Everyone has their insecurities, and with the rise of cosmetic surgery on mainstream media channels, it is hard to resist the temptation to fix the problems. Dental problems are something we will all face at least once in our lifetimes, but for many of us, our smiles are the biggest insecurity to have. Perhaps your teeth are misshapen or discoloured, or you have cracked teeth as a result of an injury that has been waiting to be fixed. Cosmetic dental surgery might just be the thing that restores your confidence and your ability to love smiling.
Cosmetic dental surgery can be an alien subject for people who have never thought about getting dental procedures up until now. Perhaps there is a procedure out there that is the solution to all your problems, but you are yet to discover it. In this article, we will give you the low-down as to which are the most popular cosmetic dental procedures at present and how the technology is changing, and tips to help you conclude as to whether it is for you.
What Is Cosmetic Dental Surgery?
Cosmetic dentistry is a common practice within the world of aesthetics and dentistry that provides its patients and clients with their desired smiles. The objectives of cosmetic dental surgery are to improve the overall health and appearance of your mouth and gums, and different offered procedures are carried out for the various desired outcomes.
Some of these procedures must have irreversible consequences, and if you also choose an inexperienced dentist it can result in a permanent tooth, gum, and nerve damage in your mouth.
Types Of Dental Work
There are many different cosmetic dental procedures that you can choose from, so here are the most common ones that people are getting done:
Teeth Whitening
One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures that are being carried out at present is teeth whitening, which essentially aims to remove the appearance of discoloration and stains on your teeth. If the main concern of your teeth is the colour and potential stains on them, teeth whitening may be the best option for you.
Today there are many whiting kits that you can simply do from home, however, they often are not long-lasting and require higher maintenance. Getting your teeth whitened professionally is always the best opinion if you are looking for effective teeth whitening that can give you a low-maintenance Hollywood smile.
Braces
If your teeth are slightly wonky, or you are missing a tooth that has caused the displacement of your teeth as they have grown, braces might be the best option for you. As an adult, it can be hard to imagine yourself with braces, especially when they are commonly worn by teenagers. There are much more developed and modern versions of braces today which means you do not have to have a mouth filled with metal.
There are now forms of invisible braces such as Invisalign, lingual braces, and also cleared coloured braces which all essentially make the appearance of braces discrete. They all require the same level of maintenance as normal braces, and their effectiveness can take up to 2 years depending on the condition of your teeth. If you have minor problems it might even take a few short months to get the desired appearance for your teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a highly sought-after cosmetic dental procedure, aiming to replace any missing gaps within your mouth to achieve the appearance of full, straight-looking teeth. They replace the missing gap with an artificially made tooth which is inserted into your jawbone, and then the crown is attached on top. Some people opt for a dental bridge if they have a row of missing teeth and it works out less costly than having a few individual dental implants.
Dental implants are a great solution, however, they do require maintenance as they can last 10-15 years if looked after. This product can be costly, and it is important to weigh out the positives and negatives before considering dental implants.
Veneers
Veneers are essential covers for your existing teeth to achieve the desired straight tooth, Hollywood smile effect. They aim to look as natural as possible to match your set of teeth, however you may have come across individuals who have paid for cheap sets of veneers that look extremely fake and uncomfortable. Veneers have gained a bad reputation due to poorly done procedures carried out by cheap cosmetic dentists, but there are amazing and natural results to be achieved from dental veneers if done correctly.
You have the options between porcelain veneers and also composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are known to be longest lasting as well as better for natural-looking teeth. A full set of veneers is the quickest way to get a makeover, however, there are still irreversible factors that need to be considered such as the removal of your natural enamel. Often part of your enamel must be shaved down to fit the caps on, which therefore means if you wish to remove them in the future you will have less enamel to protect your teeth.
Things To Consider
Why Are You Getting Them?
Before you jump into any costly decisions, you should, first of all, take into account why you think it’s necessary to have this done. If you have had dental problems for years and it has affected your confidence and ability to openly smile, perhaps cosmetic dental surgery is for you. If you have been influenced through social media that you have to be perfect and meet the standards of society, you should refrain from jumping into such irreversible surgeries. Technology is changing healthcare and how we manage our health, but you should avoid being convinced to put your health at risk for the benefit of your aesthetics.
Find The Best Dentist
Choosing an experienced cosmetic dental clinic is key if you want to have a successful procedure. Try to refrain from falling for cheap entry prices for dental practices that are just trying to get new clients in. Make sure you know your chosen dental surgeon has a lot of experience behind them, and ensure you have seen evidence of the results they can achieve for their clients. Reputable cosmetic dental practices should show client feedback and before and after results.
Make Sure You Can Cover Costs
If you are ready to start your cosmetic dental journey, you need to gather the prices and costs of various practices. Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best, especially for procedures such as these. The cost can be dependent on some factors:
- Which procedure you choose
- How many visits it will take to complete and sign you off
- Their authority and reputation
- How niche they are
- How many competitors are in the same location
Gather as many quotes as you can from your desired practices, and weigh up their additional benefits or perhaps what they can not offer you.
