5 Top Trends In Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has improved the smiles of many patients over the years, helping to raise the confidence of persons who used to be hesitant to smile openly and freely. A number of cosmetic procedures have restorative as well as cosmetic benefits to the teeth and mouth, resulting in better oral health overall. While teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are well-known cosmetic dentistry procedures, there are other trends gaining momentum. Here are the some of the top procedures used in cosmetic dentistry:

1. Dental Implants

There are a variety of causes of missing teeth ranging from an abscess to a sporting injury. Missing teeth can cause your jaw and face to lose its symmetry and look sunken in. Dental implants function as a replacement tooth to fill the space left by the missing tooth, offering restorative as well as cosmetic effects.  

2. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding can help to smooth over nicked, chipped, discolored or slightly cracked teeth. A dental composite material is matched to the tooth color and smoothed over the area to be repaired. The composite is then contoured, sculpted and polished to blend with the tooth's shape as well as your bite. Lastly, this composite is hardened via a high-intensity warming lamp.  

3. Inlays and Onlays (Indirect Fillings)

Indirect fillings, or inlays and onlays, are made from either porcelain or composite materials and can create an ideal solution for damaged or decaying teeth. Traditional fillings are crafted during the dental visit, while inlays and onlays are made at a dental laboratory so that exact tooth specifications can be matched.

4. The Total Smile Makeover

Smile makeovers refer to comprehensive work done by a dentist that can improve the look of the client's overall smile. In a lot of cases, several cosmetic procedures will be needed in order to achieve the desired result. Procedures used can include whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers and gingival sculpting.

5. Full-Mouth Reconstructions

If you have problems with your bite, your overall jawbone structure or your surrounding mouth and jaw muscles, drastic measures might be needed. The dental materials, technologies and procedures of today make comprehensive full-mouth reconstructions possible.  

While some see cosmetic dentistry as optional, for others it can be literally transformative to their self-image. With so many dental innovations, there's no reason to go through life with an imperfect smile. No matter what your oral issue, there's a cosmetic solution to help you get the radiant smile you've always dreamed of.