Are your teeth making you unhappy? If so, you’re probably not smiling as much as you’d like to. Smiling is one of the most important social assets, according to almost all Americans surveyed, so if your teeth are making you unhappy, it may be time to consider cosmetic dental surgery.
What is cosmetic dental surgery? Cosmetic dentistry includes any restorative or cosmetic dental treatments that will replace, restore, or otherwise change the appearance of a patient’s teeth.
Many people don’t know their options when it comes to cosmetic treatments and dental surgeries. Some common types of cosmetic dental work can include:
1. Dental implants: Dental implants and mini dental implants are used to replace some or all of a patient’s missing teeth. Traditional implants consist of a post, abutment or rod, and tooth-like crown; the post is inserted into the empty jaw socket, and the crown screws onto the rod, which sticks out from the gums. Mini dental implants are similar, but they are smaller and do not require as much time to heal. Dental implants provide an alternative to dentures.
2. Porcelain veneers: Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental surgery due to the procedure for their placement. Veneers are generally whiter than regular teeth, and they can also change the shape of a person’s teeth, as well. Because they are a thin layer of dental porcelain that adheres to the front of a tooth, they must be placed carefully. The patient must also have some tooth enamel removed in order for the veneer to bond. Dental implants costs vary depending on type of procedure.
3. Crowns: If you have a chipped tooth, there’s a good chance that you don’t want to show it off when you smile. For this treatment, a dentist or dental surgeon will place a crown on the tooth to cover the damage. Sometimes, this treatment can also be accomplished using a dental filler, like the ones used in composite fillings.
Have questions about dental surgery? Be sure to talk to your cosmetic dentist and leave a comment below. Read more here.
