Talking to Your Dentist About Cosmetic Dentistry Options [A Guide]

cosmetic dentistry Brea, CA

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental care that aims to enhance the appearance of the teeth, mouth and smile. While certain treatments under cosmetic dentistry are more superficial, undergoing cosmetic procedures can improve the functionality of the oral cavity. This article focuses on options available under cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry options

Treatments under cosmetic dentistry can be simple or complex. When patients go in for their initial consultation, the dentist will typically mention options such as:

Teeth whitening

This is one of the simplest cosmetic dentistry treatments and can be completed in the dentist’s office. Before proceeding with the teeth whitening, the dentist will remove plaque, tartar and other dirt from the teeth’s surface. It is also possible to bleach the teeth to a shade lighter than their original color.

Years of drinking, eating, taking medications and engaging in lifestyle habits such as smoking can stain the teeth. The doctor may offer in-office or at-home whitening kits to help make the teeth several shades whiter.

Inlays and onlays

Also called indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are fabricated by the dental laboratory and used when the tooth suffers mild to moderate decay and has lost substantial tooth structure. If the tooth cannot support a filling and there is no damage to the tooth cusps, the dentist will place an inlay on the tooth’s surface. However, if the cusp or a significant part of the tooth is affected, the dentist will use an onlay to cover the tooth’s surface completely.

Inlays and onlays are created from a composite resin material and bonded to the teeth using adhesive dental cement. They help strengthen the teeth, improve their shape and halt the progression of decay or damage.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding involves repairing damaged, decayed or discolored teeth with tooth-colored material. The dentist will get rid of any decay, apply the composite material and carve it into the proper shape before hardening it with a high-intensity light. Dentists use bonding to cover structural damages to a tooth (cavities, worn edges, cracks or chips) and improve its appearance.

Dental veneers

Veneers are often fabricated from medical-grade ceramic and designed to look like the natural teeth. Dentists place veneers on the front of the tooth to solve many cosmetic defects, including cracked teeth, crooked teeth or damaged enamel. It is preferred because it has a highly realistic appearance.

Implants

Dental implants are the replacement for lost teeth. The dentist will place a small titanium post inside the jaw to replace the root of the missing tooth, which will support a crown. Once osseointegration (the process where the bone fuses with the implant) is complete, the dental restoration will look like natural teeth. Dental implants also last longer than other methods of tooth restoration.

Final note

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, it is important that you consult a professional cosmetic dentist who offers the treatment you need. During your consultation, the dentist will evaluate your oral cavity and make expert suggestions on how you can transform the appearance of your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistbreaca.com or call Masterpiece Smiles, Nada Traboulsi, DDS at (714) 529-4477 for an appointment in our Brea office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Effective Botox Can Be For TMJ

Botox® has become a very effective treatment option for TMJ. Patients with TMJ can suffer from pain and discomfort in their jawbone. We all have a muscle in our jawbone that acts as a hinge. When this hinge begins dysfunctioning, you will have difficulty chewing, and even the simple act of yawning can severely hurt. Your…

Ask An Implant Dentist: What's The Difference Between Natural Teeth And Implants?

If you are looking to get an implant restoration from an implant dentist, one of the questions you might have is how the option differs from your natural teeth. Dental implants have been touted as the most reliable and natural-looking option available for replacing missing teeth. The restoration comes with an artificial tooth root that…

A General Dentist Shares The Benefits Of A Dental Implant To Replace A Missing Tooth

A general dentist might recommend a dental implant if you have lost a tooth. This is the only tooth replacement option that stops the bone tissue loss that takes place when teeth fall out. This loss is the result of the structures that once held the lost tooth in place no longer getting the stimulation…

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments For Stained Teeth

Cosmetic Dentistry aims to address issues that take away from the appearance of your teeth. Stains are one of the common things that people complain about when it comes to the appearance of their teeth. Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, they will eventually pick up some discoloration.Teeth are regularly exposed…

Recent Posts

How Effective Botox Can Be For TMJ

How Effective Botox Can Be For TMJ

Botox® has become a very effective treatment option for TMJ. Patients with TMJ can suffer from pain and discomfort in their jawbone. We all have a muscle in our jawbone that acts as a hinge. When this hinge begins dysfunctioning, you will have difficulty chewing, and even the simple act of yawning can severely hurt. Your…

Ask An Implant Dentist: What&#    ;s The Difference Between Natural Teeth And Implants?

Ask An Implant Dentist: What's The Difference Between Natural Teeth And Implants?

If you are looking to get an implant restoration from an implant dentist, one of the questions you might have is how the option differs from your natural teeth. Dental implants have been touted as the most reliable and natural-looking option available for replacing missing teeth. The restoration comes with an artificial tooth root that…

We Are Located Inside The Ultimate Smile Dental Building