Did you know that babies begin developing teeth as early as six weeks after conception? Although enamel, which is found on teeth, is the hardest surface in the body, this substance eventually wears down and leaves the teeth vulnerable to a slew of problems, such as tooth decay and tooth loss. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of teeth when these types of problems occur, and there are several cosmetic dental treatments available.
1. Dental implants. This form of cosmetic dental surgery is used to permanently treat tooth loss, which is important because nearly 10% of adults over the age of 65 are missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium devices that are inserted directly into the jawbone, and once the jawbone heals, which takes 6-12 weeks, the implants are able to support porcelain crowns that look like natural teeth. Since this form of cosmetic dental surgery has a 98% success rate, this is one of the best ways to permanently replace missing teeth.
2. Porcelain veneers. This form of cosmetic dentistry is used to cover a variety of flaws that teeth often suffer from. For example, minor discolorations, cracks, and chips can all be concealed using veneers. Since veneers are made of porcelain and are placed on the surfaces of teeth, they are able to mimic the appearance of healthy teeth.
3. Teeth whitening. More than $1.4 billion is spent on teeth whitening in the United States each year, making this the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. This is because professional teeth whitening is often performed using either bleaching chemicals or lasers, and both options quickly make teeth several shades whiter. As a result, professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to brighten teeth.
When tooth loss and tooth decay strike, fight back with cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening, for example, will all give you a better smile. By finding a dentist and choosing the form of cosmetic dental surgery that is right for you, your teeth will get the aesthetic improvement they deserve. See this link for more.
