Any type of cosmetic work is designed to help improve the appearance of the teeth (and smile). When you’re talking about cosmetic dentistry, it’s referring to any type of work that can help to artificially improve your smile.
Four of the most common cosmetic dentistry options people choose are:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Implants
We’ll look at each of these in a bit more detail.
Crowns
A crown is a fixed prosthetic device. It is cemented to existing teeth and is only really removable by a dentist. Crowns are most commonly used to cover or cap a damaged tooth. It adds strength and can also improve the appearance, shape, or alignment of the tooth.
Crowns can also be used on implants to help improve the shape and appearance of that tooth, making it more realistic.
Crowns usually come in porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made out of gold, acrylic, or other metal alloys.
Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge can be used to fill in the gaps. A bridge is usually attached to the adjacent teeth and are most commonly used for one or more missing teeth.
Bridges are cemented to your existing, natural teeth or any implants that you may have that surround the empty space. These teeth are called abutments and provide anchors for the bridge.
Veneers
When you have yellowing teeth, chipped teeth, or other potential cosmetic issues, a veneer might be a reasonable option to explore. Veneers are thin layers added over your existing teeth that can make them seem more uniform, help cover yellow and stained teeth, and provide other cosmetic benefits.
Implants
When you are missing a tooth or more, an implant may be the best solution. An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is implanted into the space where the original tooth had been. When properly done, they can appear as though they are naturally part of your teeth.
If you feel that cosmetic dentistry is for you, speak to your dentist about any of these potential options.