Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry Options

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry can return a set of damaged pearly whites to attractiveness. Individuals who have chipped, broken, stained, crooked or malformed teeth no longer have to live their lives with this unsightly problem. A person's tooth enamel, mouth and smile are extremely important in communicating and being viewed publicly. Speaking, eating and expressing joy and happiness are all connected to this one facial feature. If an individual is embarrassed or ashamed by his or her oral structures, this can hamper his or her chances for a successful life. Here are some cosmetic and restorative treatments that can create a bright and memorable smile:

-Dental fillings: There are various types of fillings that can restore dental appearances. Due to decay, worn out, lost or broken teeth, a filling may be required. Fillings may be made from a variety of materials such as gold, porcelain, amalgam, composite or ionomers. Gold alloys are made from a combination of gold, copper and other metals. Porcelain is a ceramic product which is used in a variety of ways, including to fill or cover a tooth. Amalgam is a combination of tin, silver, mercury and other metals and is a type of material that has been used for many years. Composites are made from a resin with glass or quartz mixed into it. Ionomers are acrylics and glass powders mixed into a durable product.

-Veneers: Veneers are thin coatings designed to hide unsightly dental issues. Some common flaws that are covered by veneers include malformed, stained or discolored teeth. If there is a slight crookedness or spacing between each tooth, this may be remedied by a veneer covering, as well.

-Bonding: Bonding is another tactic used to restore an attractive grin. This procedure entails a tooth enamel-like product being applied to stained, discolored or malformed oral structures.

-Straightening: Traditional metal braces are just one variation of orthodontic straightening now available. Other methods include clear, plastic removable trays that can speed the alignment into a shorter timeframe or braces that don't have to be of the "tin-grin" variety. A wide variety of colors make these rainbow bands cool to wear in many adolescent circles.

-Whitening: There are multiple reasons that enamel shifts from white to beige, yellow, gray or spotty. Some prescription medications cause this to happen. Smoking cigarettes, drinking tea or coffee and aging can all discolor enamel to create a dingy tooth appearance. Whitening and bleaching can be done at home or in the dental office. Strips, gels, and liquids can be applied to surfaces in order to return a smile to an attractive whiteness.

There's no need for an individual to go through life with a mouthful of teeth that cause embarrassment. A person should be able to talk, chew, smile and laugh without feeling self conscious. There have been many advances in the world of cosmetic and restorative dentistry over the last decade and the research is ongoing. If a person has concerns about the appearance of his or her smile, a dentist should be consulted in order to discover the treatments now available for correction.