Everyone dreams of having the best โcelebrity-like smile,โ but what we donโt know is that type of smile doesnโt always happen naturally. Most of the perfect smiles we see often are a product of dental cosmetic services. If you are not confident with your teeth and smile, your dentist can help you find the best procedure for you. The picture-perfect smile that you want is attainable with the help of cosmetic dentistry. To know more about it, continue reading this guide.ย
How Can You Say You Have A Perfect Smile?
The definition of โperfect smileโ is entirely different for every individual. There are many studies throughout the year on what composes a perfect smile, the smile that we all want is not just about our teeth. An excellent smile is a mix and combination of everything. Our facial form, the shape of our lips, the mouth’s size, the definition of your cheekbones, and even our psycho-social aspects all contribute to the end result.ย
A cosmetic dentist can help rework your smile to achieve the perfect formula of aesthetically pleasing teeth. They can make your teeth whiter, your gums pinker, the size of the teeth proportioned, and many more. In short, cosmetic dentistry can make you achieve everything you dream of and help you love your own smile.ย
What Are The Obstacles In Achieving Perfect Smile?ย
Just like many things, there will be challenges in achieving our perfect smile. Even a tiny bit flaw, and no matter where it is located, can significantly impact our smile appearance. Here are the most common issues that can alter our smile.ย
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Discolorationย
Discoloration is the top and most common issue that our teeth can encounter. Discoloration can be divided into three categories; extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration can occur on our teeth’ outer layer due to stains from coffee, wine, cola, colored foods, or smoking. Intrinsic discoloration is the darkening or yellowing of the inner structure of our teeth. It can be due to excessive exposure to fluoride or usage of tetracycline antibioticsโlastly, age-related discoloration, which is the combination of both.ย
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Cracks, Chips, and Damageย
Crack, Chips, and Damages can be caused by a lot of things. It can be due to cavities that made our teeth weak and caused us to have a chipped tooth. It can also be from a bad bite like biting hard on food or materials. Trauma to your face or mouth due to accident or sports can also cause this. And although unpopular, bruxism can also cause a chipped, cracked, and damaged tooth.
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Unevenness
Unevenness is if your teeth are smaller or larger than the other. Uneven teeth can be caused by prolonged habits such as sucking teeth, baby teeth moving into crooked position, and, most of the time, heredity and genetics. If you are facing similar issues, options like Braces Omaha from Weber Orthodontics offer specialized treatments to align and straighten teeth effectively.
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Spacingย
Your teeth should be evenly spaced to have a perfect smile. If your teeth are farther than each other or closer together, they may be gaps or overlapping.ย
These are the common obstacles in having the beautiful smile that you want. Thankfully most of these are correctable with the right dental methods.ย
What Is A Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry aimed at creating not only oral health improvement but also a positive change to its appearance. The procedures aim is to improve your gum, bite, and teethโ appearance from color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance. Through the advancements in technology and modern innovations, cosmetic dentistry helps giving people durable, natural-looking, and beautiful teeth. We can classify cosmetic dentistry into two subtypes.ย
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Aesthetic Rehabilitation
Aesthetic Rehabilitation is one or more procedures done in restoring the natural beauty of teeth. Many factors can cause it, but your doctor can easily fix it with a proper full medical evaluation.ย
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Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction is needed when you have severe periodontal disease that significantly damages your oral health. It can be caused by bacteria in your teeth and gums that caused deterioration to your bones, tooth decay, and others. Every restoration procedure is different, and your dentist can make a detailed and extensive plan to help you.ย
All of the procedure is done with the goal of improving your health, appearance, functionality, and more importantly, your self-confidence.ย
Cosmetic Dental Procedures
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Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, also called teeth bleaching, is a procedure done to brighten and whiter your stained or discolored teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and quickest ways to improve your smile. After one dentistโs appointment, you can easily see an improvement. However, not every tooth can be bleached, so you should consult your dentist first.ย
How is the procedure done:ย
Professional whitening can take an hour or more depending on your case or dentist. The procedure is done by applying a whitening gel (containing between 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide) to your teeth. They will reapply the gel between the intervals when they aim a special heating lamp at your teeth. Some dentists use laser, which can help to quicken the whitening process.ย
How much is it:ย
Professional whitening can cost $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the product and procedure use.ย
Benefits of Teeth Whitening:
A whiter and brighter smile and kills bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.ย
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Dental Fixtures
If you have a missing tooth, then this procedure is perfect for you. The dental fixture, most commonly known as dental implants, is the most advanced and the most effective approach to give you a natural set of teeth. If you have a tooth missing, a metal device designed as a root will anchor artificial teeth in place.ย
How is the procedure done:
It is done surgically by cutting your gum open and exposing the bone. The dentist will drill a hole into it so the dental metal post can be placed. As the jawbone heals, the implanted metal post will be secured in your jaw.ย
How much is it:
The cost of this procedure to replace a single tooth may vary from $3,000-$4,500. There may be other costs depending on your case and procedure, such as bone grafting, complicated extractions, or others.ย
Benefits of Dental Fixtures:ย
It will give optimum cosmetic results, and at the same time, it will feel totally natural. They are also preferred long-term dental health solution.
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Dental Veneers
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are thin custom-made tooth shells designed to cover your teeth’ outer surface to give it a better appearance. The shells are thin porcelain or resin that will help change your teeth’ color, shape, size, and length.ย
How is the procedure done:ย
The procedure starts with reshaping your tooth structure or surfaces the same as the veneer’s thickness to be added. It is done to place the veneers properly. In some cases, models or impressions of your tooth are made to fit your teeth properly, it will be made in a dental laboratory, and you will be having temporary dental veneers in the meantime.ย
How much is it:ย
Traditional Veneers and no-prep veneers can vary from $800 to $2500 per tooth. It is quite expensive, but a good veneer can last 5 to 15 years.ย
Benefits of Dental Veneers:ย
Veneers offer a naturally beautiful teeth appearance. Quick and minimally invasive procedure. They are also semi-permanent and durable.
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Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a composite resin will be applied on your teeth’ surface to improve its appearance. Dental bonding can be done to decayed, chipped, cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth.ย
How is the procedure is done:ย
The process is about half an hour to an hour-long. Dental bonding is a little bit like veneers, however, they apply a resin on the surface of your teeth. After, it is hardened by ultraviolet or laser light to ensure that it will securely adhere to your teeth. It will be trimmed, shaped, and polished to make the appearance better.ย
How much is it:ย
Dental Bonding is priced from $100 to $400 per tooth and should be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Benefits of Dental Bonding:
Little to no alteration of your teeth. It will also create a perfect seal and protect your teeth.ย
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Dental Crown
Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices for teeth. They are a covering or โcapโ to a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are cemented on your existing teeth and not removable. A crown will be placed on the entire decayed or damaged tooth to restore its appearance, shape, and alignment.
How is the procedure done:
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramics, acrylic, or gold and metal alloys. The first appointment is an examination, preparation of your teeth, and getting the mold of it. A temporary crown will be given until the next appointment, where the permanent one will be placed.
How much is it:ย
Dental crown prices vary on the material used. Metal crowns can cost from $500-$1,500. Gold crowns can range from $600-$2,500, and all-porcelain crowns can vary between $800-$3,000.
Benefits of Dental Crowns:ย
Dental crowns can protect your tooth from decays and further damage. It can hold a cracked or broken tooth together. They can preserve your tooth and can last long term.ย
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Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays, also called indirect fillings, are special types of fillings that are put into your decayed and damaged teeth. Inlays are for cavities and minor damage, while onlays are for extensive damages. They help in preserving your healthy tooth as much as possible and can be an alternative to crowns.ย ย
How is the procedure done:ย
Unlike dental fillings, Inlays and Onlays are custom-made to blend the color perfectly and damaged or decayed areas. The fittings are sent to a dental lab where it will be crafted. The installations will be done on your second appointment.
How much is it: This cosmetic dentistry procedure costs about $650 to $1,200 per tooth.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays:
Inlays and Onlays don’t shrink, they are also extremely durable and stable. They will give a better fit and better look like natural teeth.ย
How To Choose The Perfect Cosmetic Dentist
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Dentistโs Education And Experience
In choosing someone who will handle not only your smileโs appearance but your overall dental health, choose a cleaning with an experienced doctor and their background. Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialization that not everyone has. Research about the dentist if he has extensive training, highly qualified, and the best in the field.
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Facilities And Equipment
Any Cosmetic dental procedure requires high quality and top of the line facilities and equipment. The better the facilities and equipment, the better the results you will get.ย
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Clinic And Its Location
Check the condition of the clinic, and itโs location. It is vital to ensure that the clinic and the place are clean and thoroughly sanitized. Moreover, check the clinicโs reputation over the area.ย
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Cost Of The Treatment
The dentist’s expertise and cost of dental materials are a huge factor in the treatment cost. If the dentist has high-quality work and products used, it is more likely that cosmetic dentistry prices will also be higher. Ask your doctor first for an estimate of the cost. You can also ask if some of the procedures can be covered by insurance. It is a wise decision so you wonโt be shocked how much the cost is after the procedure.
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Aftercare
Check if the clinic offers aftercare for their patient. Most clinics provide aftercare services like follow-up consultations, exams, check-ups, and maintenance sessions.
Although cosmetic dentistry can be a minimally invasive procedure, you still need to consider many things. The dentist and the procedure should be chosen carefully as the result of it can alter your appearance long term. Ensure that you are getting the treatment from safe and qualified dentists and dental clinics. Research extensively on both and if you find the dentist that meets your criteria, get examined, and ask for the best treatment plan. With the above tips, youโre on your way to attaining the perfect smile that you truly want. Happy smiling!
