What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry helps kids and adults alike properly maintain the health, appearance, and function of their teeth. A common misconception holds that cosmetic dentistry is comprised of procedures that are embraced for the sake of vanity and are not necessary. This perception of cosmetic dentistry isn’t grounded in reality. While some cosmetic dental procedures are offered “simply” so that individuals can achieve greater confidence in their smiles, anyone who has ever dealt with the social and emotional consequences of feeling insecure about their smile can attest that a confident smile can be a genuinely necessary asset to one’s wellbeing.

Additionally, cosmetic dental procedures are often performed on injury victims and those who were born with dental imperfections that affect the functioning of their mouths. Finally, anyone can benefit from certain cosmetic procedures designed specifically to ensure that teeth remain healthy and functional for a lifetime.

Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

As an experienced dentist – including those who practice at TruGlo Modern Dentistry – can confirm, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures available, designed to meet a wide variety of patient needs. Some of the most common include:

Teeth whitening: When staining, injury, or genetic imperfections leave teeth dull or discolored, professional whitening efforts can result in lasting impacts on affected teeth.

Bonding: Dental bonding addresses chips, decay, and discoloration in teeth. Bonding materials are resin-based and are colored to match the natural shade of a patient’s teeth so that the bonding efforts appear natural.

Clear braces: Especially when patients in need of braces are adults or are younger people who spend a great deal of time in front of a camera, the look of traditional braces simply don’t meet everyone’s needs. By applying clear braces, older patients and younger patients with unique needs can achieve the results that braces afford without the obvious cosmetic challenges that can accompany wearing braces under certain circumstances

Porcelain veneers: Dental veneers adhere to the front of a tooth to compensate for chipping, decay, wear, and discoloration. They can also be used simply to ensure that teeth remain stronger and healthier for longer. Porcelain veneers are generally preferable to resin-based veneers, simply because they reflect light more naturally and do not stain as easily.

Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are placed on the peaks and valleys of teeth that are in need of repair beyond fillings but do not require such extensive treatment as afforded by dental crowns.