Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Mesa

About Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Mesa, CA

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are more important than just for appearances’ sake. It gives an opportunity to rectify problems related to teeth like discoloration, missing or misaligned teeth. Most patients undergo cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles and appearance. Besides enhancing a person’s appearance, cosmetic dentistry also help replace lost or damaged teeth, prevent bone loss, or improve chewing function. Any procedure which is done beyond the regular maintenance or medically necessary operations would probably come under cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic treatments are routines that go beyond the regular maintenance of the teeth. An improved appearance will have positive effects on the mental and physical health of a person. There are a number of cosmetic dental procedures that can dramatically change the way your teeth look.

What are the different types of Cosmetic procedures? 

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening procedures are the most widely opted-in cosmetic dentistry. It is a straightforward, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure in cosmetic dentistry for getting a flawless smile. There are two varieties of teeth whitening choices available: in-office and in-home. The in-office procedure results are more instant –great for weddings, public appearances, or to get a quick dazzling smile. The in-home kits are designed to provide improvement through steady applications at home.

Dental Implants: The implants are made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth. It gives an alternative for people with one or more missing teeth. The dental implant acts as the root of the tooth to hold the artificial teeth like a denture, bridge, or crown. The implants look natural and help restore the functioning of a tooth.

Dental Veneers:Why would veneers be an option for you? Veneers are used to fix small chips or hide a cracked tooth. They are also used in closing gaps, shaping your teeth, and making them appear straighter. A veneer may be an option for you, especially if you do not want a full-faced crown. Veneers can transform the look of your smile into one that is customized to your preference. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for many people because they are versatile, customizable, and require less cutting of a tooth structure than most cosmetic dental procedures. A free consultation is provided to see if you are a candidate, and a mock buildup is done to show you what your veneers and smile could look like.

Dental Crowns:The crowns are caps that cover the whole tooth, which has cracked, chipped, or undergone a root canal treatment. The material used for making crowns is porcelain or acrylic that has been fused to metal. The crowns have to withstand the rigors of chewing and biting.

Teeth Shaping:It is an inexpensive cosmetic procedure to treat a tooth that has chipped, cracked, or misaligned. It is a simple procedure that includes chipping some of the tooth enamel and shaping the tooth. A tooth-colored bonding resin is used to attach and harden the tooth.

Gum Contouring:It is a cosmetic procedure that gives shape to the gums. Gum contouring restores the teeth caused by either exposed or receding gum tissue and gives you the smile that you desire. The procedure involves the dentist cutting away the excessive gum tissue that gives a gummy smile or restores the gum tissue that has receded and exposing your teeth.

Replacing metal fillings with white fillings

If you have a large cavity on your tooth, getting it filled is important as soon as you spot the cavity. This will help prevent worsening of the cavity that may lead to infection or tooth loss. Various types of dental fillings are available; teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), or tooth-colored materials called composite resin fillings.

The most common type of filling that is being used is silver fillings, and they are very durable and last at least 10 to 15 years. They can withstand chewing forces and are usually less expensive than composite fillings. However, many people now prefer replacing their existing amalgam fillings with white composite fillings owing to cosmetic concerns. Silver fillings don’t match the color of natural teeth and have poor aesthetics. Many people feel conscious about their amalgam fillings as they can affect the aesthetics of your smile when you open your mouth to speak or laugh. Hence, many people now opt to change their amalgam fillings to white fillings.

Is it a good idea to replace amalgam fillings with composite fillings?

Dental amalgams are used to fill in large cavities, usually in the back teeth. Here are a few reasons why many people consider replacing amalgam fillings with composite-based fillings.

• Your Filling is Loose
  

If your amalgam filling that was done long back is loose, this can cause bacteria to get inside your teeth and cause an infection. You can opt for getting it replaced with composite fillings. Composite fillings bond to teeth, making them stronger and is less likely to loosen over time. They also reduce tooth sensitivity, unlike amalgam fillings.

• Possible Allergic Reaction
  

If you have sensitivities or allergies, amalgam fillings can sometimes cause an allergic reaction to you because it is a mixture of mercury, silver, and tin. It is therefore advised to replace them with composite-based fillings.

• Aesthetics
  

If you are not happy smiling because of your amalgam fillings, you can consider replacing them with composite fillings that are usually invisible to the naked eye and are not noticeable when you talk or laugh.

However, not every tooth can be turned into a white filling. If it’s a large silver filling, you may need a crown to replace it, so you would need to set up a consultation with our dentist.

Are cosmetic procedures very costly?

The cost of cosmetic procedures depends on the type of treatment one has to undergo. Dental veneers and implants are costlier than teeth whitening. The cost of the treatments also is based on the number of teeth which need repair and restoration.

Call us at (949) 642-1033 or schedule an online appointment to know more about Cosmetic Dentistry.