People with beautiful smiles are often considered lucky in today’s world. Many believe a smile is a crucial social asset. One study showed that 74% of adult Americans feel an unattractive smile will hurt a person’s career.
It’s no wonder then that many people undergo cosmetic dental procedures. They want to improve their smiles and entire appearance.
What is cosmetic dentistry? It’s a specialized area within dentistry. It blends science and art to enhance the appearance of teeth while promoting oral health. A cosmetic dentist can improve a person’s smile by restoring missing or damaged teeth. He or she uses various cosmetic dental treatments to address different dental concerns. This professional can work on stained or misaligned teeth.
A cosmetic dentist guides a person in choosing the most suitable treatment. Here are the most popular cosmetic dental procedures.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. Its popularity is due to its accessibility and affordability. The treatment appeals to many people. It’s because they can enhance their smile without undergoing invasive procedures.
People who want this treatment have two options. They can do an in-office professional whitening treatment. This provides the best results. They can also opt for take-home kits dispensed by their dentist. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to do things themselves.
This treatment can lighten the teeth by two to nine shades. The results are temporary though. They often last for a few months.
Veneers
Teeth whitening isn’t possible for some people. They might have persistent tooth staining or other issues. Porcelain veneers are the best alternative in this situation.
Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells. These are then bonded to the front of a prepared tooth. The shells solve issues like worn enamel and chipped or cracked teeth. Veneers can also cover discolored teeth or ensure they’re aligned.
Porcelain veneers can give a person a dramatic smile makeover. It’s an invasive procedure though. It will alter your natural teeth. The change isn’t a permanent one though. Veneers have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. It can last as long as 20 years with proper care before it’s replaced.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are at the top of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They’re a great solution to missing or damaged teeth. Implants provide exceptional strength and longevity. The replacement tooth also looks natural.
Implants are also a permanent solution to tooth loss. A cosmetic dentist will place an artificial tooth root in the jaw. This requires surgery.
The artificial root is often made of titanium. It integrates with the bone via a process called osseointegration. A crown is then attached to the implant once it’s secured to the jaw bone.
A dental implant is an invasive procedure. It also involves a six-month healing period before crown placement. It can also be expensive. Implants can cost anywhere from $900 to $3,000 a tooth. It’s a good investment though as dental implants often last a lifetime. But the crown on top of it needs replacing after 10 to 15 years.
Clear Aligners and Invisible Braces
Braces have helped millions of Americans have beautiful smiles. The wires and ligatures can make one feel self-conscious though.
There’s another option for people who don’t like the wire and bracket braces. They can choose to wear invisible braces or clear aligners. These are a discreet alternative.
There are several types of invisible braces. There are ceramic braces that blend with the color of the teeth. Another option is inside braces. They’re placed on the back of the teeth. Clear aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect are also popular.
Invisible braces and aligners are expensive. Inside braces cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. Ceramic braces and clear aligners cost a bit more. The two fall around the $4,000–$8,000 price range for a full treatment.
One More Thing
The team at Pat Crawford DDS is always dedicated to making patients feel comfortable. We’re the leading family and cosmetic dentistry clinic in Kenosha. Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of dental services. We aim to meet all your oral health needs. We specialize in cosmetic and general dentistry treatments. Our clinic also provides emergency dental care and preventative services. You can call us at 262-694-5191 or contact us here to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile!
