Unlike other dental specialties designed to preserve and protect oral health, cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. Usually, these procedures are elective, so they are not essential for dental health. However, some can also provide substantial oral health benefits, so it’s worth knowing more about the most common procedures, how they work, and what they could do for your smile and, potentially, your dental health.
An inlay or onlay is a filling made outside of the mouth, known as an indirect filling. Your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay if you have a larger cavity affecting the chewing surface of one of your back teeth. When this is the case, there can be too little tooth structure to support an ordinary filling, leaving the tooth at risk of crumbling when you bite and chew food.
You will need an inlay if the cavity only affects the chewing surface of the tooth and there is no damage to the tooth cusps, the raised points on the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth closest to your cheek and tongue. If the damage to the tooth is more significant, you will need an onlay which will restore the central part of the chewing surface and one or more tooth cusps.
Traditionally, an inlay or onlay was made of gold and was, therefore, quite visible in the mouth. Gold is a good choice for restorations because it is hard-wearing yet gentle on the opposing dentition, so it will not wear down the opposing teeth. However, nowadays, there are modern ceramic materials that are also kind to teeth and very hard-wearing, which can be closely matched to the color of your natural tooth. A porcelain inlay or onlay will provide excellent support, strengthening the tooth while restoring its shape and appearance. It also protects the tooth preventing any further decay and infection. In this case, an inlay or onlay is one cosmetic dental treatment that will help improve the appearance of your smile while protecting your oral health.
Composite bonding can correct several different problems. For example, it can hide stained tooth enamel and create a more aesthetically pleasing tooth shape, perhaps when a tooth is worn down, too small, or not quite the right shape. Cosmetic bonding can close or minimize unsightly gaps between teeth and mend small cracks or chips in tooth enamel. It is also the material used if you have a cavity in a front tooth.
If your dentist recommends composite bonding, they use tooth-colored composite resin to mend or hide the damaged and discolored tooth. This is a direct restoration meaning it can almost certainly be carried out during one dental visit while you sit in the dental chair. First, your dentist will remove any damaged portion of the tooth, including any decay. They may prepare the tooth surface by lightly etching it, creating a stronger bond between the bonding material and the tooth. The composite resin is applied directly to the tooth surface and then sculpted into roughly the right shape before it is cured with a UV light. Lastly, your dentist will finish shaping and polishing the restoration, giving the tooth a pleasingly lifelike and natural appearance.
Composite bonding can subtly improve the appearance of a tooth. Sometimes it is used purely for aesthetic reasons, while other times, it can help to mend a damaged tooth, providing restorative qualities. Composite bonding is a quick and inexpensive cosmetic dentistry procedure that can be very effective.
Porcelain veneers could be the answer if you want a more cosmetically perfect smile. They consist of a thin shell of porcelain, custom-made to fit over a tooth’s front surface, hiding the natural tooth underneath entirely. Porcelain veneers can reduce or close gaps between teeth, hide teeth that are severely stained and can create a more aesthetically pleasing tooth shape. They can be an alternative to orthodontic treatment, for example, if a patient has only one or two teeth out of alignment and doesn’t want to or need braces. Porcelain veneers generally provide purely aesthetic benefits though they can help mend cracked or damaged tooth enamel.
Porcelain veneers are made outside of the mouth, so they are an indirect restoration. Usually, your dentist must remove a small amount of tooth enamel to fit the veneer properly so it won’t look or feel too bulky. This does mean treatment is generally irreversible. However, some dentists provide prepless or prep-free veneers, which are exceptionally thin so that no preparation might be needed, and in theory, treatment is reversible. Porcelain veneers are generally made in a dental lab, or some dental offices have on-site milling machines that can make them while you wait. Once the veneer is ready, your dentist will fit it onto the tooth, and it is bonded permanently in place.
Teeth whitening is extremely popular and is a procedure that provides purely cosmetic benefits. It will not help improve your oral health, although it can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. Teeth whitening removes deep-seated stains caused by lifestyle habits like foods and beverages and smoking and can whiten teeth that have begun to naturally discolor due to age.
Before treatment begins, your dentist will examine your mouth to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong; otherwise, the whitening gels could cause problems with sensitivity and pain. Any issues like tooth decay or gum disease must be treated beforehand to prevent this from occurring and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. They will almost certainly suggest you have your teeth professionally cleaned before teeth whitening, as this removes plaque and tartar buildup and helps enhance the results.
There are two ways your dentist can whiten your teeth. The first is an in-office treatment where your teeth are painted with professional strength whitening gel, and a dental laser may be used to help the gel penetrate teeth more quickly and effectively. Your dentist may remove and reapply the gel several times to achieve the best results. Afterward, your teeth should look visibly brighter by several shades.
The second is to whiten your teeth at home with a professional home whitening kit that includes trays made to custom fit over your teeth and a form of professional strength whitening gel that is safe for home use. This process is slower, as the gel is slightly weaker, so you fill the trays as directed and wear them for several hours or overnight. Over two weeks or so, your teeth will become brighter and whiter. The advantage of this treatment is that you can always reuse the trays when your teeth begin to discolor again, and it can be a more comfortable treatment for anyone with tooth sensitivity.
Dental implants are the ultimate way to replace missing or failing teeth, using a small titanium or zirconium screw inserted surgically into the jawbone, replicating a natural tooth root. The screw bonds with the bone around it, permanently securing the implant in place, so it is strong enough to hold a new restoration. The restoration could be a dental implant crown, or multiple implants can hold a bridge, and both of these solutions are permanently secured in the mouth. Another option is a removable implant denture that clips onto dental implants so it is held securely in place, providing considerable benefits for anyone with loose and uncomfortable dentures.
The process of planning and placing dental implants can take longer compared with other treatments, but it is a long-term solution, so it’s well worth the additional effort and the cost. Before you begin treatment, your implant dentist will need to examine your jaws to ensure your jawbone is strong enough to hold the implant securely, and they will discuss which restoration is most suitable for your needs. The surgical procedure to place dental implants is relatively quick and entirely comfortable, especially when you opt for sedation dentistry.
If you opt for dental implants, you must take care of them properly after treatment finishes. It’s essential to clean around them thoroughly and diligently, as shown by your dental implant dentist. Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are also important to ensure your implants can be cleaned professionally. Dental implants are not tricky to look after; doing so will protect your investment in oral health and your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry offers various procedures to enhance your smile, from teeth whitening to veneers and dental implants. These treatments improve both appearance and confidence. Consult Century Medical & Dental Center to find the best option for your dental needs and achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
SHARE THIS POST Page Updated on Apr 10, 2025 by Dr. Dvorkina (Primary Care Doctor) of Century Medical & Dental CenterCentury Medical and Dental Center is an accredited healthcare facility in NY that operates in accordance with Article 28, a public health law. This law regulates and recognizes accreditation for public healthcare facilities, ensuring they are licensed and operated correctly. By undergoing the Article 28 process and achieving accreditation, Century Medical and Dental Center demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest standards of care.
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