Cosmetic Dentistry
A cosmetic dentist can use a variety of techniques to create a more pleasing smile. The following is a list of common cosmetic dentistry options Black Hills Area Dental performs:
- Teeth whitening - there are two methods for whitening teeth: laser teeth whitening(performed in the cosmetic dentist's office) and at-home teeth bleaching (involving the use of take-home bleaching kits).
- Porcelain veneers - a ceramic shell applied to the front of the teeth to conceal cracks and chips, overlay gaps, and create a whiter appearance.
- Dental implant - artificial root that is embedded in the jaw and topped with a prosthetic tooth. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.
- Dental bonding - the application of tooth-colored composite to the teeth. It can then be polished and shaped to look like the rest of the teeth.
- Dental crown - a cap used to repair badly decayed or damaged teeth. The crown is created from a mold of the original tooth, and then applied after the decay is removed and the tooth is prepared.
- Dental bridge - a sturdy structure composed of two crowns and a prosthetic tooth. Dental bridges are used to "bridge" the gaps where teeth are missing.
There are many cosmetic options to choose from, depending on what you need to have done. For example:
Stained or discolored teeth - The enamel that covers the teeth isn't impervious to stains and the underlying tooth structure (the dentin) often yellows over time. As long as the teeth are healthy, it's easy to eliminate stains by applying a bleaching agent.
Chips or rough spots - These can be filled with a tooth-colored material called composite. The color of the composite can be chosen so that it matches the color of your teeth. Once the material has been smoothed and polished, it's virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding area.
Cavities or cracks - Traditional amalgam fillings work fine in the back of the mouth, but most people don't want to reveal a metal mouth when they smile. An alternative is to use tooth-colored fillings, which match the color of the teeth. These fillings are made with composite material similar to that used to repair chips or cracks. Some white fillings (direct composites) are pressed into the cavity and cured (hardened) with a special ultraviolet light. Others (indirect composites) are made in a laboratory and then cemented in place. They cost much more than amalgam fillings, but are much more attractive.
Uneven teeth - It's not uncommon for a tooth to be slightly longer or have a different shape than its neighbors. With a procedure called re-contouring, Black Hills Area Dental can reshape the tooth so that it's a better match.
Gaps between the teeth - Small gaps can be closed by applying composite material between the teeth. For large gaps or other imperfections on the surfaces of the teeth, Black Hills Area Dental may recommend veneers. Veneers are among the most expensive cosmetic procedures. Made from ultra-thin shells of porcelain that come in every shade of white, veneers are permanently bonded to the fronts of the teeth, giving them an entirely new esthetic appearance.
Broken or crooked teeth - If a tooth has been badly broken or is structurally weak, you may need a crown. Crowns used to be made of metal, but today they're often made of tooth-colored porcelain materials.
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