Cosmetic dentistry can come in many forms, but it is essentially any dental service where the primary aim is to improve the appearance of your teeth. Unlike other forms of dentistry, cosmetic dentistry will not affect the functionality of your teeth; it is purely aesthetic. A lot of the marketing for cosmetic dentistry in Brigham city and elsewhere in Utah focuses on improving the attractiveness of a smile, but the procedures involved can each have an effect upon the position, shape, size, alignment, and color of teeth. Braces can be considered a cosmetic procedure as they improve the appearance of a jawline, whilst also having practical uses in straightening teeth and correcting issues which could cause pain and loss of functionality. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, and there are many other types of treatments that fall under the term.
Whitening
As people go through life, their teeth can become discolored and yellow. Whitening is therefore the most common form of cosmetic dentistry. In order to bleach the teeth, a laser is often used to accelerate the activation of a bleaching chemical that has been applied to the teeth, with the gums covered by a shield. There are now many DIY whitening ingredients that are being sold to people at home – however, these can often damage the teeth by destroying enamel, and professional whitening services in Brigham city remain one of the best ways to immediately improve the appearance of teeth. If your teeth are unsuitable for the bleaching process, veneers are another option. These are thin layers of porcelain that can be applied to the front of teeth to change their appearance, color, and even shape.
Replacing And Covering
In the case of broken, cracked, decayed, or even missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry can be used to fix issues or even completely rejuvenate the appearance of your smile. Various techniques can be used to achieve these effects. Dental bridges can replace several missing teeth at once, by using crowns over existing healthy teeth to hold a ‘bridge’ of replacement teeth over the gap in between. Dental implants are a great way to replace single missing teeth, consisting of a prosthetic replacement that is permanently installed into the gums. If you are concerned about a missing tooth that you wish to replace, contacting a dentist in Brigham city who deals in cosmetic dentistry should be your first port of call.
Gum Lifts
Cosmetic dentistry does not just mean procedures that solely concern the teeth. If a patient wants to achieve straighter or longer teeth, this effect can be achieved through a process which raises the gum line, sculpting it into the perfect position. Gum lifts are delicate operations that involve reshaping the tissue and even underlying bone structures to provide a more attractive setting for your teeth.