Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of
dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Common
cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, dental bonding and
veneers. Braces, clear aligners (Invisalign) and Gum contouring are also supplemental procedures.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Overview
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.
What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?
A general dentist is a primary dental care provider. They offer preventative care, like teeth cleanings, and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental fillings, crowns and bridges. Most dental treatments restore appearance as well as health and function. However, a cosmetic dentist focuses on beautifying your smile. They offer treatments aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and gums.
Who benefits from cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry might be an option if you have:
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
- Small gaps or spaces between your teeth.
- Tooth discoloration and staining.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Misaligned teeth.
Can anyone undergo cosmetic dentistry treatments?
As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can pursue cosmetic dental treatments. But if you have extensive cavities or gum disease, your dentist will want to address those conditions first. Once your smile is healthy again, you can decide which cosmetic treatments you want to explore.
Procedure Details
What are examples of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Common cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring.
Teeth whitening
Over time, dark-colored foods and drinks (like coffee, tea and berries) can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile.
Many dentists offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening takes about one hour to complete. At-home whitening usually takes a couple of weeks.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin. Your dentist uses this material to cover up and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform.
Dental bonding usually needs replacing every five to seven years. It doesn’t require the removal of natural tooth enamel either, which means it’s completely reversible.
Porcelain veneers
Made of medical grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Like dental bonding, veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks and discoloration.
There are many types of veneers, including traditional and minimal prep. All veneers require at least some removal of natural enamel, which means they could be reversible depending on which kind you choose. In most cases, porcelain veneers need replacing every 10 years or so.
Tooth contouring
This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much tooth structure your dentist can remove. Your dentist can complete tooth contouring during a single office visit.
Gum contouring
Some people are born with excess gum tissue. When this happens, it can make your smile appear “gummy” or unbalanced. During gum contouring, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance.
Can restorative dental procedures also offer cosmetic benefits?
The procedures outlined above are strictly cosmetic in nature. But sometimes, restorative dentistry treatments, which repair teeth, can also improve the appearance of your smile. For example, if you repair a cracked tooth with a dental crown, it not only improves the health and function of your smile, but also its appearance.
Similarly, dental braces aim to improve your bite and your overall oral health. But braces also improve the aesthetics of your smile dramatically.
What is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. It allows people to make noticeable improvements to their smile without undergoing invasive treatments.
Risks / Benefits
What are the advantages of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry services can:
- Enhance your smile.
- Brighten dull, stained teeth.
- Improve the shape of your teeth.
- Conceal chips and cracks.
- Bring balance and symmetry to your smile.
- Boost your confidence.
What are the disadvantages of cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry costs aren’t usually covered by insurance. This is because insurance companies don’t consider cosmetic procedures essential or necessary from a health standpoint.
You’ll also need a certain level of commitment to maintain your smile. Some treatments — like porcelain veneers — are irreversible and require replacement every few years.
Recovery and Outlook
What is the recovery time?
It depends on the type of cosmetic procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment. For example, someone who has dental bonding on one tooth can resume normal activities immediately. However, someone who has gum contouring may need to take a day or two off work to recover. Your dentist can tell you what kind of recovery timeline to expect.
When to Call the Doctor
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If chipped, cracked, crooked or discolored teeth make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile, talk to your dentist about options in cosmetic dentistry. There are several different ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist can talk with you about your cosmetic goals and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
In the meantime, you should continue seeing your general dentist for routine care, such as dental check-ups and cleanings. Practice good oral hygiene at home between visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
A note from Dental Essence
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. There are many treatments available, ranging from simple to complex. Talk to your dentist about your specific cosmetic goals so they can design a treatment plan that works for your budget and lifestyle.
Dr. Prachi Bafna
“When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, my goal is to enhance your appearance without compromising your health. Our teeth whitening treatments reduce stains and make you look years younger. But the results are always natural and never ‘too bright’.”
Your First Visit
*Full exam, cleaning, and x-rays
*Time to meet your dentist and ask questions
*Custom treatment plan designed just for you
*Discussion of finances and insurance options
See us once and you’ll become a patient for life. There’s no other dentist in Pune quite like us. At your first appointment, expect to spend about 90 minutes with us for examination & get-to-know-you time with your dentist.
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You may not get as excited as we do about our machines, but you’ll smile when you see how great you look and feel.
dr.bafnaprachi@gmail.com
PHONE NUMBER
9588695155
020-27293429
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ADDRESS
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Baner-Pashan Link Road
Pune-411021