Introduction

There are several options available when it comes to improving the look of your teeth and smile. This is called cosmetic dentistry, and it's more focused on the appearance of teeth rather than the health of teeth--- although oral health is taken into consideration. Most of the time these dental procedures are for cosmetic purposes only, but many of them are also necessary for the health and restoration of already damaged teeth. Here are five of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and how they improve both the look and health of teeth.

Whitening of Teeth

This can be done both at home and by a dentist. At-home teeth whitening usually includes the use of products that contain a whitening agent, such as a toothpaste formulated with baking soda. Other home remedies for whitening teeth include hydrogen peroxide and oil pulling. Oil pulling has additional benefits that go beyond whitening teeth, especially when using coconut oil. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help heal your mouth when swishing the oil in your mouth.

Teeth whitening done by a dentist oftentimes yields more desirable results, but this still doesn’t make up for maintaining proper dental hygiene. Even though your teeth are bleached to look whiter, it’s still important to brush your teeth regularly (at least twice a day), floss, and keep up with routine deep cleanings at a dentist’s office.

Composite Bondings and Fillings

Composite resins created to match the natural (or whitened) color of your teeth are used to repair chipped/cracked, broken, and damaged teeth. Teeth can become damaged through accidents, normal wear and tear, and poor dental hygiene resulting in cavities and even tooth decay. Composite bonding is used to repair chipped, cracked, and broken teeth by using the composite to help rebuild the damaged tooth to look like its original shape. Composite fillings are used to fill in cavities that may have formed in the teeth. Both procedures help to protect the affected tooth or teeth from becoming more damaged, which can cause serious health problems.

Veneers

Veneers are a highly popular cosmetic dentistry option because it can cover up a variety of dental issues, such as damaged teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth, and gapped teeth. Veneers are also a permanent solution, in which false teeth made of porcelain are bonded to one’s natural teeth to cover up imperfections. This procedure is probably one of the most expensive cosmetic dental procedures out there, with each veneer costing up to $1,000.

Temporary veneers are becoming more popular, because they look as realistic as traditional veneers, but they don’t require a dentist to be installed and they don’t require your natural teeth to be shaved down before application. Temporary veneers can be removed and put back in the mouth at any time, and they act like a mouth guard, protecting one’s natural teeth. These options for teeth covers are less expensive than the traditional, permanent veneers.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are basically teeth covers as well, but they are usually used when one or a few teeth are damaged or decaying. These crowns are created to resemble natural-looking teeth, and they also help to protect and restructure the damaged tooth. Crowns are also used for teeth recovering from a root canal.

Braces

Braces were once the most common and expensive way to have your teeth straightened, but with advances in technology and many more teeth straightening options, braces are a pretty affordable option. The metal braces are still used in both adolescents and adults, but the clear, plastic types are a lot more common. One type may be more effective at straightening your teeth than another type, so it’s important to check with your dentist to determine the best type. Having straight teeth is beneficial, especially when it comes to maintaining a proper oral care routine.

Before choosing a cosmetic dental procedure, it’s essential that your current dental care routine is effective. Cosmetic dentistry may cover up some issues, but nothing compares to proper dental hygiene.