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Different Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Added: (Thu Jul 02 2009)
From dental fillings to gum lifts, there is no end to the wonders that cosmetic dentistry can bring. It seems very difficult to imagine that not more than two generations ago, the only options that people have when it comes to correcting tooth problems are tooth extraction and dentures. For several decades, tooth decay was treated with only two alternatives. Dentists either extract the damaged tooth altogether or just wait for it to fall off and then simply replace the missing tooth with dentures.
Fortunately, several years after, los angeles cosmetic dentistry has given way to numerous options aside from extraction and dentures. Nowadays, depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, the patient can choose from or undergo several procedures to correct the problem. Here are some of those procedures that a los angeles cosmetic dentist may offer:
Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface. It is used to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. They are popular for their cosmetic use of resurfacing teeth such as making them appear straighter and more aesthetically pleasing. There are two types of veneers, porcelain and composite.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is also known as a fixed partial denture. los angeles cosmetic dentists use dental bridges to replace missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth. There are many materials used for bridges like gold or porcelain. A dental bridge will be placed on the location of the missing tooth and will be connected by a crown.
Dental Bonds
Dental bonds are clay-like materials applied to the teeth and then hardened using a special kind of intense light. These are often used to fix crooked or broken teeth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement. These are used as alternatives to traditional denture. Since the teeth will be planted directly into the bones, the teeth will be more comfortable to wear and would look more natural too. However, these cost more than other dental restorative materials.
Teeth Whitening or Bleaching
Although this procedure can be done at home, it’s still one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Aside from eliminating tooth stains and discolorations, it also whitens teeth such that the color is consistent.