Cosmetic Dentistry: When Healthy Teeth are Not Enough

With the prevalence of modern dental technologies, almost everyone can quickly correct their teeth if they choose to. That’s why the term “dentistry” is no longer limited to just a case of filling and taking out teeth.People turn to cosmetic dentistry or aesthetic dentistry as a way to better improve the appearance of their teeth in the way one might use cosmetic surgery or a new hairstyle to alter the rest of their appearance.

The Best Cosmetic Dentist and Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the overall appearance of the teeth and the enhancement of a person's smile.There are treatments used to straighten, lighten, reshape, and repair teeth. Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, tooth-colored fillings, implants, and tooth whitening.To give you a clearer picture, a cosmetic dentist is a restorative dentist who has extensive experience with the concept of dental design and materials in order to bring out the best possible smile in each person. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Ryoo are affiliated with professional organizations such as the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the OC Dental Society. All provide continuing education and levels of accreditation to certify outstanding achievement in the field of cosmetic dentistry.Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:

Teeth Whitening

Certain foods and habits discolor and stain the teeth beyond what ordinary toothpastes can handle. This includes taking certain medications and smoking.Using a chemical process, your Fullerton dentist can whiten your teeth in one of two ways:

1. Your dentist can do an in-office procedure, or

2. Provide you with a system to use at homeKeep in mind that teeth whitening is not permanent and the teeth can become stained again if you continue to expose them to the same substances that originally stained them.

It is also important to note that whitening products are not meant to clean teeth so it is important to continue practicing a good oral hygiene to maintain your pearly whites.

Bonding

Bonding is effective for those who have gaps in their teeth or if they are chipped, broken, stained, or cracked.Your dentists will use bonding materials to fill in the small cavities and protect the exposed root of a tooth. Bonding procedures can usually be done in a single office visit. Your dentist can immediately perform the bonding procedure by applying an etching solution followed by tooth-colored materials (sometimes, resins).

Veneers

These custom shells, which anchor over an existing tooth, are typically made of porcelain (sometimes plastic) to cover the front of the teeth to change their color and shape. Veneers are a superior treatment because unlike bonding, veneers offer a more natural look and are more a more permanent solution. Veneers are perfect for teeth that:

Are poorly shaped

Are slightly crooked

Are permanently stained

Have spaces between them

Have become chipped or worn

Crowns

A dental crown completely covers a tooth to restore its normal shape and appearance. You can use a crown to:

Protect a weak tooth

Cover a dental implant

Hold a dental bridge in place

Restore a broken or worn tooth

Cover a tooth with a large filling

Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth

Cover and protect a tooth that's had a root canal

At Ryoo Dental, we also offer same day CEREC crowns for those looking for faster treatment, and fewer dental visits. 

Enamel Shaping and Contouring

Enamel shaping and contouring involves altering the length, shape, or position of the teeth. This procedure can correct:         

Minor bite problems

Chipped and irregular teeth

Crooked or overlapping teeth

Braces

Braces are worn to apply pressure and reposition the teeth, jaw, and aid in the correction of jaw joint disorders.To place braces, your dentist or orthodontist will bond brackets made of metal, ceramic, or plastic to your teeth and then carefully place wires to guide the teeth into their correct positions. After your braces are attached, your dentist will tighten them over a period of time (depending on your treatment plan) to achieve the desired position of your teeth.

At Ryoo dental, also offer clear braces including Invisalign, clear removable aligner trays to straighten your teeth. Contact our office for more information.

Bridges

Dentists anchor bridges (partial dentures) onto surrounding areas where there are missing teeth. After a bridge has been placed, it is cemented onto the prepared teeth.

The success of a bridge treatment depends upon the strength of your remaining teeth that’s why it is necessary to take care of what’s left for a stronger bond.

Implants

Implants are among the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, but guarantee a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are achieved through surgery where your dentist attaches them directly to the jawbone.Implants have three parts:

1.       Titanium metal, which fuses to the jawbone

2.       An abutment, which fits over the part of the implant that sticks out from the gums

3.       The crown, which a special restorative dentist creates for a natural, tooth-like appearance

You can get an implant to replace a tooth if you’ve experienced bone from a periodontal disease or lost teeth. We offer a wide range of implant dentistry options at our office. Contact us for more information about Fullerton dental implants.

Top Cosmetic Dentists Or Restorative Dentists?

While there is a clear overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the focus is different, as is the level of expertise required.A cosmetic dental procedure goes beyond just restoring an individual's teeth. It creates most ideal outcome based from the patient's definition of beauty. This involves a high level of sophistication that’s only gained through countless years of practice.

You Won’t Find A Cosmetic Dentist Like Dr. Ryoo

If you’re in Fullerton, California and seeking a certified and experienced dentist---then look no further. Ryoo Dental by Dr. Ryoo can bring out your best smile.With memberships from the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the OC Dental Society you can be assured you’re getting the highest level of dental care. Call us at (714) 992-0030 to schedule an appointment today!