What is cosmetic dentistry?

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin, custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. This procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface before bonding the shell to the front of the tooth. Veneers can change the color, shape, size or length of the teeth and are often referred to as “Hollywood teeth” due to their celebrity status. This procedure can cost up to $1,300 per tooth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a process where a tooth-colored resin is applied to a tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light. This bonds the material to the tooth and can repair decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. It is also a good cosmetic alternative to, or replacement for, amalgam or silver fillings. Bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and $100 to $400, per tooth.

Dental crown

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically made from porcelain, ceramic or metal materials.

Inlays and Onlays

An inlay filling is when a material is used to fill the center of a tooth, and an onlay is when the filling covers one or more points of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are used to preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible and are an alternative to crowns. This procedure usually costs around $650 to $1,200 per tooth.

Dental implants

Dental implants are metal posts that are inserted into the bone socket of a missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. This provides a foundation for a replacement tooth. This procedure can cost from $1,250 to $3,000.

References

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2. Bichacho, N. (2014). Esthetic protocols in contemporary implant dentistry. Quintessence Publishing Company.

3. Chan, M. F. (2013). Esthetic dentistry and ceramic restorations. Springer.

4. Chiche, G. J., & Pinault, A. (2015). Esthetics of anterior fixed prosthodontics. Quintessence Publishing Company.

5. Margeas, R., & Cho, G. C. (2019). Tooth preparation techniques for anterior teeth. Dental Clinics of North America, 63(2), 267-283.

6. Magne, P., & Belser, U. C. (2015). Bonded porcelain restorations in the anterior dentition: a biomimetic approach. Quintessence Publishing Company.

7. McLaren, E. A., & Culp, L. (2018). Smile design principles and procedures: A guide for clinicians. Quintessence Publishing Company.

8. Sarver, D. M. (2015). Esthetic orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Elsevier.

9. Spear, F. M. (2019). Treatment planning in restorative dentistry: a comprehensive guide to diagnosis and treatment. Quintessence Publishing Company.

10. Terry, D. A., Geller, W., & Tric O’Meally, E. (2018). Aesthetic and restorative dentistry: material selection and technique. John Wiley & Sons.