Cosmetic Dentistry

Get a Natural, Beautiful Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

With a confident smile you can open many doors, both personally, socially and professionally. In a society where image is everything and first impressions are important, cosmetic dentistry is one way many Americans get a fresh and natural look to not only feel better, but restore your smile’s beauty. Whether it be the cleaning of  stains on your teeth, the restoration of chipped, misaligned or lost teeth, cosmetic dentistry can provide much more than simple aesthetics. It can further increase confidence, natural beauty and overall dental health. With more advanced treatments becoming more affordable and available, cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury but rather a step towards self care and self confidence of millions of people throughout the United States. Jamaica 26 Dentistry is here to help you by providing different cosmetic procedures that will restore the natural beauty of your smile and enhance your facial aesthetics. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental practice which aims to enhance the beauty of a person’s teeth, gums and overall smile. Whereas general dentistry mainly focuses on the prevention and cure of oral diseases, cosmetic dentistry is meant to improve the aesthetic value of dental care by adding improved color, position, shape, size, and alignment of teeth.

Modern dental technologies make cosmetic treatments more comfortable and effective than ever. Using advanced materials such as tooth colored resin and porcelain along with digital imaging techniques, a dentist can create natural looking results that last for many years with no discomfort. It is all about getting a stress free smile.

Some studies in dental psychology show that confidence, social interactions and even mental health are linked with an improved smile. Further it is observed that cosmetic dental work usually motivates  individuals to adopt better oral hygiene practices, which helps them to support their dental health for a longer time. For many cosmetic procedures, visit Jamaica 26 Dentistry and get highly effective dental solutions from our top professionals. 

Common Procedures Used in Cosmetic Dentistry

The following are the common procedures that are used in cosmetic dentistry: 

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening. Over time, the teeth may become stained or discoloured because of coffee, tea, smoking or ageing. Dentists administer professional whitening chemical solutions that are composed of safe and top quality bleaching agents that disrupt the molecular bonds in dental stains and lighten teeth up to several shades during a single visit. Compared to the over-the-counter variants, in-office whitening involves faster, more dramatic and lasting effects. It simply means to upgrade your smile and increase your confidence without adding anything to or removing anything from the tooth structure.

Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are individually designed to fit tooth surfaces and cover the front of the teeth. They correct various cosmetic problems such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and uneven shapes. Veneers are permanently attached to the tooth and optimized to match perfectly with your natural smile. Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can provide dramatic results with a natural look, which is why they have become a popular way of giving patients a Hollywood smile makeover.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding refers to fixing a tooth-colored resin over  minor dental defects such as chipping, cracking  small gaps, or colored spots. Material used is molded and matches to the same color as surrounding teeth and the repair will be invisible. It is a fast and inexpensive procedure in cosmetic dentistry and can be done in a single visit. Though bonding is not as permanent as a veneer, it is a non-invasive solution to make mild yet significant cosmetic enhancements to your smile.

Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure in which the enamel is filed and sculpted to change the shape of the tooth, or to make it appear longer and thinner. It is also known as enameloplasty or contouring. It is commonly applied to overcome uneven edges, teeth that are slightly overlapping or small chips. The process is generally painless and does not require anesthetic, since it does not break into deeper layers of your teeth. It is a minor procedure, but it allows the achievement of a broader and more brighter smile.

Gum Contouring

Gingival sculpting which is also known as gum contouring is the cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping of the gum line to enhance the teeth appearance. Other individuals tend to naturally have more gum tissue (referred to as gummy smile) and there could be receding gums making the teeth look longer as well. Dentists are able with the use of laser or surgical equipment to delicately reshape the gums so that they appear more even and attractive. Gum contouring also increases symmetry and can lengthen and make teeth more proportionate which also contributes to the aesthetics of the smile.

Clear Aligners

One of the contemporary orthodontics available is the clear aligners, which straighten teeth without the usual metal braces. These aligners are specifically designed using transparent, medical-grade, custom-fit plastic that controls the movement of teeth into the correct alignment progressively. They are almost invisible, easy to wear and remove, which makes them a convenient, discreet solution. In Cosmetic Dentistry, clear aligners do not only lead to cosmetic appeal, (crowding, gaps, and misalignment are corrected) but also provide an additional benefit of improving oral health.

These procedures are more elective in nature although they can be restorative at the same time. For example, dental crowns and dental implants are not only cosmetic procedures but they also improve appearance, functionality of the destroyed or missing tooth.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

Yet, although the primary objective of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the beauty of your smile, the positive consequences of cosmetic dentistry treatment can sometimes be far more than just aesthetic. Among the greatest yet unrecognized benefits is the way it promotes improved oral care. Patients who have put the time and money to improve their smiles, are usually much more likely to take care of their new look with more daily brushing, flossing and by maintaining consistent dental visits and check-ups. This healthier change in habits results in healthier teeth and healthier gums from the long term perspective.

Cosmetic procedures also revitalize or restore dental functionality in most scenarios. Procedures, such as veneers or dental bonding, can reinforce worn or chipped teeth, and the clear aligners do not just straighten your smile, but also help correct your bite, which means you will chew better and more painlessly. Jaw pain or discomfort that occurs with misaligned teeth can also be alleviated with improved bite alignment.

The other unanticipated reward is better speech. Some cosmetic procedures, particularly orthodontic procedures, tooth alignment and replacement of missing teeth may be able to improve clarity of speech, by removing lisps or whistling sounds due to gaps and misalignment. It may be particularly significant to those whose lives or work depend on verbal communication.

In short, the social and emotional implications of cosmetic dentistry are usually life-transforming. Instead of being afraid of being exposed, a strong confident smile can leave a lasting impression during a job interview, meeting, during a dating event or even in a social situation. Individuals who used to be self-conscious about their teeth find themselves being more outgoing, approachable and self-assured after their treatment. Such a confidence gain may unlock new possibilities in their life and career.

Traditional Braces vs. Composite Fillings

Braces and composite fillings are both worthwhile procedures in dentistry, yet they are very distinct from one another. Braces are applied to straighten, bent or misaligned teeth, adjusting the oral bite alignment in the process and enhancing the functionality of the mouth relatively. On the other hand, composite fillings are used to treat teeth with decay or minor damage, and the fillings mold them, reinforce them and make them look good. Although orthodontic treatment often includes braces and may require several months, composite fillings require little time and sometimes may be done in a single visit. Both influences brighten your smile, braces by straightening it, and fillings by  fixation and integration with natural teeth.

FAQs

Is cosmetic dentistry only about looks?

No, cosmetic dentistry not just makes your smile look better but it can even enhance the oral functioning, and contribute towards a more hygienic lifestyle, and your self-confidence. It tends to mix aesthetic and functionality advantages.

Are cosmetic dental procedures painful?

The majority of cosmetic surgeries are non-invasive and not too painful. Local anesthesia is applied by dentists when necessary, and  they make sure that their patients feel comfortable during and after the procedure.

How long do the results of cosmetic dentistry last?

Results are long-lasting, but it depends on what treatment you have and how well you take care of your teeth. As an example, teeth whitening can have a duration of several months, whereas veneers or crowns have a life span of 10 to 15 years or longer with proper maintenance.

Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?

The price depends on the type of procedure, materials used and your location. There are inexpensive (bonding or whitening, etc) as well as more expensive (veneers or implants, etc) treatments. Most clinics provide financing solutions.

Can anyone get cosmetic dentistry?

The majority are good candidates, and it is based on your oral health. A dentist will inspect your teeth and gums. You may have untreated cavities or gum disease, which will require attention prior to commencing  the cosmetic work.