6 Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures Explained
Mary Logden
Cosmetic dentistry helps many people get a confident smile, and also corrects many dental anomalies. Six of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are:
1. Dental bonding: This is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when a minor tooth roughening is done. Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques.
2. Tooth contouring and reshaping: This quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed. The enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up visit after the first visit.
3. Mouth guards and night guards: These are plastic appliances that offer protection to the mouth during sports and also while sleeping. Mouth guards disperse shock caused by violent contact and thus protect the head and neck. They are prepared using a cast of the teeth. The mouth guards can be stock, mouth-formed, or custom-made. Night guards prevent bruxing between teeth during sleep. They are ideal for people with worn teeth, those who suffer aches in the jaws, and people with teeth that are sensitive to cold.
4. Halitosis or bad breath: The breakdown of food particles by the bacteria present under plaque, in the crevices on the tongue, and between teeth leads to the generation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause bad breath. Periodontal disease is also a cause of halitosis. Dentists determine the amount of VSC being generated by using a halimeter. Treatment usually involves following a prescribed oral hygiene routine that may include the use of irrigators, artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, etc.
5. Tooth whitening: This treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.
6. Crowns and bridges: Teeth that need repair after an accident or excessive decay can be treated by using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper portion of the tooth. A bridge involves placing an alternate tooth that is held in place using two crowns that are bonded on adjacent teeth.
About the author:
Mary Logden recommends that you visit Dr. Andrea Ubhi's site for
more information on cosmetic dentistry.
The latest information and news on Dental Care Advice :
Asheville dentist Dr. Clifford Feingold has been appointed by Buncombe County Superior Court to serve as the conservator of dental records for Dr. Kathryn Philpott-Hill.
Tooth Talk: Children?s dental health ? not quite a myth (Marco Eagle)
This week instead of answering just one question I?m going to answer a few different ones about children?s dental health. One of the most common questions is when should a child have their first dental visit. As a general rule, once your child is between 24-36 months is a good time to begin. I would advise each parent to prepare for their child?s first visit to the dentist by going to the ...
Riemser Arzneimittel acquires Curasan dental product line (Pharmaceutical Bus...
Riemser Arzneimittel, a German pharmaceutical company, has purchased the worldwide specialty dental business of Curasan, including its three leading products, Cerasorb, EpiGuide and Revois.
Australia Dental Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to ...
DUBLIN, Ireland----Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Australia Dental Devices Investment Opportunities, Analysis and Forecasts to 2012" report to their offering.
BIOLASE Launches Software Upgrade For First Generation WaterlaseTM Dental Las...
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTI), the world's leading dental laser company, today announced the global launch of a new software upgrade that includes innovations designed to extend the capabilities and useful life of installed first generation Waterlase? hard and soft tissue dental laser systems.
Curasan sells dental implant business (The News & Observer)
Curasan, a German medical device company with operations in Durham, has sold its dental implant business for $15 million.
State dental foundation to operate booth at fair (The Post-Standard)
The New York State Dental Foundation will have informational booths, exhibits, dental screenings, giveaways, raffles and activities Aug. 26-28 at the state fair. The foundation's Oral Health Booth will be in the Toyota Exhibit Center, just inside Gate 2.
Dental program gives kids something to smile about (Standard-Examiner)
FARMINGTON -- Dental decay is the most common chronic disease among ages 5 to 17, health officials say. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever, according to a Utah Department of Health report.
Punjab launches dental care services programme (New Kerala)
Chandigarh, Aug 18 : In order to ensure oral health hygiene in and to provide on-the-spot diagnostic preventive interceptive and cure at the doorstep, the Punjab government has launched the Dental Health Care Services.
Benco Dental Adds New Sipdisc Product Packs to Promote Patient Oral Health, R...
New products created to support good oral health hygiene, help prevent tooth decay, introduced to dental offices and hygienists. Products from Sipdiscs (www.sipdisc.com) encourage pediatric patients to practice daily brushing, and include Sipdisc drinking straw holders to reduce exposure to acids in soft drinks, prevent tooth decay, erosion and staining.
