Cosmetic Dentistry: Definition and Types

1. Cosmetic Dentistry: Definition and Types It is normal for people to want to look their best physically. Your physical characteristics do not only affect your overall appearance but they likewise greatly influence your personality, self-esteem, and life quality. Knowing the important role physical attributes play in their lives, people nowadays are getting more interested in enhancing their physical appearance- from skin complexion to body figure, from facial beauty to hair, and everything in between. One of the physical attributes that affect your overall appearance is your smile. A smile is the best accessory you can wear that will make you stand out. But how can you be able to smile if you have issues with your teeth? The good news is, you can now bid goodbye to your dental problems and welcome a perfect smile. Thanks to ​cosmetic dentistry in Boston​​for making this possible. But what does cosmetic dentistry mean? And what are the different cosmetic dental procedures that can help you achieve a perfect looking set of teeth? Let’s find out more about these below.

2. What is cosmetic dentistry? In a nutshell, cosmetic dentistry is about improving dental aesthetics. Unlike ​general dentistry in Boston​​which focuses more on the functionality of gums, teeth, and/or bite as well as on addressing oral hygiene/health problems, and oral diseases, cosmetic dentistry focuses more on improving the physical appearance of the teeth, gums, mouth, and smile. It is mainly an elective treatment that aims to enhance the color, shape, size, position, and alignment of the teeth and the oral cavity in general. Different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments Over the past decades, cosmetic dentistry has greatly evolved. The continuous advancement in dental technology has made cosmetic dentistry a multifaceted profession. Today, cosmetic dentistry is not only focused on helping people attain a perfect smile, but it also aims to improve facial aesthetics and dentition. Among the different types of ​cosmetic dentistry treatments​ include but not limited to dental fillings, root canal treatment, veneers, dental implants, bridges, tooth whitening, and dental crowns. Dental Fillings Dental fillings are used to fill cavities. There are different types of dental fillings. Among which are amalgam or silver fillings, glass ionomer materials, porcelain materials, composite fillings, and cast gold fillings. Dental Veneers

3. Dental veneers are custom-made, medical-grade, ultra-thin ceramic, or porcelain laminates that resemble the natural teeth. They are individually made and are bonded directly to the teeth. Unlike dentures, the veneers look exceptionally realistic. Veneers are typically used by a ​Boston cosmetic dentist​​to resolve issues involving cracked teeth, crooked teeth, damaged enamel, gaps between teeth, and other dental cosmetic problems. Dental Implants Dental Implants in Boston is a treatment that is used to replace the missing natural roots of teeth. This artificial root is made from small screw-like titanium metal. The replacement artificial tooth is attached to the implant. The artificial root or implant is then inserted into the jaw bone to secure the artificial tooth in place. Dental Crowns Dental crowns, also commonly referred to as caps, are used to restore the appearance, shape, and/or function of a damaged tooth. These hollow, artificial teeth also protect the problematic tooth from further getting damaged. Composite Bonding Composite bonding is used to repair damaged, discolored, and/or decayed teeth. It uses a dental composite material that has the same color as the tooth enamel color. This enamel-like material is applied to the surface of the teeth and then sculpted into the right tooth shape. The composite bonding will then be cured using a high-intensity light before it is hardened and polished.