Smiling has positive effects that benefit one’s physical and psychological health. It helps people become more approachable, encourages the release of good hormones, and relieves stress to promote good mental health.
However, a simple smile can also be affected by many factors, particularly good dental health. People who have dental problems, such as broken teeth, dental gaps, etc., may find it difficult to produce a confident and beautiful smile.
These problems can be solved by different cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers, enamel bonding, etc. However, not everyone can be a good candidate for a particular dental procedure. So, it’s best to consult a professional dentist to help you evaluate your condition and determine the right treatment plan.
If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dental procedures, you may visit your trusted dental clinics. Otherwise, here are some of them that may help improve your smile:
Table of Contents
1. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a cosmetic dental procedure perfect for people who have a healthy set of teeth and gums without restorations, such as dental fillers. Those who have yellow tinges on their teeth are the best candidate for this treatment. However, teeth whitening may not be advisable for everyone. You would need to ask your doctor for other options.
There are many ways you can whiten your teeth, including at-home procedures like:
- Teeth Whitening Products: These are your toothpaste that helps remove the stain on the surface of your teeth by constant brushing and scrubbing with mild abrasives.
- Dental Strips: These are thin and invisible-like strips coated with peroxide-based gel, which results may last up to four months. However, make sure to follow instructions when applying these.
- Dental Gels: These are peroxide-based, and like strips, you need to follow certain instructions when applying these to avoid unwanted side effects from strong peroxides.
- Whitening Rinses: These mouthwashes may not only whiten your teeth but may also give fresher breath and reduce gum disease. However, results may show up after 12 months of continuous usage.
These procedures may not give you instant and long-lasting results. So, your best option would be consulting a professional dentist to help you clean and whiten your teeth at the same time.
2. Teeth Bonding
Teeth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that applies and hardens a durable resin material to restore teeth and improve someone’s smile. It is considered a good option for people with decayed teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, wide gaps between teeth, or discolored teeth.
In addition, teeth bonding may help change the form of the teeth and protect an exposed root due to receding gums. It is also one of the easiest and cheapest cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike dental crowns and veneers, teeth bonding can be done in a single session, without any anesthesia, unless used to fill a cavity.
However, teeth bonding may not be as strong as crowns and veneers. It can’t resist stains and may get chipped, cracked, or broken off. Due to its limitations, it’s best to ask your dentist if teeth bonding can help you achieve your goals.
3. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-like covers or caps installed in a tooth to bring back its strength and shape and improve its overall appearance. Here are some reasons why you might need a dental crown:
- If you need to shield a weak tooth from decay
- If you need to prevent a cracked tooth from falling apart
- If you need to secure a dental bridge
- If you need to restore a broken tooth
- If you need to cover tooth discolorations and implants
Dental crowns may come in different types based on materials used, including stainless steel, metal, porcelain, all-resin, and a combination of porcelain and ceramic.
Furthermore, it’s important to note the risks and disadvantages of having dental crowns, such as tooth sensitivity, chipped and loose crown, or allergic reaction. If such symptoms show up after the treatment, ask your dentist for diagnosis and help.
4. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates, are ultra-thin sheets used to cover the tooth’s surface to restore its natural white color and improve its appearance. They are usually made from porcelain and composite resin materials.
When it comes to durability and stain resistance, porcelain may be the best option. However, these advantages also come with a hefty price. In that case, you might want to consult your doctor about which type is best suited for your condition.
Furthermore, dental veneers have risks you need to consider, such as:
- Irreversible process
- More expensive than other cosmetic procedures
- Cannot be repaired once chipped or cracked
- Teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods
If you’re concerned about these risks, you may try other cosmetic procedures available, such as those mentioned above.
Final Words
These are just some of the cosmetic dental procedures that may help you improve your dental problems for a brighter and more confident smile. If you’re asking what’s best among them, that would depend on your condition and the goals you’re trying to achieve.
With that, it’s best to consult your dentist for a piece of professional advice. They will evaluate the condition of your teeth to determine which cosmetic procedure will work best for you. Also, your dentist will help you understand the possible risks of each treatment and how to address them after.