What is Cosmetic Dentistry? How can I improve my smile with it?

A smile is what impresses anyone. For those who think their smile reveals their dental imperfections, there are now ways and means of correcting and even entirely re-shaping the smile. This is belongs to the branch of dentistry called cosmetic dentistry wherein dental work or correction not only enhances appearance, but also improves the functionality of teeth, gums and/or bite. General cosmetic surgeries earlier modified the nose, or lips or cheekbones, eyebrows, ear lobes. The prime focus of dental cosmetic surgery is to improve dental aesthetics like shape, size, color, position, alignment of teeth and smile appearance. Now, dental cosmetic surgery has become very popular because you can change the shape of your mouth to get the perfect teeth and smile.  Cosmetic Dentistry covers a wide spectrum of treatments or “makeovers” of gums and teeth The most commonly performed cosmetic dental procedures are:  

Teeth Whitening

 Teeth whitening or "tooth bleaching"- this is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. Teeth get discolored because of constant use of tobacco, pan, pan masala, wine, colas, and even tea and coffee. The doctor will check your teeth and smile to determine whether whitening is right for you. Whitening is very effective, safe, fast, and an easy procedure that is beneficial for almost everyone. There are many off the counter whitening options but a dentist-supervised treatment is the best in the long term.  

Teeth Re-shaping

Tooth reshaping is also known as contouring, re-contouring, slenderizing; stripping is done to improve the appearance of the tooth. A tooth may be malformed or chipped. Re-shaping helps alter the length, shape or position of the tooth, correct crooked or long teeth. This procedure can also be a substitute for braces and has fast results.  

Bridging

The name itself is explanatory. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is cemented in. Bridges can consist of more than three teeth in total. Most bridges are fixed and cannot be removed.  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for missing teeth.  There are commonly three parts to an implant: the implant device commonly made of titanium and is inserted into the bone, the abutment, and a dental crown or a denture which are connected to the implant through the abutment.  

Straightening 

This procedure is used to treat crowded, overlapped or spaced teeth. Straight teeth are easy to clean and maintain oral hygiene and provide an attractive smile.  

Cosmetic Dental Veneers 

Veneers are a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material. They are customized to fit on to the front side of the tooth. Veneers can be used to treat different dental conditions like crooked, discoloured or chipped teeth.  Veneers can cover spaces in the teeth.  

Gum reshaping

Very low or too high gums on teeth can ruin a perfectly good smile. Gum-contouring surgery or gum reshaping or tissue sculpting can rectify the faults to give the brightest smile on a face. This evens out the uneven gumline and gives you the smile you always wanted.  

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are also known as indirect fillings. Generally, these are made of gold, porcelain, or composite materials.  Fillings are used to fill decayed or damaged teeth. Dental fillings can be moulded into place during a visit to the dental clinic. Inlays and Onlays are created in a dental laboratory and can be bonded into place by only a dentist. An “Inlay” is so called when the material or the filling is bonded within the center of a tooth.  An “Onlay” is work done when the filling includes one or more points of the tooth or covers the biting surface. Inlays and Onlays are very necessary for preserving as much of the healthy tooth as possible. Inlays and Onlays are an alternative to crowns.   All the above are most effective in bringing a happy and pretty smile. Once a perfect set of teeth and the best smile is acquired it is necessary to maintain it. Maintain oral hygiene. Always massage the gums after brushing.  Halitosis or bad breath is the highest type of “turn-off” for people. Even the most perfect smile will not be appreciated if accompanied by bad breath.