Cosmetic dental procedures encompass treatments such as bonding, dental veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants and fillings. These cosmetic dental procedures are used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the aesthetics of the mouth. Cosmetic dentists recommend these procedures to be used in conjunction with one another for a complete smile makeover.

• Veneers

Porcelain veneers is one of the most popular dentistry procedures. An ultra-thin, tooth-shaped layer is used to cover chipped, slightly broken or discolored tooth to give it a cosmetic face lift. Veneers may also be used for restorative reasons as they protect teeth from further decay and damage. Dental veneers, if properly applied and cared for, last for many years to come.

• Bonding

Bonding is also used to repair chipped teeth but it is a less expensive cosmetic dental procedure. Usually, bonding is required for almost all dental procedures in cosmetic dentistry, restorative procedures and orthodontics as it helps to hold certain appliances in place including braces, crowns, bridges and implants. Bonding is performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

• Dental Fillings, Crowns and Bridges

Dental fillings are traditionally used for the treatment of cavities and to prevent further decay and periodontal disease. This cosmetic dental procedure is required in full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover to impart a tooth-like appearance to crooked, broken and stained teeth. This cosmetic dental procedure is also sometimes considered in restorative dentistry as it may be required to complement crowns and bridges.

Amalgam fillings are the most common materials used in a dental filling procedure. However, since amalgam fillings are not considered safe for overall oral health, many alternative methods have now been introduced. Crowns and bridges are most commonly used as alternative treatments to dental fillings in addition to dental implants. In extreme cases where there is a risk of further tooth decay and damage, root canal therapy is used.

• Teeth Whitening and Bleaching

Teeth whitening is now commonly employed by dentists to restore the natural color of teeth. Cases in which there is extreme staining due to excessive use of tea, coffee and tobacco products, cosmetic dentists may also prescribe bleaching. Whitening is a harmless cosmetic dental procedure performed to improve a person’s smile and confidence over the appearance of their teeth.

• Dental Implants

Implants are used as a cosmetic dental procedure to replace missing teeth. Usually we lose teeth because of injury, tooth decay, trauma and gum disease. Missing teeth are replaced with artificial ones made of titanium and some other materials. There are alternatives to dental implants such as bridges and dentures but these cosmetic dental treatments only provide temporary solutions.

Cosmetic dental procedures are now widely used by dentists to improve a person’s smile and appearance of teeth. Since most of these cosmetic dental procedures are only employed for aesthetic reasons and may not provide any functional benefit, they are not covered by most dental insurance plans. However, you can check out some of the discount dental plans to see if you can save money on these treatments.

There are a myriad of cosmetic dentistry options you can make use of to help you get the beautiful smile you've always wanted. To find out which is best for you, it's best to consult your doctor in person.