If your teeth are discolored or chipped, you might be considering cosmetic dentistry to achieve a better smile. But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry, and what are the different types? In this guide, we will outline some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry:
• Teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve the look of your teeth. This method usually involves bleaching your teeth with in-office products in your dentist’s office.
• Dental veneers. Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells of teeth-colored resin or porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth About half a millimeter of enamel is removed from the surface of your teeth, and the thin shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to change the shape, size, color, and length.
• Dental bonding. During dental bonding, a tooth-colored, putty-like resin is applied to your tooth and hardened with a laser or ultraviolet light, which then bonds the material to your tooth. Your dentist will polish, trim, and shape the tooth after the bonding process. This process tends to help repair cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth.
• Dental crown. Also known as a cap, a dental crown fits over and replaces an entire damaged tooth above the gum line, which helps to restore its appearance, shape, strength, and size. Crowns keep weak teeth from breaking and can help hold a cracked tooth together.
• Inlays and onlays. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are usually made of porcelain, gold, or composite materials and help fill decayed or damaged teeth. These dental fillings are typically created in a dental lab and bonded into place by your dentist.
• Dental implants. Dental implants are titanium replacement tooth roots that are inserted into the bone socket of your missing tooth. Once the jawbone heals, it anchors the implant in the jaw and provides a foundation for a replacement tooth.
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry in Reston, look no further than Cascades Center for Dental Health!
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