Cosmetic dentistry covers a range of services for improving the appearance of your teeth, gums and bite. While most cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments are elective and, obviously, about how you look (rather than your teeth’s functionality), some also provide restorative benefits. Besides fixing a broken or misaligned tooth to give you a better smile, these procedures can also reduce grinding (a.k.a. bruxism) and make regular cleaning easier. If your teeth are chipped, discoloured, stained, misshapen or have abnormal gaps between them, modern cosmetic dentistry treatments can fix the problem(s). While some of these procedures are fairly simple and involve adding veneers and porcelain crowns, others are more invasive, like gum lifts, tooth straightening and dental implants. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry procedures and how they can make over our smiles. First, let’s learn about some of the biggest benefits of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Why We Need Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Anyone can be a candidate for cosmetic dental treatments. But many of us don’t feel the urgent need to avail ourselves of these services, especially given that they're not usually urgent or essential. After all, who wants to go to the dentist if we don't have to? An appointment with an orthodontist might seem unnecessary, if you are not in pain. However, when you want to improve your dentition and smile, cosmetic dentistry is your go-to.

They Boost Your Confidence

A lack of confidence or self-esteem can affect our lives in many ways.  If you are constantly conscious about a chipped tooth or gap between teeth, you might tend to get hesitant or inattentive when talking to people. If we avoid smiling and interacting, we miss out on so many opportunities. When we have a radiant smile, we feel happier and more confident. We speak, smile, laugh and interact more freely with others, which can have a positive impact on our professional and personal development. Cosmetic dentistry can give us a beautiful smile that will change our lives for the better.

They Prevent Future Dental Problems

Although the main objective of cosmetic dentistry procedures is to give us an attractive smile, it has restorative benefits as well. They are:

• Repairing cavities
• Strengthening a weak tooth
• Covering exposed roots
• Fresher breath and better oral hygiene

They Improve Our Health

A cracked or misplaced tooth can cause many health issues. Cracks and gaps in our teeth can be a breeding ground for mouth bacteria, which can lead to ear and other infections, as well as sore throats. If ignored, they may increase our chances of developing respiratory infections, migraines, insomnia, diabetes or other serious health issues. As a preventive measure, it’s better to get the problem fixed using the right cosmetic dentistry treatment.

Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

• Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, teeth whitening is relatively simple, non-invasive and performed at your dentist’s clinic. Over time, teeth get worn and stained by certain foods, drinks, medications and personal habits like smoking and drinking. Whitening or bleaching removes plaque, stains and other debris from the surface of teeth, making them clean and shiny.

• Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is typically used to repair cracked, decayed or crooked teeth. It also protects our teeth's roots from being exposed to gum damage. Here, the dentist applies a dental composite (a durable plastic material treated with an ultraviolet or laser light) onto the affected area of the tooth. It's then trimmed, shaped, polished and hardened using the light. The restored tooth blends seamlessly with the rest of our natural teeth to create a flawless smile.

• Dental Implants

Dental implants are used in cases of tooth loss. In this process, the dentist places a small piece of titanium into the bone socket of the missing tooth and fixes it into the jaw. As the jawbone heals post-treatment, it grows around the inserted metal post, securing it to the jaw and providing a strong replacement for the lost tooth.

• Dental Veneers

Often referred to as 'Hollywood teeth', dental veneers are thin, customized shells of tooth-coloured resin or porcelain placed on the front of teeth. They look realistic and can fix a range of dental problems like cracked, crooked or stained teeth; damaged enamel; and gaps. After scaling about a half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, these customized shells are affixed to the front of the tooth to improve their colour, shape, alignment and appearance.

• Dental Crowns

A dental crown or cap is a safe and effective way to fix a damaged, decayed or missing tooth and create a beautiful smile. The entire process may take two to three visits before a permanent crown is put in place. Custom designed materials like high-quality porcelain, metal, resin, alloy, steel, ceramic or even gold are used to make them. Your dentist will recommend the best type of crown, depending on the condition of your teeth.

Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

Since its inception in the 1800s, cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever thanks to new researches and inventions. From laser teeth whitening to gum treatments, many modern cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments are practically painless and don’t even require anesthetic. For dental implants and other invasive procedures, advanced lasers are used to make small incisions. In addition, computer-aided technology has introduced 3D modelling of teeth to create customized smiles according to your facial characteristics. If you want a smile like Tom Cruise or Katy Perry, modern cosmetic dentistry can make it possible. It’s often said that a smile is the most beautiful gift you can give the world. It symbolizes happiness, love, affection, contentment and a positive outlook. So, if you have a cracked or broken tooth and don’t feel confident about your smile, contact a cosmetic dentist to find the best solution. Remember, beauty and confidence come from within, but sometimes a little help from the professionals makes sense.