Ways to Improve Your Smile

Your teeth can be discolored or misshapen, either from birth, through time or due to some form of damage. Cosmetic dental surgery involves a number of methods which can assist in repairing these issues. These procedures can by performed by qualified dentists in Tampa and other major cities.

Teeth whitening

If you have discolored or stained teeth, teeth whitening is a procedure that can restore you teeth to their original brightness. The procedure can be carried out in a number of ways:

Bleaching: Bleaching can be done either by a dentist in Tampa or by yourself at home. Basically, it involves a moldable tray which is bitten onto by the patient so that it fits perfectly to their own teeth. A whitening solution is put into the tray, which is then placed into the patient’s mouth and kept there for two to three hours. The results can be seen in one to two weeks.
Laser whitening: this procedure can only be carried out in a Tampa dental office. For this, a bleaching gel is put onto the teeth. A laser light is then shone over the teeth, which activates crystals in the gel so they can be absorbed by the teeth enamel. The results with this technique are instantaneous.
Whitening strips: this is another procedure which can be carried out at home. The strips are placed over the teeth and left there for 30 to 60 minutes per day. Some are designed to disintegrate in the mouth. It can take up to a week to see results.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are used both for discoloration and to redesign misshapen or damaged teeth. Similar to a crown, a porcelain veneer is a piece of porcelain or plastic which has been shaped specifically for a tooth. This is stuck over the front of the tooth. Benefits of this procedure are that no anesthetic is required and, unlike with crowns, there is no need to remove much of the actual tooth before placing it on. Veneers available include:

Composite: this involves putting a bonding agent and enamel onto the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain: a piece of porcelain is specifically shaped before being stuck onto the tooth.
Lumineer: these are veneers made from cerinate porcelain and are extremely thin. Hardly any tooth needs to be removed before fitting them.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are for people who are missing teeth. The only requirement is that there is still enough bone remaining for the implant to stay fitted. However, it is possible for bone to be grafted on. Implants can also replace partial dentures and dental bridges. The procedure involves surgical dentistry, which is available in Tampa and other major cities. There are three main types of implants available:

Root form implant: this is formed to have the same shape as a tooth root. It can only be carried out if the patient’s jawbone is wide enough.
Plate form implant: if the jawbone is narrower, this form of implant is used instead because it has a flatter and narrower shape.
Subperiosteal implant: this is used if there is insufficient bone remaining. For this procedure, an impression of the jawbone is required beforehand by prior surgery or via a CAT scan, so that a custom made implant can be created.

These are the main dental cosmetic procedures available. Although different, they all share the common aim of improving your smile and boosting self esteem.

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