In layman’s language, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that can enhance people’s smiles’ appearance and aesthetic appeal. The inception of cosmetic dental treatments was in the late 18th and early 20th centuries when American dentist – Newell Sill Jenkins – introduced his innovation – Jenkins Porcelain Enamel. Over the past hundred years, cosmetic dentistry has advanced slowly.

In fact, the value of the global cosmetic dentistry domain is USD 33.6 billion and will soon touch the 89 billion dollar mark by 2030. Although cosmetic dental devices are elective, some also have restorative benefits. People with chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, discolored teeth, etc., can reap the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. There are many cosmetic dental treatments, such as braces, aligners, teeth whitening, gingival contouring, and more.

Top Six Cosmetic Dentistry Types: A Crisp Overview

• Teeth Whitening

It is a highly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, with 41 percent of Americans touting the treatment as desirable and effective. As the name suggests, teeth whitening helps remove discoloration and staining from the dental enamel caused by years of eating sugary foods and drinking beverages like tea, coffee, soda, etc. A professional teeth whitening session lasts for about an hour. It is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure whose results persist for several months.

• Dental Veneers

 Veneers are a semi-permanent, minimally invasive, and long-term cosmetic dental procedure that helps mend minor dental imperfections like slightly crooked teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, or teeth with gaps. Veneers are thin and strong shells composed of porcelain or composite material. They are customizable and attach to the front section of the teeth.

Veneers provide a uniform, bright, and balanced appearance to the teeth, contributing to a dazzling smile. Depending on the chosen variant, their effects last for five to 20 years. For instance, resin-based composite veneers last around five years, whereas porcelain veneers have a life expectancy of 20 years. As all types of veneers require the removal of dental enamel, it is best to engage in a thorough consultation with a cosmetic dental Texas for opting for the treatment.

• Cosmetic Dental Bonding

It is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment, accounting for 43 percent of all cosmetic dentistry procedures. In simple terms, cosmetic dental bonding is when surgeons bond materials resembling teeth onto a person’s teeth to conceal teeth suffering from severe damage and provide them with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, dental bonding also alters the shape of the teeth to make them look aligned and uniform.

One of the pertinent reasons for the popularity of dental bonding is that it is an entirely non-invasive and reversible cosmetic dental treatment whose effects last for five to seven years. Dental bonding does not require the scrapping of teeth’s enamel, a trait that makes the treatment safe and stress-free for many people wanting to improve their smile.

• Gingival Contouring or Sculpting

Some people are born with excessive gum tissue visible when they smile. A gummy smile can lower the confidence of many people, and in such a context, gum contouring comes to the rescue. It is a distinctively dental cosmetic treatment, which reshapes, reduces, or expands a person’s gums or gumline. The ideal candidates for gum contouring are people with an uneven gum line, individuals with receding gumline because of gingival diseases, or people whose gums encompass most of their teeth. Gingival sculpting is possible via laser surgery, Chao pinhole surgical technique, or radiosurgery.

• Cosmetic Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing or damaged teeth. It is a procedure wherein the dentist inserts a titanium screw at the site of the missing tooth into the jaw. The screw serves as a support for the crown. Dental implants look identical to natural human teeth. Surgeons will affix an implant to the bone and permanently secure the supporting tissue. Dental implants help people with missing teeth revive the appearance of their smile and improve their quality of life.

• Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatments

Lastly, the sixth cosmetic dentistry type pertains to orthodontic treatments and devices, such as retainers, braces, aligners, etc. Orthodontics is not only appropriate for kids but also for adults. Nowadays, more and more adults seek orthodontic procedures for cosmetic benefits, such as eradicating buckteeth or crooked teeth and achieving a constant smile. For instance, in 2018, 1.6 million adults in America opted for orthodontic treatments. The most common orthodontic treatments with cosmetic and restorative benefits are –

• Clear aligners
• Traditional metal braces
• Retainers
• Headgear
• Lip or cheek bumpers
• Mouth guard
• Special fixed appliances and more

Wrapping It Up

So, there we have it, the top six cosmetic dentistry procedures. Contact the best cosmetic dentist in Texas if you are contemplating enhancing your teeth’ appeal and smile.