Cosmetic dentistry is for the most part any dental procedure that improves the look of the teeth rather than their function. However, in some cases non- cosmetic procedures must be done first, for it to be successful. For instance, if you have a cracked tooth, you may need to have work done on it before you can have a cap or veneer over it to improve the look.
Here are some dental procedures that are classed as cosmetic –
- Teeth whitening – which only improves the look of the teeth, and is not anything to do with their functioning. You can eat just as well with stained teeth as with white ones.
- Composite bonding – which improves the look of uneven teeth, teeth that have gaps or teeth that are smaller than they should be. Note that this procedure doesn’t correct the teeth; it only covers them up so they look better.
- Inlays or onlays which are created in a dental lab to cover an area where a filling has been needed. Traditional dentistry would fill the cavity after treatment, while cosmetic dentistry improves the look of it with an onlay – something over the top that is not totally essential.