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Basic Facts About Three Different Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Crowns, Veneers, And Implants

By: Jaryl Armand

Every year, more and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile. Modern dental techniques make it very possible for just about everyone to have a perfect smile. Dentists can magically transform your stained, cracked, or even missing teeth into a perfect smile.

You can bet every actor and celebrity has definitely purchased cosmetic dental work at some point in their career (next time you're watching television, check out any of the show's actors; they will have picture-perfect teeth). While there are many types of procedures currently available, this article will discuss only three procedures: veneers, crowns, and implants.

Veneers are nothing more than thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are permanently cemented to the front of your teeth. In order to install veneers, you will need to schedule at least three separate dentist visits.

During your initial visit, he or she will examine your teeth, your personal goals for a new smile, and your face structure. Based largely on those three pieces of information, he or she will select the type of veneers which will best suit your needs.

The second step isn't' as bad as it seems: your dentist must shave a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. You will then be fitted with a set of temporary veneers to use while the lab creates your permanent set. Once the lab completes and delivers your permanent veneers, you must return to your dentist to get them installed permanently. After your dentist completes your permanent veneer installation, you will walk out of your dentist's office with a brand new smile! How long will your veneers last? Ten to fifteen years if you take care of them.

Implants are used to replace missing teeth. Why are implants so great? They are the most durable, permanent form of dental work available to replace missing teeth. Implant work is successful about 95% of the time. Implants require considerable time for installation and healing; typically anywhere from three months to six months total time. The first step sounds scarier than it is: your dentist will be required to drill a hole into your jaw where your missing tooth is located. This hole is often referred to as a "pilot hole".

Once the pilot hole is properly drilled, your dentist will widen it so it can hold an implant screw. Only after the pilot hole is big enough, your dentist will install your implant screw. Once your implant has been successfully installed, your dentist will put a protective cover on it.

The next step is out of your dentist's control. It is called "osseointegration". Your bone (hopefully) will grow around the implant and anchor it into position. The final step for a successful implant procedure is removal of the cap and installation of a permanent crown in its place. Once the crown is permanently attached to your new implant screw, your implant procedure is finished. A successfully installed implant will last thirty years or more, while veneers and bridges usually last only ten years.

Crowns are commonly referred to as caps. They are a permanent cap shaped like a tooth. They are custom fitted and cemented directly on top of your real tooth. They are made from a variety of materials: resin, metal, porcelain, and ceramic.

Depending on where you required the crown within your mouth, your dentist will decide which type of material would be best suited to use. In order to properly install a crown, your dentist will have to remove (by grinding) a considerable portion of your tooth's enamel. After your tooth has been ground down to look like a round peg, your dentist will proceed to cement your crown into place. Unless you had to use a crown made purely from metal, it will be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. A properly cared for crown will last anywhere from ten to fifteen years.

The above discussed cosmetic procedures are increasing in popularity. Technology is marching forward all the time. And the latest and greatest materials used in cosmetic dentistry are much superior to older compounds. If you would like to have the absolutely best smile you can possibly have, I recommend you visit your local dentist. He can help you decide what is needed to improve your smile.

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