Did you know that when consumed in large volumes over a long period of time, diet soda can cause serious tooth decay? Tooth decay not only causes teeth to become unhealthy, but it also sometimes leads to tooth loss, as well. In fact, about 30% of all people who are 65 and older are missing all of their natural teeth. Fortunately, the best cosmetic dentists are able to help. There are several forms of cosmetic dentistry that can help improve the appearance of your smile, and each one is beneficial in its own way.
1. Dental implants. This type of cosmetic dental surgery is the only way to achieve the appearance of natural teeth, which even teeth dentures cannot do. Dental implants are small, metal devices that are implanted into the jawbone through the gums, and once the jawbone heals, which takes approximately 8-16 weeks, the implants are able to permanently support missing teeth. Since teeth dentures are removable, dental implants are a more permanent way to treat tooth loss.
2. Veneers. This type of cosmetic dentistry is commonly used to cover the imperfections that many teeth develop, such as cracks, chips, and discolorations. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain material, and they are placed directly on the surfaces of teeth. This form of cosmetic dentistry is common to obtain, as 600,000 people had dental veneers in the United States in 2006.
3. Teeth whitening. Cosmetic teeth whitening is typically done using lasers. These teeth bleaching lasers whiten teeth beyond their natural color, and they also allow you to choose the exact shade of white you want your teeth to have, as well. As a result, professional teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten teeth.
Although tooth decay and tooth loss can negatively impact the look of your teeth, there are ways to treat these problems. Dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening lasers, for example, are three common forms of cosmetic dentistry. By determining which one is right for you, you will no longer have to be embarrassed by your smile. More like this article.