Cosmetic dental procedures are primarily focused on improving the appearance of the patient. Some examples of cosmetic dental procedures include a teeth whitening procedure, dental braces, etc.
Let us try to understand how cosmetic dental procedures contribute to good oral health.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are cap-like coverings for the entire surface of the tooth. They are usually applied to the teeth when the teeth have gone through a procedure of either dental implants or a dental filling. A crown covers any visible portion of the dental filling making the teeth appear even. They are also applied to the teeth in cases of injuries affecting the teeth.
Dental crowns are available in many types based on the kind of material used. They could be porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or even metal. The dentist will observe the teeth and will suggest the appropriate type of crown for the teeth.
The whole procedure for crowns includes a thorough cleaning of the tooth from the inside and the removal of any debris of microbial growth. This strengthens the oral health of the patient and makes the teeth strong and more capable, ultimately improving oral health. The procedure will begin with the filling of the particular tooth. Then, moulds will be made according to this tooth and a permanent crown is made according to it. While a permanent crown is being prepared in the lab, the patient is provided with a temporary one in the meantime. As soon as the permanent crown is finished, it is cemented down on the tooth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are usually suggested to a patient in case of tooth loss. Dental implants are screw-like placements, upon which artificial teeth are fixed.
The procedure begins with bone grafting to ensure that enough jar one tissue is present in the mouth for implants. Next, an opening will be made in the jawbone by cutting off excessive gum tissue and drilling a hole that reaches the socket of the tooth. The implant is surgically fitted into this socket. It is then screwed tightly using professional dental tools. This implant is left undisturbed for some time as the jawbone grows around it. An abutment is placed above this implant to link the artificial tooth or crown to the dental implant. Crowns are cap-like coverings that have a structure very similar to natural teeth. It can be placed on top of the implant and can be made to act like a natural tooth.
This placement helps in strengthening the whole set of teeth as the implants fill the space left by the missing teeth and can be used to replace natural teeth that are extremely damaged and have to be extracted from the mouth.
Dental braces
Dental braces help align the teeth into a neat, straight line that is in alignment with the jawbone. There are several types of braces available, like ceramic, lingual, traditional metallic braces, and Invisalign aligners.
Dental braces have a single metallic wire that is made to sit upon the surface of the teeth with the help of brackets or posts to hold it in place. These braces apply gentle pressure on the surface of the teeth, slowly pushing them back toward alignment. Braces make the teeth more even and straight in structure. Therefore, it becomes much easier to clean them.
If the teeth are crooked and misaligned, it is twice as hard to clean them properly as it is very hard to clean in between spaces of the teeth if they are overlapping over each other. Thus, braces help in keeping the teeth clean and hygienic, therefore, providing an added health benefit.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring is a procedure performed on the gum line to make it appear sharp and aligned with the facial structure. It involves cutting excessive gum tissue or addition of extra gum tissue to the gum line tissue. The procedure is performed with the help of specialized laser technology designed for dental procedures. Tools like scalpels are also used. This procedure is also performed to fix a condition known as a gummy smile in which the gum line has uneven growth. The procedure takes place under the effect of local anaesthetic as the procedure involves cutting and grafting of the soft gum tissue which may be painful to patients. Therefore, to reduce the sensation of pain, local anaesthesia is administered.
Receiving a gum contouring procedure ensures that unhealthy gum tissue is removed from the mouth. It reduces the risk of the patient getting gum disease or periodontitis. Also, the removal of excessive gum tissue results in efficient cleaning of the teeth, causing fewer dental problems and diseases.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are dental tools applied to the teeth to cover the gaps made by missing teeth that are either extracted or have fallen off. Two or more teeth can be connected across the gap with the help of dental bridges. They are made of metal and porcelain fused material and cannot be removed from the teeth for cleaning.
The procedure for a dental bridge begins with preparing the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Usually, they are filed down for the placement of the bridge and are measured for creating an accurate sample of the dental bridge. The patient is provided with a temporary set of dental bridges until the permanent one is prepared. Once prepared, the dental bridge is placed near the filed-down teeth, covering the gap made by missing teeth. Dental cement is used to hold the dental bridge in place, dental implant is also used for this purpose.
They are beneficial to oral health as they prevent the deterioration of the jawbone and gum line and prevent periodontal diseases. They also cover up the space made by the missing teeth, therefore preventing the breeding of bacteria in the space as well as the tilting of the adjacent teeth into the space, protecting the dental structure.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dental procedures like the above not only improve the smile and facial appearance, but also confer other benefits like improved oral health.
If you feel you may benefit from improving the look and feel of your teeth, consult your dentist and see if there are any treatments that can help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for.
