Cosmetic Dentistry

 San Marcos – San Diego CA Cosmetic Dentistry

Traditional dentistry’s main focus is on oral hygiene, diagnosing, treating and preventing oral diseases. On the other hand cosmetic dentistry is meant to improve your smile. Simply put, general, family and restorative dentistry seek to correct dental problems that need treatment, while cosmetic dentistry offers an elective or desired service or treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry can provide restorative benefits too. For example, the most common dental treatment for decayed teeth is dental fillings. Formerly, the majority of dental fillings were made of amalgam, gold and other materials which usually left noticeable dark spots on the teeth. This however has changed due to the development of new technology.

Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

The advancement in technology has produced dental materials that are tooth-colored and natural-looking. These developments have resulted in more durable cosmetic dentistry treatments. The development of laser technologies allow cosmetic dentists to offer in-office cosmetic treatments to their patients. These new dental procedures provide patients with dental options that are more convenient and comfortable including a reduced recovery time.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

There are several cosmetic dentistry treatments which are currently being used:

Inlays / Onlays

These are also called indirect fillings and are made from composite or porcelain materials. Inlays and onlays provide patients with a filling for a decayed tooth. Unlike dental fillings which are molded into the teeth at the dentist office, inlays and onlays are produced in a dental laboratory. After they are made, your dentist will call you in and fit them in place with an adhesive.

Composite Bonding

This procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, chipped, broken or decayed. In this procedure a composite material resembling enamel and dentin is placed on the tooth’s surface or into the cavity. It is then molded into shape and hardened by a high-intensity light. This results in a restoration that matches the adjoining tooth structure, and your natural teeth. You now have a healthy and beautiful smile.

Teeth Whitening

This is probably the most common of all cosmetic dental procedures. Teeth whitening is applied to teeth that are discolored due to poor oral hygiene, food and drink such as tea, coffee or red wine. Teeth whitening is designed to improve your smile.

Dental Veneers

These are porcelain or composite laminates that are glued onto the tooth’s surface so as to repair and correct cracks and chips. When applied, dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored or worn. Dental veneers can be used to correct spaces between teeth, or if your teeth whitening procedure was unsuccessful.

Dental Implants

These are artificial replacements for tooth roots where teeth are missing. Missing teeth can affect the structure of your face causing your face to collapse. Dental implants give you a brighter smile and a more youthful look.

Smile Makeover

The smile makeover treatment consists of a complete assessment of your smile which focuses on improving the general appearance. Normally, this requires one or several cosmetic dentistry techniques such as dental implants, dental veneers, teeth whitening and gingival sculpting. These procedures are necessary for a number of teeth in the lower and upper arches so as to get the look you desire.

Full mouth reconstruction

While discussing a smile makeover with your dentist which is to improve the aesthetics of your smile, the dentist may notice that there’s need to correct problems that affect the functions of your teeth, muscles, bite and bone structure. Materials are available to provide full mouth reconstruction treatments that are not only functional but durable and natural looking for patients who need it.

For people who don’t like their smile, there are many options that cosmetic dentistry offers. If you are unhappy about your smile, do some extensive research and find a reputable cosmetic dentist who will discuss with you the various treatments that are available to enhance your smile. We are also here and ready to help you with all your cosmetic dentistry needs