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Almost everyone wants a bright, white smile, but many aren’t willing to spend the time and money it takes to get there. It’s easy to tell when someone has been neglecting their teeth because they have stains or yellowing from things such as coffee, cigarettes, or genetics. Several procedures will make your teeth whiter and cleaner without the hassle of going through an orthodontist or removing years’ worth of stains. Most of these procedures take only an hour or two and require little recovery time afterward. Despite how easy and effective they are, cosmetic dental procedures can be pricey, depending on what treatment you choose. Here are ten common cosmetic dental procedures and their benefits:
1) Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to brighten your smile. It takes about an hour or two and is painless if performed by a professional dentist. You can brush or drink immediately after your teeth have been bleached. However, some sensitivity might occur as it heals. With such little inconvenience and such noticeable results, this procedure seems stressful for those who want to lighten up their smile without going through orthodontia or paying more money than necessary.
2) Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers consist of thin pieces of porcelain shaped like half-moons that fit over your front teeth (or on top of your existing veneers). They are usually made at a dental lab and can be applied in one visit. Your dentist will grind away some of the surfaces of your teeth to prepare them for veneers, which may take some time to heal. However, it typically takes about an hour or two for the application process, so you’ll be out of the office fairly quickly.
3) Dental Crowns
Dental crowns cover and protect weakened or damaged teeth (such as those that have large cavities). They’re like caps that fit over your teeth to make them stronger. Crowns can also change the shape and color of your teeth if they aren’t aesthetically pleasing. Like veneers, crowns can be created at a dental lab and attached by your dentist. They require more time and effort than most cosmetic dental procedures, but they’re also very effective.
Further, cosmetic dentists might provide dental crowns lengthening. In this case, dental crown lengthening is a simple procedure used to provide more space between teeth that are crowded or overlapping with one another. For instance, if you seek a dental crown lengthening procedure at Cosmetic Dentistry in Gainesville the dentist will cut away some of the gums around this area to shift any exposed roots underneath them. That prevents future issues like shifting teeth, bone loss, gum disease, and tooth decay.
4) Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to support replacement teeth (or permanent dentures) on your jawbone. They consist of one or more titanium posts that are surgically inserted into your gums and bone tissue underneath your real teeth. The post is then left alone to fuse with the bone for several months until it has fully healed; after that, you can attach replacement teeth or a denture to the implant.
5) Root Canals
Root canals are fairly common dental procedures that eliminate the infection in your tooth’s pulp. The tooth pulp is located at the center of each tooth, where blood vessels and nerves connect with tissues that are responsible for your tooth’s growth and structure. A root canal usually involves an injection of anesthesia, leaving the dentist to remove the pulp from the center of your tooth so it can be thoroughly cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you feel more confident about your smile. Just remember that cosmetic dental procedures require upkeep and commitment to keep them looking good over time. It’s best to plan accordingly by finding an understanding dentist, setting up a payment schedule, and committing to regular appointments.
