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Cosmetic dentistry arises from a basic human craving for having a pleasing appearance. Everyone of us has the desire of being beautiful, just to be acceptable to the rest of society. The smile is the central feature of our physical appearance as it is one of the most prominent aspects of our face. A crooked tooth, a missing or spaced tooth line or a gummy smile can ruin the smile of even the most beautiful person. Cosmetic dental care attempts to redress some of these little accidents of nature. Cosmetic dentistry is a set of procedures, each of which addresses particular problems. The pros and cons of the most important cosmetic dental care procedures are discussed below.

1. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening or bleaching is done to remove stains or darkening of the enamel that arises as a result of alcohol, cigarette consumption or even normal consumption of food. Methods include use of gel whiteners based on oxidizing agents (e.g. carbamide peroxide). The advantage is that it is a quite effective and cheap method in removing stains. It can be performed by the dentist or at home. There are, however, risks associated with teeth whitening, they include chemical burns of unprotected tissues and sensitive teeth and over-bleaching (over-white teeth). Moreover, intensive treatments often have a rebound effect, losing their whitishness rapidly.

2. Dental Implants

Dental implants are fittings of titanium which screwed onto the jawbone to serve as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of false teeth. They frequently used to replace missing teeth. The advantage of implants is that they provide a stable and permanent solution to missing teeth (as opposed dentures and removable bridges). Implants are better-looking and feel better and will last a lifetime. The disadvantage is certainly the great cost associated with this procedure. Since it involves surgery, it would take thousands of dollars for a good result.

3. Dental Bonding

Bonding is the filling of teeth with a composite resin. It is a solution for decayed teeth as well as for closing up small gaps between the teeth. Crooked teeth can also be corrected through this measure. Composite resin filling is often better than traditional silver filling, as the latter necessitate the entire removal of the tooth structure, even though it may be healthy. With composites only the decayed area need to be removed. Moreover, the composite filling expands in the same way as the natural tooth as therefore is unlikely to cause any cracks. However, composite costs much more (around $300-600 per tooth) and the process is much longer.

4. Dental Bridges

A bridge is a cosmetic dentist’s word for a false tooth. Normally, it involves placing two porcelain crowns on adjacent teeth and filling this empty middle area with a false tooth. The advantage of a dental bridge is that it is natural in appearance and is placed within two visits to the dentist. It also has a long lifespan (over ten years with a good oral hygiene). However, there are certain drawbacks such as over-sensitiveness of the teeth to extreme temperatures after the intervention. Moreover, the bridge would not last a long time in case of bad oral hygiene. It is also not a cheap procedure. Costs can range between$250 to $550 for each attaching wing and $ 600 to $1200 per false tooth.

5. Tooth Contouring and Reshaping

This is a short procedure used in cosmetic dentistry to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth and cracked teeth. The advantage of contouring is that it can be completed withion a short period, usually one session. It is quick, painless and inexpensive. However, if too much enamel is removed, there is a risk of tooth breakage and decay.

6. Dentures

Dentures are what most people know as “false teeth”, the removable replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are normally custom-fitted, that is, they are made for one person. Dentures have the advantage of being long-lasting (over ten years with good care). They are a cheap way to resolve the issue of missing teeth. However, it requires some getting used to. Irritation and mouth sores can arise in the first few days. Moreover, they may need replacement not because they are damaged or worn out but simply because the mouth has changed over time. The chewing efficiency with a denture is far less than with natural teeth. In full dentures, the upper palate is covered so that there may be loss of taste.