MAIN Health Cosmetic Procedures Cosmetic Dentistry

Types of cosmetic dental enhancements range from teeth whitening and bonding to procedures expensive and complex as full dental implants.

Teeth whitening is by far the simplest procedure, calling for a custom-fit plastic tray filled with whitening gel that fits over the patient's teeth. The treatment which takes a few hours a day over several weeks is the easiest method for achieving a complete smile makeover.

For chipped or broken teeth, several procedures - such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers or dental crowns - can make the surface of a worn or decayed teeth look as good as new. Dental bonding merely calls for a white filling material that is applied to the surrounding tooth to restore its natural appearance, and when chipped or broken can be easily patched. For longer lasting tooth surfaces, more expensive porcelain veneers can be applied in much the same way.

For the most durable of repairs, dental crowns encase the entire tooth in a protective covering above the gum line, although the procedure usually entails trimming away most of the natural tooth to make way for the crown. So unless it becomes necessary to pare away most of the tooth (normally, due to decay) a reputable dentist will not advise dental crowns as a cosmetic procedure.

Dental implants are are top-of-the-line procedure that have the unique benefit of looking and feeling like your own teeth, literally screwed into or permanentaly attached in some other way to the jawbone.

Find out more on the Web at top sites offering news and information, pictures, illustrations and expert tips and advice on cosmetic dentistry....

MedlinePlus - Cosmetic Dentistry - One-stop browsing for links to the subject including bridges, crowns, tooth whitening, dental implants, with related glossaries, directories and organizations.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - A virtual clearinghouse of information on the topic featuring information on how to select a cosmetic dentist, patient literature on teeth whitening, veneers and more in PDF format, multimedia presentations, related photo galleries, database of accredited cosmetic dentists searchable by U.S. state or Canadian province, FAQ, case studies.

Oral Health Topics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Brief overview followed by more detailed info on bridges, braces, crowns, filings, tooth whitening treatments and veneers, from the American Dental Association.

Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Makeovers - An extensive collection of before-and-after photos illustrating typical procedures including teeth whitening, bonding, veneers and crowns.

Dental Implants: Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own - Good fact sheet from the American Academy of Periodontology with information on who makes a good candidate for implants, description of procedures, benefits, post-treatment care, and related links to periodontal disease and treatment.

Tooth Whitening - Brief overview with facts about preparing for the procedure, how it's performed, follow-up care and related risks.

Porcelain Veneers Information & Photos - Details on common benefits, risks and limitations, how the procedure is performed, questions to ask your dentist, typical costs, with links to related articles.

also see in Health -> Dental Braces | Dentistry

also see related Feature -> Cosmetic Dentistry is in Demand

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.