Dental care is essential for the upkeep of the health of the teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups are important measures to keep them in perfect condition. But even well-kept teeth may not always look beautiful. Concerns like discoloration of teeth, chipped and crooked teeth, or a gummy smile can take away the sheen. Thankfully, Los Angeles cosmetic dentist clinics can alleviate the issues to near perfection. Let’s understand all about cosmetic dentistry and delve deeper into its procedures and how they can help you:

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field of dental services wherein the key focus is to enhance the overall appearance of the teeth. The scope of cosmetic dentistry extends from simple teeth whitening to more comprehensive restorative procedures like dental implants. Unlike general dentistry which only helps settle functional constraints raised by tooth decay, the purview of cosmetic dentistry procedures is to address aesthetic issues and wherever possible improve dental functions.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Depending upon the type of dental concern, cosmetic dentistry procedures can be categorized under different heads. These include:

Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry – These procedures purely focus on correcting the aesthetic flaws of the teeth and smile. 

Restorative Cosmetic Dentistry – These procedures aim at rebuilding and recreating teeth to restore their function while also enhancing their appearance. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Details

Different people have different dental concerns along with unique dental goals. A Los Angeles cosmetic dentist clinic discusses each at length to offer a customized solution. The available treatment plans include:

Teeth Whitening

The color of the teeth is an important criterion of a beautiful smile. Dull, stained, discolored teeth with dental plaque are visually unappealing. Professional teeth whitening procedures like bleaching help clear off all kinds of stains that tarnish the surface of the teeth. 

Dental Reshaping

For people who are not happy with the shape and size of their teeth, the best cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles will recommend dental reshaping and contouring. Procedures like shaving off a portion of the enamel to fill up resin are carried out to create an even-looking appearance of the teeth.   

Dental Veneers

If there are hard-to-remove stains or if the shape and size irregularities cannot be handled through minor interventions, the dentist may consider masking the deformities to create a symmetrical appearance. This is done with the help of dental veneers, thin sheets of porcelain, or composite resin that are placed along the front surface of the teeth. Patients have a choice between fixed and removable veneers to meet their particular needs. 

Tooth Bonding

The front teeth are the most conspicuous. If issues like chipping discoloration, large spaces, and misalignment are evident in the front teeth, dental bonding is the widely advocated treatment by the top-rated cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles clinics. The procedure involves pasting a resin material to the teeth’s surface. Once set, it is cut and polished to mimic the shape and texture of the natural teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are artificially created exact look-alikes of the natural teeth. Made from materials like porcelain and ceramic, a dental crown resembles a cap that is fixed atop a severely damaged and decayed tooth. Placing the dental crown is a restorative procedure that increases the functional value of the damaged tooth and covers up the unappealing sight with a tailor-made cap. 

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used in people who have several damaged and missing teeth. This is a more elaborate restorative procedure that requires multiple sittings and extends over several months. The procedure involves extracting severely damaged and rotten teeth. The gaps left behind are filled up by using abutments to anchor a custom-made plate that holds the artificial teeth. A dental bridge can be removable or fixed and replicates the comprehensive functions of natural teeth. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the apex of all cosmetic dentistry procedures. The invasive procedure involves fixing a metal root into the jawbone. It takes several months for the root post to fuse with the bone. Once done, a custom-made prosthetic tooth is attached to the root. Jawbone health and stability along with the number of missing teeth are the two key aspects taken into consideration while deciding upon the type of dental implants. If the underlying bone is weak and fragile, the dentist may consider bone grafting to ensure proper bone strength. 

Final Thoughts

Money spent on cosmetic dentistry is an investment that will lead to a lifetime of health and happiness. While cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the overall visual appeal and is touted as a perfect smile makeover, its intriguing procedures also bring along a range of functional merits for the overall well-being of the teeth. 

If you are experiencing issues with your teeth and still contemplating whether cosmetic dentistry is the best for you, visit a cosmetic dentistry clinic in Los Angeles to understand the various benefits in store. Personal Dental Office is one of the leading dental clinics in Los Angeles that offers the best services in the cosmetic dentistry domain. Book an appointment with expert cosmetic surgeons to know which particular procedure can help you realize your dream smile along with perfect dental functioning.