The main goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance teeth' aesthetics and oral health. This procedure gives you a better smile if your teeth are damaged, stained, cracked, asymmetrical, or have gaps between them. It helps to enhance your look, confidence, and facial posture.

The global cosmetic dentistry market was valued at USD 18.79 billion in 2018. According to a private analysis, it is expected to reach USD 32.73 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 7.2%.

If you’d like to enhance your smile, a well-qualified cosmetic dentist is the right person to approach.

Eligibility
Adults over 18 years old can undergo cosmetic procedures, and there are no upper age limits as long as you are in good health

General Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry—What Are the Differences?

General dentistry targets preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases. Some general dentistry procedures include root canals, tooth extractions, and filling cavities. The general dentist focuses on oral hygiene and dental problems.

Cosmetic dentistry concerns the general aesthetics of teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile, whereas general dental procedures keep your teeth healthy, and free from germs attack.

Six Incredible Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Products You'll Wish You Discovered Sooner

There are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available. Your dentist can recommend a procedure that will improve your smile. Here is a list of common aesthetic dental operations and why they may be needed.

Teeth Whitening

This method helps to lighten the shade of the teeth, regardless of the reasons for their discoloration.

It is the most common dental treatment, also known as ‘teeth bleaching.’ It is a risk-free procedure performed at home or in a dentist's office. The home whitening treatment can take up to two weeks, whereas in-office whitening takes just around an hour.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are shells that cosmetic dentists use to fix the appearance of the teeth. It is an ultra-thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material. 

They are also called porcelain veneers and are custom-made and fixed to the front side of the teeth to treat the following dental conditions: 

• Cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Chipped teeth
• To alter the shape, length, or size of the teeth.

Dental Bonding

To enhance your smile, dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin. It is sometimes called composite bonding or tooth bonding. This procedure involves covering up decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth. The procedure duration is about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

They are completely reversible. You'll need touch-ups every 3 to 10 years.

Nowadays, this procedure is the most common. A lot of people today have this procedure done at the dentist.

Dental Crown

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped 'caps' that are placed over your teeth. These caps are needed when a tooth is worn down, misshaped, decayed, or has large gaps.

The crowns keep a weak tooth from breaking or hold a cracked tooth together. They are made of acrylic or porcelain and are bonded to metal to withstand biting pressure.

Generally, crowns are advised after a root canal treatment because the tooth will be more delicate and needs protection. With good care, a dental crown lasts for 15 years. However, they can endure up to 25-30 years when properly cared for.

Inlays and on lays
Most likely, you are aware of the use of crowns and fillings to treat dental decay and cavities.

But there may be times when a filling is insufficient, and a crown is too much to prevent tooth decay. At that point, inlays and on lays are advised. When the material is glued inside the center of a tooth, the filling is named as an "inlay." When it extends to one or more of the teeth's points or covers the biting surface, it is named as an "on lay."

Inlays are custom-made to fit the chewing surface of a tooth that has been affected by infection or injury. On lays are performed to repair decay and damage to a tooth's cusps and biting surface.

They are also known as ‘indirect fillings.’ It repairs decayed or broken teeth with gold, porcelain, or composite materials.

Their durability is around 10 to 30 years. They do not last a lifetime, and they can eventually need to be changed, much like many other dental restorations. However, they are extremely durable and long-lasting.

Dental Implants
Implants are prosthetic teeth inserted into the patient's jaw to replace missing teeth. Nevertheless, not everyone will benefit from them. Implant surgery can only be performed if the patient's bones are in good shape.

Conclusion

There is something unique about every person's face, including their smiles. Perfect teeth add brightness to the look and attract people while you smile.

While there may be nothing functionally wrong with your teeth, there is nothing wrong with visiting a cosmetic dentist for the aesthetic wellness of your pearly whites. 

Share your smile with the world! Visit us at Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro or book your appointment with us today!