cosmetic procedureThe term cosmetic dentistry is slightly misleading. Though cosmetic dental work can make a person feel more confident and improve their external appearance many kinds of cosmetic dental procedures are necessary to eat and live a healthy life. Missing or damaged teeth can be dangerous as well as unsightly. Some dental issues are painful and debilitating, but there are cosmetic dental procedures that can help you live a normal, pain-free life.  Gentle Dental Center believes that receiving cosmetic dental treatment will not only alleviate the pain, but also build your self esteem and confidence as you go about your daily living.

Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used when a person’s teeth have decayed moderately or to the point that they cannot support a filling. Technicians make them in a dental lab out of composite resin material, and dentists attach them to teeth using adhesive dental cement. Inlays and onlays support and strengthen the tooth, restoring its shape halting disintegration.

Composite Bonding
Composite bonding involves repairing damaged, discolored, or decayed teeth with material that matches the tooth enamel color. The process is relatively inexpensive and can also fix teeth with worn-down edges and cracks. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth with a drill and adheres the composite material to the tooth’s surface, “sculpting” it into the shape of the patient’s teeth while curing it, using high-intensity light.

Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are made using medical-grade ceramic and made custom for each patient to restore a person’s teeth to their pristine brilliance. The dentist uses dental adhesive to place veneers on teeth. These veneers look very realistic and are perfect for cosmetic issues like cracked and crooked teeth, chipped and broken enamel and even gaps. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.

Implants
Dentists use implants when a lost tooth needs to be replaced, by inserting titanium screws down past the gums and into the jaw to support a crown. Dental implants look like real teeth and blend in with a person’s natural teeth, and once the screws bond with the jaw bone they are secured in place. It’s important that patient’s take special care with their hygiene early on to remove food or debris.

If you have any questions about cosmetic dental procedures, Gentle Dental Center can help you.  Our team of dental experts are trained to provide you high quality cosmetic dental care with a compassionate, patient-centered approach to dentistry.  Contact us for an appointment at (757) 431-1300.