Is a Cosmetic Dental Procedure Worth It
As one of the most experienced cosmetic dental clinics in Encinitas, we take pride in our ability to create glowing, beautiful smiles for all of our patients. The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to create a lasting, positive change to your oral health. Smiling is a major part of life, and everyone deserves to feel confident during their happiest moments.
While this form of dentistry focuses on aesthetic appeal, it often also provides far-reaching health benefits for your teeth and gums. This is especially true if your cosmetic procedures include restorative elements like dental caps or veneers.
If you’ve never had a perfect smile in your life, you may quickly find yourself wondering, “Is cosmetic dentistry actually worth it?” The rest of this article will answer that, all while covering some of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry in Encinitas.
When is Cosmetic Dentistry Appropriate?
Cosmetic dentistry is appropriate for anyone who is looking to improve their smile. When it comes to cosmetic improvements, it is really up to you to decide whether or not you want to begin these procedures.
However, your smile does play a major physical and emotional role in your life. Sometimes, small cosmetic adjustments are all that’s needed to give you the smile of your dreams. Other times, you may require multiple procedures to arrive at a level of total confidence.
Your smile plays a pivotal social role, as well, as it is often one of the first things people notice when they meet you. If you have missing or damaged teeth, our dental office in Encinitas will be able to provide you with a peace of mind you’ve likely never experienced before through cosmetic dentistry.
If you feel that you could benefit physically, socially, or emotionally from cosmetic dentistry, Encinitas has some wonderful options. You should absolutely request a consultation with a cosmetic dentist near you.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry naturally collides with restorative practices. After all, restorative methods work two-fold by strengthening, whitening, or replacing damaged teeth.
When you need a cosmetic dentist, Encinitas is a great place to start. An experienced dentist near you will be able to provide you with a cosmetic plan during your initial consultation.
Here are the most common types of cosmetic dental procedures performed:
- Cosmetic teeth whitening
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dental veneers
- Teeth reshaping and bonding
Let’s explore each option a bit further.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic teeth whitening procedures brighten your teeth while removing any discoloration or stains you may currently have. This is sometimes also referred to as “teeth bleaching.”
To remove deep stains in your teeth, a dentist will apply a mixture of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, depending on your level of sensitivity. These bleaching mixtures work by instilling whitening compounds deep into your tooth enamel, which then destroys the discoloration.
Not everyone’s teeth are capable of withstanding whitening procedures, though. Speak with your dentist to find a teeth whitening process that works for you, especially if you suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps designed to cover damaged teeth and prevent further wear. Dental crowns come in a variety of materials. Some of the most common crown materials include:
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Porcelainfusedtometal
- Zirconia
Porcelain is the most common kind of dental cap, popular for its aesthetics. In most cases, dental crowns can be made to look exactly like the rest of your teeth.
We typically recommend dental crowns to strengthen weakened teeth, cover implants, or even replace a large filling. Sometimes dental crowns are even used to help correct a misaligned bite. Treating any of the above-listed conditions has the added benefit of achieving a more beautiful smile by creating a more fortified tooth and gum structure.
Dental Implants
If you have any missing teeth, you know how discomforting it can be to crack an incomplete smile. Dental implants may help you. They are similar to regular teeth but have a screw acting as an artificial tooth root.
This screw — also called an abutment — then bonds with your natural jawbone. That abutment provides a strong base for a crown. Modern dental implants like these have been utilized for cosmetic corrections for over 30 years.
However, dental implants aren’t solely cosmetic. In many instances, a dental implant can also help improve speech and chewing. They can even help you to avoid bone loss by providing proper stimulation to your jaw bone. Without that stimulation, gradual deterioration of the bone may occur.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are basically thin shells made from a composite or porcelain material. The main difference between dental veneers and dental crowns is that a veneer only covers the front of a tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth.
Veneers are useful for treating conditions like chipped teeth or crooked teeth. In extreme cases, they can be used to cover discolored teeth. Sometimes, veneers can even be used to cover gaps between teeth.
Cosmetic Teeth Reshaping and Bonding
Teeth reshaping is a highly cost-effective cosmetic treatment capable of restoring cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. It is sometimes also referred to as dental contouring. This process is commonly used in conjunction with tooth bonding.
Tooth bonding involves the application of a composite resin to one or more damaged teeth. Once that bonding has been applied, your dentist will then shape the tooth while it is still malleable. Ultraviolet light is used to harden the bonding. Lastly, your dentist will utilize tools like a drill or laser to gently begin removing excess material if further reshaping is needed.
How Do I Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist in Encinitas?
Finding the right cosmetic dental clinic in Encinitas for your needs can quickly feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Dr. Claudia B. Cortadi at Ablantis Dental has over 30 years of experience in providing beautiful, flawless smiles for her patients. She is the best dentist 92024 has to offer!
In fact, Ablantis Dental is proud to be one of the leading providers of cosmetic dentistry in all of Encinitas. If you are ready to finally achieve the smile of your dreams, consider contacting us today for an in-depth consultation.
