A beautiful smile is a critical part of our personality and is the first thing a person will notice about you. Although oral hygiene practices can help maintain this smile, some dental problems are inevitable. With the improvement in technology and the desire to have a perfect smile, many people have turned to cosmetic dental procedures.

Cosmetic dentistry covers various procedures that help restore chipped, misshapen, discolored, and missing teeth. Unlike general dentistry procedures that are necessary for treatment, cosmetic dental procedures are meant to enhance your smile and appearance. Additionally, these procedures can help to improve your oral health.]

In the last decade, cosmetic dentistry has become the most sought-after dental service. Although procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and crowns can help improve your smile and restore teeth function, your choice of a dentist could make a difference in the outcome of the procedures. We offer top-notch and reliable cosmetic dental services to all our clients in Fullerton, CA, at Tayani Dental Group.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the easiest and most common cosmetic dentistry procedure. Whitening agents are available on all budgets and can be done at home or in the doctor’s office. Most people who opt for tooth whitening will see a significant change in the shade of their teeth. Dental bleaching differs from teeth whitening in that bleaching changes the shade of your teeth beyond their natural color. Whitening, on the other hand, restores the original shade of your tooth enamel.

Most people start with sparkling white teeth. However, color changes due to our lifestyle and the things we consume. Some common causes of tooth discoloration include the following:

  • Age. Our tooth enamel darkens due to the natural wear and tear of age. In the teenage years, tooth discoloration can be corrected through professional cleaning and normal oral hygiene.
  • Translucency and thinness. It may appear duller when your tooth enamel is thin due to genetic reasons or age. Unfortunately, teeth transparency cannot be corrected through whitening.
  • Eating habits. Habitual coffee, tea, red wine, and color consumption can cause considerable teeth staining over the years.
  • Smoking. Brown deposits from nicotine soak into the tooth structure, slowly causing discoloration.
  • Chemicals and medications. Regular use of tetracycline during teeth formation could cause dark gray stains that are difficult to remove and may require whitening or bleaching.

Teeth whitening is a cheap way to achieve the desired tooth color. However, like other procedures, the following setbacks are associated with the procedure:

  • Tooth sensitivity. The use of high concentrations of the breach can interfere with the structure of the tooth enamel, causing sensitivity to pressure and temperature.
  • Gum irritation. Over half of the individuals who use peroxide for teeth whitening may experience gum irritation for some days following the procedure.
  • Technicolor. When you whiten your teeth, dental restorations like crowns and implants maintain their original color while the natural teeth are whitened. This can cause an unpleasant outlook.

Dental Veneers

Porcelain or dental veneers are custom-made shells that fit the front part of your tooth surface for a desired outlook. Cosmetic dentists use high-quality materials like porcelain and tooth-colored composite to create these restorations. Fitting with porcelain veneers is a cosmetic procedure that helps camouflage:

  • Extensive gaps between teeth.
  • Broken or chipped teeth.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Stains that don’t respond to whitening agents.

Veneers can only restore your smile if you are free from tooth decay and cavities. Otherwise, you may need to repair the damage before considering the procedure. The main difference between porcelain veneers and crowns is that a crown covers the entire tooth, and a veneer is meant to cover the front visible part.

Depending on your desired outlook and budget, dental veneers can be made of composite or porcelain. Often, porcelain is more aesthetically appealing but more expensive compared to composite. In your first dental visit for veneers, your dentist will assess the health and structure of your teeth. A small part of your enamel is removed, and impressions of the teeth are taken.

Depending on your chosen material, your veneers are made in a laboratory using tooth impressions. Your dentist can place temporary veneers to protect your teeth before restorations. When your restorations are complete, the dentist will fit them into your teeth, and you can return to normal activity.

Veneers enhance your smile dramatically since they blend well with your natural teeth. However, you must lose part of your tooth enamel which makes the procedure irreversible.

Dental Bonding

Teeth bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored material to enhance your smile. The procedure uses composite resin to change the shape or color of your tooth enamel. Dental bonding can do the following:

  • Conceal tooth discoloration.
  • Repair cracks and chips on the teeth.
  • Lengthen your tooth enamel.
  • Close the gaps between teeth.
  • Change the shape of your teeth.

The composite material used for cosmetic bonding can be used for the replacement of old fillings on cavities and the protection of tooth roots exposed by gum recession.

Dental Bonding Procedure

Before tooth bonding, your dentist will ask about your cosmetic goals. An X-ray is then taken to determine the health of your gums and teeth. You may not be a good candidate for the procedure if you have severe gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health problems. The following steps are used in dental bonding:

  • Shade selection. The dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite material that matches your teeth' color.
  • Tooth preparation. Your tooth surface is roughened, and your dentist applies a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material stick to the enamel.
  • Composite application. With a putty-like consistency, the composite resin is applied and smoothened to the desired shape.
  • Cure the composite. The composite resin is hardened using a special light.
  • Tooth polishing. When the material hardens on the tooth, the dentist will make the necessary adjustments to give the tooth a natural and shiny look.

Since the procedure does not interfere with the tooth structure or go anywhere near your tooth root, you will not experience pain or sensitivity throughout the procedure. Cosmetic dental bonding offers a variety of benefits, including the following:

  • Minimally invasive. Unlike crowns or veneers, which mandate an alteration of the tooth, dental bonding will not require enamel removal.
  • Convenient and fast. You may need to make at least two dental visits for other cosmetic procedures. However, dental bonding is completed within one visit when you do not have underlying oral health issues.
  • Cost effective. After tooth whitening, dental bonding is the least expensive cosmetic procedure.

Even with all the benefits of dental bonding, you must understand that the composite resin material has low resistance to stains. Therefore, you must practice good oral hygiene and make your dental visits to maintain a bright smile.

Dental Crowns

A crown is placed on damaged teeth to restore their outlook and function. Mostly, crowns will help solve [robles that are too severe for a dental filling. Over the years, your teeth could be damaged by decay, injuries, or natural wear, causing them to lose their size and shape. The dental crown is cemented onto the visible part of the tooth. You may need dental crowns for the following reasons:

  • Protect weak teeth from breaking or cracking.
  • Restore a worn-down.
  • Hold a dental bridge.
  • Cove dental implants.
  • Cover teeth treated with a root canal.
  • Cover discolored or misshapen teeth.

A dental crown may be made of any of the following materials depending on your desired outlook:

  • Metal. Several metals like palladium, gold, and nickel can be used to make dental crowns. A metal crown will rarely chip or break due to its ability to withstand chewing and biting forces. However, the metallic color is not appealing.
  • Porcelain or ceramic crowns. Dental crowns made from porcelain or ceramic offer the best natural outlook compared to other crowns. If you desire a natural-looking smile or are allergic to metal, ceramic, or porcelain, crowns may be the best fit.
  • All-resin. A dental crown made from resin is less expensive than other crown types. However, the resin is less resistant to biting and chewing force. Over time, all-resin crowns could wear down.
  • Porcelain fused to metal. A crown made of porcelain fused to a metal can match your teeth' shade. The metal makes the crown more durable. However, the metal under the porcelain could produce a visible dark line on the tooth.

Placement of dental crowns takes at least two dental visits. During the first visit, your dentist may request an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone. If your tooth is damaged, you may need a root canal before the placement of the tooth cap. The doctor will then file down the tooth to create room for the crown. The level of tooth reduction needed will vary depending on the type of crown.

After tooth preparation, impressions of the tooth are sent to the laboratory for custom-made crowns. At this point, your tooth is fitted with a temporary crown for protection. On the second visit, your permanent crown is placed and attached to the tooth. If necessary, your dentist may numb your tooth before securing the crown.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a cosmetic surgical procedure that replaces the tooth root with a metal post and replaces the missing tooth with an artificial one. Placement of dental implants is an invasive procedure necessary when you:

  • Have multiple missing teeth.
  • Have a jawbone that has reached full growth.
  • Have healthy oral tissues.
  • Want to improve the appearance of your smile.
  • Don’t have oral health conditions that could affect bone healing.

The planning process for dental implants involves various specialists including a prosthodontist, periodontist, doctor, and cosmetic dentist. Before placement of the implants, you must undergo

  • A comprehensive dental examination,
  • Review of your medical history,
  • Formulation of a treatment plan.

Placement of dental implants involves multiple dental visits with healing time between these sessions. You may need a bone graft before fitting the dental implants if you have a weak jaw bone. After a dental implant surgery, your dentist will give you instructions on caring for the implants to ensure they serve you longer. Some of the benefits you could accrue from dental implants include the following:

  • The implants look and function like natural teeth.
  • The dental implants could last a lifetime.
  • Placement of dental implants helps prevent further bone loss.
  • Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants helps restore the shape of your face and avoid sagging.

With the many cosmetic and restorative benefits offered by dental implants, you must consult a skilled dentist. This helps avoid potential complications like infection or failed implants.

Enamel Reshaping

Tooth reshaping involves the adjustment of the shape or size of your tooth enamel to improve your smile and boost the appearance of the teeth. Reshaping is a painless and quick procedure where the tooth can be shortened or lengthened to achieve the desired look. If you have minor tooth imperfections that wouldn’t justify extensive procedures like crowns, reshaping may be the best option.

You will only e b a candidate for enamel reshaping if you have healthy teeth and gums. After tooth reshaping, there is no healing time. You can resume your everyday lifestyle. For most individuals, enamel reshaping takes one dental visit. If your enamel is weak from the doctor’s assessment, the dentist will recommend a different cosmetic procedure to restore your smile.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Any dental treatment which helps improve the look of your smile, mouth, and teeth are considered cosmetic. However, a perfect smile is not the only thing you will benefit from undergoing cosmetic procedures. Other benefits of cosmetic dentistry include:

  • Enhancing your Appearance.

Whether you have crooked, misshapen, chipped, or discolored teeth, cosmetic procedures can help you achieve the desired outlook by correcting these problems. Regardless of your chosen technique, the outcome will be an improved smile.

  • Optimizes Your Oral Health

Severely crooked or chipped teeth are a cosmetic problem and can affect your oral health. Like tooth decay, crooked and cracked teeth give rise to other oral health problems, such as jaw pain and periodontal disease. You can look for your overall dental health by correcting these problems with a cosmetic dental procedure.

  • Boost Self-Confidence

When you have discolored or chipped teeth, you may be reluctant to smile and can always be self-conscious. This could affect your personal and professional interactions.

  • Long-Lasting Effects

Cosmetic dentistry could impact your smile for a long time. Some cosmetic procedures like dental implants will serve you longer than a decade. Taking this step will save you from constant and regular treatments. If you seek to improve your smile and save money, you should consult with a cosmetic dentist.

  • Shorter Recovery Time

Unlike other dental treatments, cosmetic procedures take a short time to heal. You can return to your routine immediately or a few days after undergoing procedures like tooth whitening and porcelain veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cosmetic Dentistry

When you think about cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening comes to many people's minds. However, there is more to this than whitening your teeth. If your dentist recommends a cosmetic dental procedure to correct your dental issues. Frequently asked questions on cosmetic dentistry include the following:

  • Why would I need cosmetic dentistry?

You may need cosmetic dentistry for many reasons, including tooth discoloration, tooth chipping, and crooked teeth. When one or multiple of these dental issues affect your tooth outlook and function, it may be time to consider a cosmetic dental procedure.

  • How long does dental treatment for braces take?

Dental braces are one of the most common cosmetic procedures used for adults and teenagers to correct crooked teeth. The time you need to wear the braces before noticing a result depends on the type of device used, and the amount of movement needed.

  • Are there special care tips for cosmetic dental procedures?

Although cosmetic dentistry restores a pearly white and healthy smile, you must practice good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and at least two dental visits each year. Failure to care for your veneers, crowns, or implants could cause them to wear off easily. This means that you will incur an additional repair cost to maintain the desired smile.

Find a Skilled Fullerton Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of general dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. This contributes to a white pearly smile which can boost your self-esteem significantly. Common cosmetic dental procedures that could help you correct your teeth' shape, size, and appearance include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and implants. Often, cosmetic dental procedures are more expensive than other dental procedures, and insurance providers are reluctant to cover the cost.

Therefore, there is an increased need for the success of these procedures. The outcome of your cosmetic dental procedures will affect your appearance and your overall oral health. Seeking the services of a competent and knowledgeable cosmetic dentist will guarantee the desired outcome. If you or your loved one seeks cosmetic dental services in Fullerton, CA, you will need the expert services we offer at Tayani Dental Group. Contact us at 949-741-0795 today.