Cosmetic dentistry procedures are a great way to cover up for dental flaws that mar our smiles. Much talked about for its ‘smile makeover’ techniques, it includes a range of dental procedures that correct visual irregularities to bring about aesthetically appealing results. But one often wonders which procedures are covered under the domain of cosmetic dentistry. Here’s a list of common dental procedures that cosmetic dentist west Hollywood clinics undertake:

Common Dental Issues Addressed Through Cosmetic Dentistry

The field of cosmetic dentistry includes a wide spectrum of procedures. Depending on the dental issue and the specific needs of the patient, one may consider a treatment for the following concerns:

Crooked Teeth

Unlike straight teeth that fall in line naturally, crooked teeth are not perfectly aligned. This can be due to genetics, thumb sucking during childhood years, or an early tooth loss. It affects the appearance of the smile and also triggers bite issues. Teeth can be moderately or severely misaligned. Cosmetic dentistry offers treatment options such as Invisalign, veneers, and braces to correct crooked teeth. 

Discolored Teeth

Naturally white teeth and a radiant smile may really improve your looks. But discoloration and staining can result from age, smoking, and poor oral care as well. That's why among the most sought-after procedures at Los Angeles' cosmetic dentistry offices are teeth whitening West Hollywood treatments. Apart from professional whitening, you have choices to enhance the color and general appearance of your teeth, like dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Gummy Smile

The perfect smile is the one that shows only the right proportion of gums. Gummy smiles are marked by an overexposure of the upper gums when a person smiles. The best cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles offers treatment options like gum reshaping, veneers, and crown lengthening techniques to reduce the appearance of gum tissue when smiling.

Cracked Teeth

Teeth grinding, severe tooth decay, and biting or chewing on hard foods can reduce the strength of the teeth. Such teeth are prone to cracks and dental fractures leading to severe pain, tooth sensitivity, and swelling around the affected tooth. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can repair the cracked tooth. The options include veneers, crowns, and dental bonding.

Dental Fillings

Tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene leads to cavities. If these are left untreated, the size of the cavity increases and may eventually lead to tooth loss. Dental fillings are the best way to fill up these pits and secure the structural integrity of the tooth. Cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles clinics use advanced tooth-colored materials for dental fillings. As they match the color of the tooth, they provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance while restoring the tooth’s function and strength.

Dental Gaps

Not everybody’s teeth have a symmetrical positioning. While overcrowding or crooked teeth is a problem for some, others experience excessive spacing between teeth. Dental gaps, or diastema, are thus a cosmetic concern for many people. Cosmetic dentistry procedures like bonding and porcelain veneers can effectively close these gaps. With treatment options available for a single tooth or the entire arch, it helps restructure the shape and size of the teeth for symmetrical and visually appealing results. 

Missing Teeth

Tooth decay, dental trauma, and natural aging are several reasons that can cause the tooth to fall out. Restoring the missing tooth is important to avoid functional issues and aesthetic concerns. Procedures like dental implants, bridges, and dentures are commonly used to address concerns of missing teeth. From a single tooth replacement to restoring several missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry procedures offer effective solutions to enhance both the appearance of the smile and the upkeep of dental functionality.

Chipped Teeth

Biting down on hard foods or using teeth as tools may often cause a slight portion of the tooth to chip off. Chipped teeth are primarily a cosmetic concern and hardly affect dental functions. Thankfully, cosmetic dental procedures offer quick solutions to fix the flaw. Dental veneer wherein a thin shell of porcelain is crafted in the shape and size of the patient’s tooth. The customized covering is then pasted on the front surface of the tooth. Likewise, in dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth. While these options work best for chipping of the front teeth, for chipped molars the cosmetic dentist would recommend a dental crown. These treatments not only help make up for the imperfections but also prevent further damage. 

Final Thoughts

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that primarily aims to address the aesthetic flaws in the dental structure. While most cosmetic dentistry procedures are purely elective, they offer the added benefit of improved dental functionality. Furthermore, cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental implants are restorative and thereby prevent any further damage to the natural teeth structure. 

 Most cosmetic dentistry procedures confer improved looks for several years. While patients can prolong treatment outcomes by taking proper care of their new dental appliances, the primary onus of the success of the treatment largely depends on the skill and competence of the healthcare provider. Cosmetic dentistry clinics like the Personal Dental Office are at the forefront when it comes to offering specialized and quality services in this domain. Book an appointment to discuss your dental concerns.