Most people know that their teeth are an important part of their appearance. They may not think about it everyday, but when they do, they usually have a list of things in mind to improve the look and health of their smile.  Luckily, cosmetic dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on improving both the function and appearance of one’s smile. There are a variety of cosmetic treatments available, however there are certain treatments that are more popular than others. In this blog, we will explore the top 5 most popular cosmetic dental treatments, as well as what makes them the most popular.

Composite Fillings

composite fillings

The first treatment on our list is composite fillings. Composite fillings are resin based materials that are used to fill in cavities. They are made to mimic the color of your teeth, so they are hard to distinguish from natural tooth structure. Because of this, they are sometimes referred to as ‘white fillings’ or ‘clear fillings’. Composite fillings are typically used to repair chips or cavities that have not yet reached the pulp. They work well for filling small to medium cavities, however larger cavities may require a stronger restoration.

To place a composite filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed material from your tooth. They will then fill the hole with dental composite, making sure to harden the composite one layer at a time. Most fillings take about 1-3 layers. The final layer will be shaped and polished so that it blends seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.

Composite Fillings are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they blend in with natural tooth structure and provide strength and durability. This is why many people choose to get composite fillings to restore small to medium areas of decay and damage.

Crowns

The second treatment on our list is crowns. A dental crown is a dental restoration that fits over your entire tooth in order to restore its size, shape, and function. They are also used to protect and strengthen the tooth after root canal therapy or when there is not enough tooth structure left to restore with a filling. Crowns also improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, cracked, or misshapen.

To place a crown, the dentist will first remove any decay from your tooth. They will then take an impression of your tooth in order to create a custom crown. The crown will be made out of porcelain or ceramic and will be color matched to the surrounding tooth structure. Crowns can be fabricated in your dentist’s office or at a dental laboratory. Those fabricated in the office can be completed in about 1-2 hours, while those fabricated in a dental lab typically take about two weeks to complete. Once the crown is ready, your dentist will bond it in place and make sure that it fits well and comfortably.

Crowns are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they restore your tooth’s function and appearance. Crowns can be used to restore a cracked or discolored tooth, as well as one that has been weakened after root canal therapy. They also provide strength and durability to a previously weak tooth.

Dental Implants

The third treatment on our list is dental implants. A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the tooth’s root and acts as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants are an excellent option if you want a tooth replacement option that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Dental implants can replace one tooth or multiple missing teeth in your smile. This is because dental implants can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of missing teeth in need of replacement.

To place a dental implant, the dentist will first remove any decayed or severely damaged teeth. They will then place a custom implant into the empty tooth socket within the jawbone. In some cases, bone graft material may also be placed to encourage new bone growth necessary to support the implant. As the implant heals, it will fuse with the surrounding jawbone and become strong enough to anchor a dental prosthetic.

Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they look natural and restore the function and appearance of missing teeth. Furthermore, dental implants help to preserve jawbone mass.

Teeth Whitening

before and after teeth whitening

The fourth treatment on our list is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a procedure that can be used to lighten the color of your teeth by up to eight shades. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because it is a relatively simple procedure and can provide dramatic results.

Teeth whitening can be performed in your dentist’s office or at home. Your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays that will be worn during the treatment process. The tray is filled with whitening gel and placed in your mouth for a designated amount of time. After the whitening is complete, your mouth will be rinsed. At-home teeth whitening kits are similar, however they have a weaker concentration of the whitener. This means that it will take longer to get results.

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure because it is simple, fast, and affordable. It can also provide dramatic results.

Veneers

The fifth and final treatment on our list is veneers. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front side of your teeth. They cover your entire visible surface in order to create an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Veneers can be used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic problems, such as unevenly sized teeth, discoloration, broken teeth, oddly shaped teeth, or improperly spaced teeth. Furthermore, veneers provide protection for sensitive teeth.

Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they are fast, affordable, and long-lasting. They can also correct a wide variety of cosmetic problems with a single treatment.

In conclusion, the five most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments are composite fillings, crowns, dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers. Composite fillings are used to restore decayed or damaged teeth. Crowns improve the function and appearance of a cracked or discolored tooth as well as one that has been weakened after root canal therapy. Dental implants replace a missing tooth’s root with a titanium screw and anchor a replacement teeth with dental prosthesis. Teeth whitening is a procedure that can be used to lighten the color of your teeth by up to eight shades. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth and cover your entire visible surface in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. All five of these cosmetic dentistry treatments are popular for different reasons. If you are considering any of these treatments, be sure to consult with your dentist to see which one is right for you. Thanks for reading!