental implants were invented in 1937. The modern practice of using titanium implants started in 1965.
What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
The primary function of cosmetic dental surgery procedures is to improve the appearance of your teeth. Although cosmetic surgery is non-essential, it offers several excellent perks. Cosmetic dentistry is an added benefit because it makes regular cleaning easier and improves a person’s confidence.
Modern technology has made this practice faster and more reliable. The processes invented in the early 20th century made cosmetic dentistry better and more authentic. These new practices have also made the process pain-free and more affordable. Cosmetic dental surgery doesn’t just improve your look-it also lays the platform for better oral health. Restorative dentistry fixes chipped, cracked, and decaying teeth.
A critical function of cosmetic dental procedures is to improve oral health and protect you from future issues. As you age, your teeth become weaker and more sensitive. Cosmetic dental procedures prevent damaged teeth from deteriorating and make chewing easier. These procedures give you a beautiful smile and prevents damage to your gums.
It is a simple and painless process that effectively reinforces your teeth.
Dental surgery requires specialist care. You need to find dental services that offer top-notch services at a fair price. The dental care expert must be skilled and have plenty of relevant experience. Unlike previous varieties of cosmetic dentistry, new procedures require a deft touch. Look for a practice with a portfolio and a record for customer satisfaction. For the best cosmetic dentistry, it is critical to prioritize a care center that has a track record of professionalism.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Surgery
There are five main types of cosmetic dental surgery procedures known today. While some of these procedures are primarily for aesthetics, some offer a range of repair benefits. To understand these procedures, here is a list of the most common cosmetic dental procedures and how they work.
Dental Bonding
Dental-bonding is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic dental surgery procedures. It is a restorative procedure that replaces fillings and rectifies cavities. It is a more effective alternative to several dental issues because it helps protect teeth roots from exposure. This exposure is caused by gum recession as you get older. Composite or teeth-bonding uses a resin material to change the shape or color of your teeth. It conceals cracks and chips in your teeth or close gaps and spaces between them. They make your teeth look whiter, fuller, and longer. This procedure changes the shape of your teeth and makes them look more symmetric.
Dental-Bonding is a quick and painless process. There may be some discomfort after the procedure, but nothing too serious. Most teeth bonding surgeries do not require anesthesia as it is non-invasive. This process is low cost, and it fixes several dental issues. It is versatile, fast, and convenient. While some procedures like veneers require multiple visits, most need just one dental visit.
Cosmetic Tooth Fillings
Cosmetic fillings are a durable and effective dental solution that uses acrylic and porcelain resin to repair cavities. These fillings mimic the color of your teeth and are almost impossible to detect. They are commonly used to rectify molars and bicuspids as they offer aesthetic and repair value. This process is a popular solution for tooth decay and is among the most common procedures performed by dentists.
Dental fillings are a combination of plastics, glass, and metals. These components are used to fix cracked, broken, and chipped teeth. Most cosmetic dental fillings use porcelain, silver amalgam, and tooth-colored plastics. Gold is also one of the materials used in fillings but is not a popular option for most patients.
Each material has its advantages and pitfalls. For example, gold can last up to 15 years but is expensive. Tooth-colored fillings are more discreet, give great support, and are a popular repair option. These fillings only last about five years, easily chip off, and take time to place. Porcelain lasts up to 15 years and has high damage resistance. It is, however, expensive and can cost as much as gold fillings.
Silver fillings are a popular option because they are cheaper and long-lasting. The problem with this solution is it is conspicuous and has a higher risk of tooth cracks and fractures. It also has allergic potential for some patients and leaves a grayish hue. Lastly, glass fillings release fluoride that benefits your teeth, but they last less than five years and are generally weaker.
Dental Bridges
The primary function of dental bridges is to fill gaps left by missing teeth. It involves using a bridge to support a false tooth and cements it in place. There are several reasons for missing teeth. It may be a congenital condition, gum disease, injury, or a result of tooth decay. The only requirement for this procedure is you need healthy teeth on either side of the dental bridge.
Dental bridges help people improve their smiles and reduce the pain and stress on their teeth. It also reduces chewing difficulties. This procedure keeps your teeth symmetrical and prevents the remaining teeth from moving out of place. This process usually involves three visits to the dentist. The first visit entails creating room for the replacement crown by removing part of the enamel and dentin.
The second visit involves scanning your teeth to ensure the dimensions on the replacement are the same. This process entails taking impressions of your teeth or performing a digital scan. The last process is permanent bridge replacement. The dentist puts the permanent bridge in place in this visit. The process also involves adjustments to make it comfortable for you. The problem you have will determine the kind of bridge you will need. It does not suit everyone. Some advanced issues may require a dental implant, especially if there are no healthy supporting teeth. The common types include traditionally fixed, cantilever bridges, resin bonded bridges, and implant support bridges.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is one of the procedures that are cosmetic. There are several teeth whitening options; the first is laser bleaching. This process uses whitening lasers over a concentrated whitening gel applied to the teeth. This procedure is quick, painless, and as close as it gets to instant teeth whitening. The teeth are covered by a bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide. After this, a laser is shone on the teeth to quickly and effectively whiten teeth.
Laser teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure. It is an intensive process that may cause mild symptoms such as sensitivity to discomfort. Note that other cosmetic dental procedures also cause such symptoms. Another type is Zoom teeth whitening. This process uses LED light technology to whiten the teeth. Zoom whitening is safer and more effective compared to laser technology.
There are two main types of LED whitening. Zoom Quickpro takes only 30 minutes of family dentistry, while Zoom WhiteSpeed takes 45 minutes. The procedure is relatively similar to laser whitening. The orthodontic service applies whitening gel and shines an LED light on your teeth. The process happens three times, after which the dentist finishes by covering your teeth with a protective gel. It is a simple process that is safe and non-intrusive.
Professional teeth whitening is a expensive process. Depending on the technology used, this process can cost between $300 and $2000. Zoom teeth whitening has an average cost of $400, while laser treatment costs around $1000. The reason is that laser technology has faster results and is more advanced. The duration of the treatment is also a factor that affects the price of professional teeth whitening services.
Teeth whitening gives you a radiant smile and gives your teeth their natural color. It also increases self-confidence and makes you more approachable. This process is not for everyone, however. Dentists do not recommend whitening for people with sensitive/inflamed gums and tooth decay. Consult your dentist office before you consider whitening as an option.
Note that this is an intensive procedure that requires expertise and relevant experience. While shopping for dental or implant dentistry services, check reviews and customer satisfaction stats. Teeth whitening done without the proper equipment can have severe side effects. Ensure you find the best cosmetic dentistry to get adequate results.
Dental Veneers
Another cosmetic procedure is the use of dental veneers. This practice includes using tooth-colored materials such as porcelain to cover the front surface of your teeth. These custom-made shells improve your appearance by making your teeth look linear and whiter. Tooth Veneers use porcelain. There are other varietie made from resin and composite materials.
Dental veneers fix several issues: they conceal teeth that are misaligned, worn down, or broken. They also hide stained teeth and gaps. Veneers require three dentist appointments: the first visit involves consultation. The dentist gives you a list of options and will tell you if dental veneers are the best solution to your problem. The second stage involves reshaping the tooth surface to create space for the veneers. This process requires trimming off the enamel of your existing teeth to make room.
Dental veneers differ from other procedures because they are mainly cosmetic. They only cover the front of the tooth to improve aesthetic value. In simple terms, this process makes intact teeth look better. The cost of dental veneers depends on the number of teeth you need to cover. The material used to make the veneer and the preparation required also influence the pricing. Your geographical location is also accounted for when considering this procedure. Dental veneers cost between $925 and $2500 per tooth. This price is cost-intensive for a process with little to no corrective value.
Dental veneers do have some perks. They improve color, reduce gaps and hide tooth damage. They also provide a natural, symmetric tooth shape, conceal chipped and misaligned teeth. Veneers differ depending on the construction material. Porcelain veneers are more durable than resin-based solutions. The pitfall is that they are more expensive. Composite veneers are cheaper but break easily and do not last long.
How Long Do Cosmetic Dental Surgery Procedures Last?
The time required for each procedure differs. Tooth whitening can last between six months and two years, depending on the process. New technologies such as laser whitening have made the process faster. Other procedures such as crowns, veneers, and dental bridges only require a few dental appointments. The effectiveness of cosmetic dental care is aftercare. While some results may take time, it is also critical to follow the prescribed routine after the procedure is complete. Eating soft food or using a dentist-specified toothpaste will make recovery faster and pain-free. Teeth are generally sensitive after most of these procedures, so it is critical to follow instructions.
While the main focus of cosmetic dental surgery is to improve your appearance, some of these procedures provide restorative value. It is crucial to note that these procedures are not for everyone. Consult your dentist to find out which solution best suits your needs.
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