Cosmetic Dentistry – Is The Selfie Craze Boosting Dentist Visits?
Every day, people are taking out their phones and snapping selfies they post on social media sites. This new craze may actually be boosting visits to the dentist to have unnecessary cosmetic procedures done. It's true that everyone wants to look their best with the brightest and whitest of teeth and perfect appearance. The fact is, some patients may be wanting procedures they don't really need to make their teeth look their best simply so their selfies are perfect.
What are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, and do you really need one?
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are used to fix teeth with mild to moderate decay. They are also used when there isn't enough tooth structure left to support a filling. Inlays are placed inside the damaged tooth when there is more of the tooth remaining while onlays are used to completely cover the tooth. They help to strengthen the teeth, restore their shape and prevent any further decay.
Composite Bonding Procedure
Composite bonding repairs decayed or damaged teeth using a resin that matches the color of your teeth. The dentist will drill out the decay and apply the composite onto the tooth's surface. The dentist then sculpts the resin into the right shape and cures it using a high-intensity light. It is one of the least expensive procedures and probably one of the most common after teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Procedure
Many people have whitened their teeth at home, but this procedure is a little more comprehensive. It is a basic procedure and one of the most common a dentist will perform. The dentist or hygienist will first clean the teeth of plaque, tartar and debris and then either use bleach to whiten the teeth or a laser.
Implant Procedure
When you have a tooth that is gone, a dental implant is used to replace the missing tooth. The dentist inserts a small, metal screw into the jaw which acts as a support for the crown. They look exactly like the surrounding teeth and the gum and jaw will heal around it making it a permanent fix.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are made from medical-grade ceramic and are created for each person they are applied to. They are used to restore crooked teeth, cracked and damaged teeth and to fill in gaps between teeth. The veneer is applied to the front of each tooth affected using an adhesive, and will match any existing teeth perfectly. A dentist will not make these teeth whiter than your existing teeth, as they will stand out too much. If you wish to have whiter teeth, you could opt for a whitening procedure.