Are you starting to worry more about the appearance of your smile?  You’re not alone. In fact, the cosmetic dentistry industry has already reached $4 billion.

More people are beginning to recognize there are many types of cosmetic dentistry procedures available. You can choose a treatment option based on your distinct needs. Then, you can smile for the camera without hiding the appearance of your teeth.

Not sure which procedure you need? Here are six popular types of cosmetic dentistry to keep in mind.

After reading this guide, you can talk to your cosmetic dentist about the procedure that’s best for you. With their help, you can accomplish your treatment goals for a stunning smile.

Keep reading to discover the best cosmetic dentistry procedures available today!

1. Implants

Do you have a damaged or lost tooth? Talk to your dentist about the different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures available. They might recommend a dental implant.

Dental implants can repair any gaps between your teeth.

This procedure involves inserting a small, titanium screw into your jaw. The screw will help by supporting your dental implant.

Dental implants look almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth. No one will notice you have an implant in place.

You’ll need to wait for support tissue and bone to fuse to your dental implant. Then, your cosmetic dentist will secure the implant into place permanently.

Once your dental implant is in place, talk to your cosmetic dentist about maintaining your implant. For example, they’ll likely stress improving your oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep plaque and bacteria at bay.

Your dental implant will allow you to chew and speak with ease. You’ll no longer have to avoid certain foods!

Meanwhile, you can smile feeling confident in your stunning, improved smile.

2. Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are ideal if you’re suffering from mild to moderate tooth decay. If you have insufficient structure to support a filling, these options could help.

Your cosmetic dentist can place an inlay onto the tooth structure if there’s no damage to the tooth cusps. If there is damage, however, they’ll use an onlay over the entire tooth instead.

3. Dental Veneers

You might want to discuss veneers with a cosmetic dentist if you have:

  • Smaller-than-average teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Chipped teeth

Veneers are tooth-colored shells designed to attach to the front of your natural teeth. They’re often made using porcelain or resin. They will permanently bond to your natural teeth to improve the appearance of your smile.

Your dentist can create your veneers in a lab. Then, you can schedule an appointment to have them placed. Your cosmetic dentist will use high-intensity light to harden the dental cement against your teeth.

You can pair veneers with a tooth whitening treatment to make sure your veneers match the appearance of your natural teeth.

4. Crowns

Talk to your dentist about the types of cosmetic dentistry available for cracked or damaged teeth. For example, your cosmetic dentist might recommend crowns to cap your damaged teeth. They’re often made from ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin.

Some crowns are made from metal or zirconia, too.

When choosing between these materials, your dentist will consider the tooth’s location and natural function. The position of your gum tissue and how much of the tooth appears when you smile can have an impact, too.

Then, they’ll determine the type of crown you need. For example, you might need a temporary crown if you need to wait to receive a longer one.

An onlay or 3/4 crown will only cover a portion of your tooth.

5. Dental Bonding

As you consider the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry available, you might consider dental bonding. Dental bonding is ideal if your teeth are discolored, damaged, or decayed. This treatment will use composite material to match your natural teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will need to drill any decay away first.

Then, they can apply a composite to the surface of your toot. Once they have the right shape, they can use high-intensity light to cure the composite.

6. Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic tooth whitening has become a $3.2 billion global industry. It’s still growing, too! As more people rely on coffee to get through the day, their teeth can become discolored.

Your teeth could start looking dull or yellow. You might start hiding the appearance of your smile as a result.

Other factors can impact the color of your smile. For example, certain medications could impact your teeth. Tea, smoking, and foods that contain dyes can cause discoloration, too.

If you’re worried about the sight of your teeth, talk to your dentist about these popular types of cosmetic dentistry. They might recommend a teeth whitening procedure.

Professional teeth whitening is faster and more effective than at-home kits.

First, your dentist will record the current shade of your teeth. They polish the surface of your teeth using pumice, too. The pumice will remove any plaque from the surface of your teeth.

To keep your teeth dry, your dentist will use gauze to isolate your mouth.

They’ll need retractors to keep your lips, tongue, and cheeks away from the whitening solution, too.

Then, they’ll coat your teeth with the whitening solution. Most solutions use either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent.

Your cosmetic dentist might use a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide. They’ll make sure to reach the optimum shade before rinsing your teeth.

If necessary, you can schedule additional appointments until you reach the desired shade.

Brighter Smiles: 6 Popular Types of Cosmetic Dentistry to Consider

You don’t have to hide the appearance of your smile from those around you anymore! Instead, take a moment to consider these popular types of cosmetic dentistry. Reviewing these options can help you find a procedure based on your distinct needs.

You can improve the appearance of your smile and start grinning with confidence.

Want to discuss your options with a cosmetic dentist in Georgetown, KY? We’re here to help.

Request an appointment today to get started.