tooth veneers
October 17, 2021

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Any procedure that falls under fixing the way your smile looks falls under the category of cosmetic dentistry. The main motive of cosmetic dentistry is improving the aesthetic of your smile and not necessarily the function.

A dentist who offers cosmetic dentistry services is a cosmetic dentist.

What Are The Five Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Numerous treatments fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. But some of them are far more requested than the rest. The five popular types of cosmetic dentistry procedures are as follows.

Teeth Whitening

A treatment most requested by people in the dental chair and understandably so. Constant consumption of pigmented foods and drinks can stain the teeth over time. Smokers and tobacco chewers are victims of stained teeth. Alternatively, certain medications can also cause your teeth to change color, making them appear unsightly.

Teeth whitening is the simplest cosmetic dentistry procedure and the easiest way of making your smile look appealing. Professional whitening done by a cosmetic dentist delivers much better results than your usual over-the-counter whitening treatments.

Inlays and Onlays

This procedure performed by a cosmetic dentist is alternatively known as an indirect filling. This is manufactured by a laboratory.

Commonly used when a tooth either has minimal decay or insufficient structure to support a direct filling. Inlays are placed onto the tooth surface if the tooth cusps aren’t damaged.

However, if the tooth has a damaged cusp, the cosmetic dentist might opt for an onlay to cover the entire surface of the tooth. Onlays are also used when a notable portion of the tooth is damaged.

Inlays and onlays are usually made of porcelain or ceramic and they strengthen teeth, restore shape, and prevent further damage. They are attached to the surface of the tooth with adhesive dental cement.

Tooth Bonding

Also known as cosmetic bonding, composite bonding, or simply dental bonding, this is also a relatively simple procedure in cosmetic dentistry.

Tooth bonding involves the repair of damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. The use of material that matches the tooth enamel results in a pretty aesthetic finish.

The cosmetic dentist shade matches the material to your tooth and applies it onto the tooth’s surface. After sculpting it into the proper shape, the material is set with the use of a high-intensity light, usually UV light. This “bonds” the composite material onto the tooth, fixing the existing issue.

Tooth bonding effectively conceals any of your teeth’ issues, making them appear healthy. It is the least expensive procedure that a cosmetic dentist offers.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an insanely popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry clinics. Famously known as “Hollywood teeth”, veneers focus on fixing issues with your front teeth – chips, cracks, severe discoloration, shape discrepancies, gaps, etc.

Dental veneers are custom shells with tooth coloring comprising of medical-grade ceramic. These fit over your natural teeth using dental cement. Because they appear exceptionally realistic, they are the go-to solution for issues with a person’s front teeth.

While veneers are a fantastic treatment in cosmetic dentistry, they are often pretty expensive.

Dental Implants

In terms of tooth replacement, nothing is better than a dental implant in cosmetic dentistry. While there are other cheaper options to replace a missing tooth, there are frequent replacements. On the other hand, dental implants are a permanent solution to a missing tooth or teeth.

The reason that a dental implant is permanent is that it is surgically embeds into the jawbone. Here, the implant base fuses with the jaw bone over time, thereby making it a sturdy and dependable platform. The fake tooth (tooth replacement) rests on top of the implant base, completing the treatment.

While dental implants may sound like just the thing you need, they are expensive and have a prescribed set of eligibilities. Which means not everyone can opt for an implant. Your cosmetic dentist at MPLS will be able to help you figure out what replacement option is perfect for you.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix An Overbite?

What Is An Overbite?

An overbite is a dental condition in which the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth. This occurs due to a misalignment between your jaw and teeth. An overbite can be a genetic condition. Alternatively, it can also be caused due to parafunctional habits such as nail-biting, teeth-grinding, and thumb-sucking (as a child).

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix An Overbite?

Cosmetic dentistry can correct an overbite only to a certain degree. Treatments such as veneers can help align your top teeth with your bottom by placing the teeth caps at the proper angle. But veneers can only be a solution to an extent. If the issue of the overbite is due to a skeletal issue, veneers might not be the way to go.

The traditional route to correct an overbite usually involves orthodontics. The dentist can correct minimal overbite using invisible alignment treatment methods. MPLS Dental in Minneapolis offers MTM® clear aligners which could help in overbite issues.

Speak to your cosmetic dentist in Minneapolis Dental to know more.

Apart from veneers, dental implants can also help to correct an overbite. But any solution offered boils down to the type and extent of the overbite that you have.

Cosmetic Dentistry At Minneapolis Dental

At Minneapolis Dental, we understand that a smile is a very important part of a person’s personality. Issues with your smile can be cause for embarrassment and discomfort. But don’t worry – at our offices, we have a variety of services catered to perfecting your smile.

Some of the smile makeover treatments available at Minneapolis Dental are –

  • Porcelain crowns
  • Bridges
  • Veneers
  • Dental bonding
  • Clear aligners
  • Dental implants
  • Teeth whitening

Dr. Lorrie Hodd is our in-house dental expert at MPLS Dental. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Hodd is at the forefront of general and cosmetic dentistry in the region. In short, at Minneapolis Dental, you are in extremely capable hands.

Dr. Hodd’s expertise combined with elite technology at our dental office makes it the perfect space for you and your family. Come say hi to us – call (612) 332-1255 to book an appointment.